Phoenix, Arizona

Phoenix, Arizona with great friends!  What could be better?!  It wouldn't have mattered in what activities we were involved, being with the Gordons--a BLAST!
The schedule was full--wonderful meals out, volunteering at their local food bank (they too are volunteer junkies), shopping, a pickle ball tournament, cut-throat games of Rummikub, shared episodes of The Big Bang, pedicures, and humorous conversations about past and present events.  I love you guys!

I cannot remember Tom's quip, but I am glad I caught the responding smirks!
(Matt was oblivious, but happy.)
Ruth, Matt, and Tom at the National Pickle Ball Tournament

Doubles--Pickle Ball 

The Phoenix Gordons--Ruby, Billy, Ruth, and Tom

Matthew and Duchess (Tom and Ruth's dog)

Sadly, we did not have enough time to go into the Petrified Forest National Park.  (We will, however, on the way back!)  We stopped quickly, at one of the trading posts, to look at larger pieces of petrified wood. The colors--awesome!

Petrified wood--beautiful!

Matthew at the trading post

We are heading back to Ottumwa, Iowa for Thanksgiving--via Omaha and Council Bluffs to visit ISD and friends.  I have been reading about the storm coming through…I think we will travel east by the southern route!  Best to make the jump north after the snow/rain/ice…
I hope this finds you all safe and warm!
Smiles and love,
Susan and Matt