Bates Family Visit
The Bates family blessed us with a visit during their trip to Arizona. Gil and Kelly celebrated their 27th anniversary with a trip to see the Grand Canyon and were joined by two of their children, Nathan and Tori.
During their stay with us, we enjoyed a time of sweet fellowship, too much food, and many laughs.
Friday morning, we set out for a place called Tortilla Flat which is about an hour east of Phoenix. We had many photo opportunities along the way as the weather and scenery were perfect!
After lunch, Nathan and Tori decided that they were going to climb the mountain across the street. Katey and Gil joined them for the 25 minute hike to the very top!
On our way back home, we stopped to see the Goldfield Ghost Town which is located along the famous Apache Trail.
Goldfield was finally abandoned in 1926 after the gold ran out. We ended up spending the rest of the afternoon and early evening there just browsing the shops, taking pictures, and enjoying ice cream in fresh waffle cones!
That evening after we got home, Nathan led us in a wonderful Bible study on the armor of God from Ephesians 6. I appreciated his heart for The Lord and willingness to share with us.
Saturday morning it was time to say goodbye but not before we celebrated Tori’s 19th birthday!
Tori humbly listened as Gil, Kelly, and Nathan each shared some of the Christ-like characteristics they see in her. We then gathered together to sing a few Christmas carols before it was time to go.
On the way to the airport, we stopped at Chick-fil-A for one last meal together.
We so much enjoyed our time of fellowship and laughter together and are grateful for their friendship. Here are a few of the pictures we took along the way…
