Monday, March 30, 2015

Zion National Park, Utah



Last week we camped in Kanab, Utah and visited Zion National Park, which excited one of our grandsons quite a bit.  He too is named Zion, and he and the park are rightly associated because they both are truly SPECTACULAR!




Zion is on the snowman's left.  This is his family; his mom and our daughter, Kayla, his dad. Daniel and his other Grandma, MoMo.  Zion's older brother, Gene, his sister, Jubilee and younger brother, Brave all helped make the snowman.



Jerry fished the Colorado River, while we were in Kanab.

We drove to Bryce Canyon and hiked the Queen's Garden Trail which was the most challenging for me (edgy drop-offs) but also the most rewarding views!






Yesterday our son, Kody, asked me, "How are you and Dad going to handle hiking the neighborhood when you get home?"  I don't know, but we are sure looking forward to finding out! 













Friday, March 20, 2015

Camp Verde

     
Just before we left Tucson I captured this picture at the zoo and I really like it.

Our last hike in Tucson; Seven Falls in Sabino Canyon, a grand Grand Finale!

We arrived in Camp Verde on March 11th, and on a tip from my brother, we visited Jerome the next day.  Jerome is built on the side of a mountain and an old ghost town teeters above it, where we watched a steam-powered sawmill preserved from the 1930's.

Oak Creek, like Jerome, is just a short drive from Camp Verde.  We hiked the West Fork Trail in Oak Creek Canyon...majestic!


During our week at Camp Verde we visited Sedona several times.  It is beautiful just to be there, but hiking the Bell Rock Pathway and Courthouse Butte trails was even more so!

Two parting shots. This is our church in Tucson; The Rincon Valley Cowboy Church.  I never got a picture of the actual service, but this is the ramada that held all the white folding chairs.  The pastor wore a cowboy hat and boots, and sang in the bluegrass gospel band that led the worship.  The service was held at 6pm on Saturday night and the setting sun turned the mountains pink, a stirring sight to see.

Another amazing picture from the zoo in Tucson; this nest was made by a beautiful little yellow bird appropriately named, Weaver,   I'm still amazed at the creativity of God when I look at it!

















Tuesday, March 17, 2015

Answered Prayers

Before we left on this trip I hadn't blogged in a long time.  Since this journey jump-started my blogging, I've realized that our life journey has been blessed immeasurably also.  Whenever Jerry and I count our blessings, two beautiful young women always make the top of the list.  Kody got 'Carrie-d' away last August when the girl of his dreams promised to share his name and his life forever.  Yes, I know...she's a beauty!

               Kody and Carrie


Last week, Jack and Melissa sailed into forever-after on a wedding cruise with both kids in tow. 

      Jack, Melissa, Jack Jr., and Sharlet


Do we believe in answered prayers?  We feel like shouting from the red rock mountain tops here in Sedona, "YES!"