Petrified Forest and Painted Desert

While we were in Cottonwood, Arizona, we took a day trip to the Petrified Forest National Park, which is also on the edge of the Painted Desert. Arizona is a beautiful state. When we arrived, we drove along the edge of the Painted Desert first. The pictures do not come close to the majestic beauty that is there.

After driving along the edge of the Painted Desert, we entered the Petrified Forest. The petrified logs are amazing.

This tree was splintered into wood chips. It is amazing how much it really looks like wood chips.

We have not done a lot of sightseeing, but what we have done has been awesome. I hope you enjoyed the pictures. 

Kay and I are having a wonderful trip. I still feel like I am on vacation. We finally have better cellular and I could put this blog post together. Now I am only one month behind! I should be able to get caught up this week. We send our love to all of you following the blog. Leave us a comment so that we can feel the love.

Russ and Kay

Grand Canyon

Our trip has been mostly about visiting family and friends. We did a little more sightseeing as well as visiting with family after arriving in Cottonwood, Arizona.

Most Sundays we also try to find a church to attend. I mentioned going to church because I wanted to share these pictures of The Church of the Red Rocks, UCC. They have a beautiful building, but it was not the architecture that impressed me. It was the beauty of God's creation outside that could be viewed through the windows that I found so impressive.

The entrance to the church

The view from the parking lot

The view inside on Christmas morning.
It snowed Christmas Eve!

Beautiful stained glass window

View from the foot of the church driveway. Sedona, Arizona

After church on Sunday the 18th, we drove from Sedona to Queen Creek, Arizona to have lunch with Sue and my brother Roy.  We went out for lunch at their favorite pizza place.

Russ, Kay, Sue and Roy

They invited us back for Christmas dinner and we also got to visit with my niece Katie, my nephew Jeff and his wife Cristyna. I had not seen Jeff in over 25 years.

Cristyna and Jeff Wallace

Katie Wallace

During the week just before Christmas, we did a little sightseeing. The trip to the Grand Canyon was amazing. Kay is experiencing a lot of firsts and the Grand Canyon is her favorite place so far. It is something you need to see in person, but here are some views from the rim of the Grand Canyon.

Thanks for stopping by our blog. Leave us a comment if you enjoy following our journey.