Our Arizona Trip Sept 20-24 2013 (Sedona, Grand Canyon, Phoenix, & Chandler)

Shawn and I decided to change our Anniversary plans this year so we could go and spend a few days with my longest and bestest friend.  She has had several losses recently and Shawn and I wanted to spend a little face to face time with her.  We also decided since Shawn had never been to Arizona that we would try and see some sights.

We are home now but here are a few highlights.

Friday Sept 20 we arrive in Phoenix and spend a several hours "taking care of business" picking up Katie and the girls, a quick stop or two at the store, and we were on our way to Sedona, which was a 2-1/2 hour drive away.  Driving through Sedona was absolutely beautiful!

We stopped at a couple of overlooks along the way.

Then headed to Oak Creek Terrace Resort checked in (aired out our cabin, because apparently a skunk was the last one to stay in this cabin - it had been cleaned but still had a lingering smell).

We walked across the street and had dinner at Dairy Queen while taking in the beauty of the red rocks of Sedona.
Then we played in and around the creek at the foot of a red rock mountainside. 
That evening we played old maid, had a fire in the fireplace, then headed to bed.
We woke up Saturday to a cool crisp morning and the girls and I enjoyed some time on the back porch of our cabin listening to the roar of the creek as it ran over the rocks.  The girls colored and I fine tuned the schedule for the day and checked the map and driving directions.

We ate breakfast at a cafe in Sedona and had we were treated by having a praying mantis join us for breakfast. 

Then up up up we drove through beautiful scenery.

We stopped at an overlook looking back into Oak Creek Canyon.  Spectacular views!  The pull over area was covered in yellow flowers, and their were some Native American nations represented and selling goods.  Shawn bought the girls each a bracelet and I bought myself an ornament.

After that we pushed on toward the Grand Canyon.  In spite of scheduling issues and miscommunications regarding directions, we had a wonderful time.  As I write this it is 6 days later, and I am still amazed at how mind bogglingly huge the Grand Canyon is.  Beautiful!  Gorgeous!  Spectacular!  I am thankful I was able to be there with by my bestest friend and the love of my life!  All too soon, we needed to head home.  It is a 4-5 hour drive back to Chandler.  The sunset over the dessert was another beautiful sight we got to enjoy as we drove to Katie's home.

Sunday, we worshiped together at Katie's church.  Katie and I have for most of our friendship lived thousands of miles apart, so getting to worship side by side, is a treasured experience.  Right after service I got to meet someone I already considered to be a good friend but who I had never met face to face, Terri K.!  Loved it!  We had yummy "real Mexican" food for lunch.  After that Katie took a much needed nap, Shawn read his book, and the girls and I played beauty shop all day.  Katie cooked us a delicious fish dinner, then it was time for PJs and stories and lights out early.

Monday, we took the girls to school, and Katie and I went out to Starbucks and talked and drank outside.  It was another cool morning in Arizona.  Apparently our arrive coincided with the arrival of much cooler weather.  All the Arizonians were talking about how cold it was.  Katie and I took Loki for a walk around her neighborhood and later Katie and I met our friend Terri for lunch.  Shawn went on a hike on San Tan Mountain. After we picked up the girls from school it was time for giggles, then homework for Cia, while Piper and I played tic-tac-toe and connect the dots quietly.  As soon as homework was done it was time for more playtime with the girls.  Shawn got home from his hike not too long after that and the girls gave him some ice water.  He had become pretty dehydrated on his hike.  He showed us the pictures he took, and the girls were tried to awaken the "roller-coaster".

That evening Katie went to class and Shawn and I got to play with the girls.  We had a great time of wrestling and piggy back rides, and all sorts of other wild fun that wore Shawn and I out.  Monday night was our last night, and in spite of the girls knowing this, the evening went well with very little drama.  It was my last night to read and pray with them, and tuck them in with lots of hugs and kisses.

Tuesday morning, we took the girls to school and Katie and I just hung out together.  We have always had this way of naturally and comfortably picking up with each other after stretches of time apart, as if we live next door and saw each other everyday.  There is truly a bond between us that I lack the words to sufficiently describe.

And then ... our time in Arizona was over.

I have other Arizona friends that I would have liked to see while we were there but did not have the time to go visit them.

My heart was very heavy when I left.  I simply was not emotionally or mentally ready to leave, but I trust God to keep us all in His Sovereign hands.  I am also very thankful to my sweet husband who knows that Katie is in the heart of my heart and that we needed to see each other.  I am grateful that he loves her, because we love each other, and I'm grateful that he loves Katie's girls, and is glad to be their Uncle Shawn. I am thankful for the time spent with Katie, even though I wish I could have provided more practical help.  I am thankful for our love for each other.  I am thankful for the chance to love her face to face.  I am thankful that I was finally able to share this with Shawn.

I am thankful that love does not fail.