The Sanger Family: January 2013

Friday, January 25, 2013

January Arizona Trip

This past week our family enjoyed a little getaway in Tucson, Arizona.

On Sunday our flight was delayed because of bad weather here in Philly so we flew out later than expected. We spent the night in Dallas then on Monday morning flew the rest of the way to Tucson. Usually when we go to Arizona the temperatures are nice and warm compared to the freezing weather back home...but not this time!!! It was almost as cold in Arizona as it was in Pennsylvania! By the end of the week the temperatures were back up into the seventies though!

Tuesday we went hiking at Gates Pass. The road is a continuation of West Speedway Boulevard and is named after Thomas Gates who built the road through the pass between the Tucson valley and the other side of the Tucson Mountains as a shortcut. Gates Pass is often visited in the evening to watch the sunset.

While we were hiking we spotted some familiar faces peering out of a van driving by...it was some of our friends from Canada!!! They turned around and came back to visit for a while. It was a special treat to see them!

The Hagmans left to go to the Desert Museum so Daddy, Joshua, Lillia, Hope, and I decided to climb around a little bit longer.

We hiked up pretty far then Hope and Joshua decided to climb over to the next pile of rocks...

Wednesday afternoon we met our friends from Canada at a park for lunch.

We had fun playing together...

Wednesday night we went to a tape service at Hotel Tucson where Harmony in the Desert is held.

Thursday evening was the first night of Harmony in the Desert and we had fun visiting with our friends! Harmony in the Desert is a time of singing, fellowship, and worship. Message singing groups from around the world gather in Tucson, Arizona each year to bless others with their musical talents.

Friday morning a few of our family went hiking up Sabino Canyon with a group of friends.

At Eagle Rock...

We also hiked around to Pulpit Rock but I don't have any pictures of that.. :)

Daddy, Hope, Joshua, and I along with Michael, Juliana, Joshua, Justin, and Joanna hiked out the Phoneline Trail instead of taking the tram out. The Phoneline Trail is a very easy trail and it didn't seem like 4.5 miles to me!

Saturday afternoon Bro. Bobby had a BBQ in the hotel courtyard for singers and people staying at the hotel. It's very convient to stay at Hotel Tucson because there is so much fellowship right out your door!

Sunday was the last day of Harmony in the Desert...

The singing started at 3:00 p.m. and afterwards Bro. Bobby fed everyone Tacos.

Enjoying the singing...

Each night there are about 25 groups that sing for around three hours to the 800+ people present.

Streaming online was 2,000+ people almost every night! It's quite an event hosted by the very generous Bro. Bobby Wertz!

Visiting with friends...

Monday afternoon we flew back to chilly Pennsylvania and our Arizona vacation was over!

Sorry about the lack of pictures...Mom and Dad actually took most of them...it seems like when you're having so much fun with your friends you don't even think to take pictures and then when it comes time to sit down and post I regret not taking more!! Maybe one of these days I'll learn my lesson and start taking more pictures!! =D

Thursday, January 17, 2013

Hot Cocoa Packs & Chocolate Spoons - Keepers

Thursday afternoon at Aunt Jeanine's house we made Homeade Hot Cocoa Mixes and Chocolate Spoons!

Mixing the Cocoa...

We put 1/4 c. cocoa mix into individual bags

Aunt Jeanine demonstrated how to pour the chocolate onto the spoons.

Crushing peppermints...

We also covered marshmallows stuck on a candy cane in chocolate.

Decorating our hot cocoa bags...

Enjoying a snack afterwards

Thursday, January 3, 2013

2012 Has Come To A Close...

Wow...It seems like time just flies these days! Wasn't it just a little while ago we were ringing in 2012 and now we are facing a full new year! The Lord sure was good to our family in 2012 and I can't wait to see what He has awaiting us in 2013. Voice of God Recordings has a really neat video posted if you'd like to go here. Here's a little bit of catching up on what we've been doing...A few Fridays ago we went to see Sight and Sound's production of "Jonah" so we stopped by the Choo Choo Barn on our way. During the month of December if you go on a Friday and bring a canned good you can get in for free.

David LOVED all the trains!

Amish barn raising

The Choo Choo Barn is closed for about 2 1/2 months every year in order to completely clean the display, repair any broken parts, and add new features. Many people don’t know, but they add several new features, animations, or complete scenes each year.

Local amusment park Dutch Wonderland

We went to see Sight & Sounds production of "Jonah".
No pictures are allowed inside the theatre, but it was amazing!!!

Another day we went ice skating at the Lancaster Ice Rink.
Through the Lancaster Libraries Summer Reading Program we earned free admission.

Wednesday, January 2, 2013

Christmas Gatherings of 2012

It seems like December is filled with so many family get togethers and events!
I pulled together a few pictures from Christmas gatherings with family so enjoy!

Most of the decendents of David & Ruth Sanger came to our house a few days before Christmas...