My how time passes. I realize it has already been a month now since I have added a new blog post. We really enjoyed the rest of our time in Benson. While Darrel was diligently working, I got in a few more hikes with some friends at Cochise Stronghold and Fort Bowie and I got to see the sandhill cranes at Whitewater Draw. At the end of November we moved up to Tucson. We were so excited that Ben was able to fly in from Switzerland to visit for a week and a half. Switzerland changed their quarantine requirements about 6 weeks ago, so he got a ticket. Because of the crazy times we live in, I wasn’t sure it was going to actually happen until he got on the airplane. He got here and stayed with us for a couple of nights in our motorhome. Then we moved over to an airBnB here in Tucson when Brianna and her boyfriend, John, flew in from Montana. Ben was able to suprise Brianna at the airport because she didn’t know he was going to be able to come. If you haven’t seen the video, check it out on my Facebook page.
It was such a gift to be able to spend the time together. We soaked up every minute and enjoyed every experience we had while they were here. We did some touristy things like the Pima Air & Space Museum and Sabino Canyon and then also spent time just playing games, shopping, fixing food and watching shows together. 
Brianna and John flew home on Thursday. On Friday Darrel, Ben, and I went to the San Xavier del Bac Mission, 4th Avenue shops and then Mount Lemmon. The views were incredible and the sunset was glorious. Then Ben flew out on Saturday. Switzerland changed their quarantine requirements while he was here and he got home the day before they went into effect. He was very thankful for that! We so love to be with our kids and treasure every opportunity we have to be together.
It I have to say, it doesn’t feel Christmasy since we are in the land of blue skies and saguaros. Growing up in the north, I always associated Christmas with cold weather!
We continue to enjoy getting out with the Jeep and exploring. After our trip in the Kofa Wilderness, Darrel has made a few upgrades. He put a roof rack on the Jeep and last night he passed his exam and is now a licensed ham radio operator. It’s nice to have a ham radio when we’re out of cell range and need to call for help. Although we usually go with others when we are in those kind of places. 🙂 On Sunday we were able to go out with a couple of other Jeeps and explore Melendrez Pass. We are thankful to be able to explore God’s beautiful creation.
Our hearts overflow with thankfulness and we are so thankful for family, friends, and God’s goodness and provision.