Arizona Blessings...

A week ago, Chris and I left for Phoenix, Arizona. We drove out to host another benefit dinner and silent auction for AGCI's orphan campaign. It was a long but beautiful drive, and we had a wonderful week together. We visited my great Uncle Harold and Aunt Ramona, drove through the Painted Desert and the Petrified Forest National Park, were blessed by the fantastic support we received for our fundraiser, and enjoyed visiting friends both old and new.

 

We saw lots of reminders of Historic Route 66.

If you look closely, you can see some ancient petroglyphs:

Petrified log bridge:

Lots of petrified wood dotting the landscape:

Snow over the Arizona mountains:

 

Seventeen!!!

Today is Shana’s birthday!! We are so thankful to God for the precious gift He gave us 17 years ago. We love you so much, Shana, and are amazed at the beautiful young lady you have become, both inside and out. We wish you a wonderful birthday, and a new year of life filled with lots of happiness and blessings. XOXOXO 🎁🎈🎂🎉❤️

Once Again...

...here are some funny things that Mr. Q says. He keeps us all entertained.

One night, Chris read Quintin the Bible story of Adam and Eve. Upon retelling it to Shana, he claimed that we read about Joseph, who ate a strawberry off the tree because the giraffe told him to. Methinks someone wasn't listening very well...

While eating peanut butter cookies, Quintin claimed that his "mouth was sticking up."

Grandpa: "I need to get some cash today."
Quintin: "Me too!"
Grammy (thinking that Q probably doesn't understand what they're talking about): "How much do you need, Quintin?"
Quintin: "Eighty dollas!"

Q: "Papa, I need some chocolate milk."
Papa: "We don't have any."
Q: "Just go to the store! Go to Meija!"

When we go to the gas station, Quintin puts in his order for chicken nuggets and french fries. When grandpa took him to the post office, he put in his order for chicken nuggets and french fries. "Papa Larry, listen to me! We go to McDonald's, and I want apple pie, chicken nuggets, and french fries!" Of course grandpa couldn't resist...

Grammy: "What should I make for supper?"
Quintin: "Pizza! We need pizza!"
Grammy: "I don't have any pizza."
Quintin (with a "duh" sound to his voice): "Go to the store, Grammy! We could get pizza at Donald's!
Grammy: "Does Donald's have pizza?"
Quintin (with a grin and palms turned up): "I nevah seen it!"

Grammy: "Quintin, eat your last bite of fish."
Quintin (with a stage grimace): "I can't! My knee is killed!"

Magic Kingdom!

Our final day at Disney was spent at the Magic Kingdom. This was the kids' favorite park. They loved riding Space Mountain, Splash Mountain, Big Thunder Mountain Railroad, The 7 Dwarfs Mine Train, and lots more. Jalen got to be Chip in Enchanted Tales with Belle, and we loved the magnificent nighttime show over Cinderella's castle. 

The kids bought lots of Disney souvenirs, including light sabers, stuffed animals, necklaces, keychains, games, toys, balloons, food, etc. My souvenir? This Chip tea cup. Isn't he cute?

And now, we're back to icy, snowy, and cold Ohio. Back to real life!