Snow!

Kaleb and Joshua this picture is for you. we have been surviving the cold here and enjoying the pretty snow. It has snowed a few times. I think people look at us funny because we are so bundled up. We are really floridians now it seems. Zion bundled up for a shopping trip at Grove City Outlets. We all got new nikes. Usually Zion kicks off all blankets but not on this day.
Decorating the tree. Travis my dad and Tim went and cut it down. They picked a good one.
Zion had a bad cold but she is feeling great now and walking a lot more. She is enjoying her aunts and her grandma and grandpa. Travis and I spent the night at a bed and breakfast on Monday night and went out for dinner. It was our first night away from Zion and we missed her but we had a great time. The city was really pretty in the evening and then we went to a see Christmas lights that you drive through in a park. I do have to say that it seems a lot more Christmasy to me here than in Florida with the snow, cold, real tree and our family but we are looking forward to seeing all of our Florida friends soon. We miss you!

This is where we stayed. It was awesome.
http://www.theinnsonnegley.com/

This is where we ate. I had this pasta with a sage and goat cheese cream sauce, grilled chicken and cranberries. It was seriously one of the best things I have ever had. So if you live in the Burgh you should go there.

http://www.bigburrito.com/casbah/

Happy Thanksgiving!

On our trip Zion enjoyed playing computer games with her Aunt Bethany. Now she thinks every computer belongs to her.
Zion Mackenzie Schenk World traveler Part II. Last year it was Pittsburgh, Oklahoma, Pittsburgh. This year it is New Mexico and Pittsburgh. Zion ran all over the airport and made a lot of friends. We had to take too planes and switched in Orlando. From Orlando from Albuquerque was four hours but she did great. We kept feeding her snacks and brought lots of toys.
Things have been busy the past few weeks which is why you have not heard much from us. We made a trip to New Mexico to be with Trav's family for Thanksgiving. All his siblings were able to be there so we enjoyed spending time together. Zion enjoyed her first Thanksgiving meal and ate lots and lots. She got spoiled by her aunts, uncles, grandparents and great grandparents and practiced her walking skills. She enjoyed walking there because the house had carpet.
It snowed right after we got there and her Grandma took her out on the snow. She cried I think because she was cold and in need of a nap. But she looked cute.

The family after church on Sunday. I danced to a song along with Bethany singing and Erin playing the piano. We enjoyed getting to see the church and meet everyone. It is very pretty there with views of the mountains and big open spaces.

First Steps

Travis got home from a long day of work and studying and came to greet Zion and I as we were playing on the floor. She then decided it was time to take her first steps. It was so exciting and we both got to see it. She now wants to try walking all over all of a sudden and she keeps laughing. How delightful!

Visit from Friends!

We had a great few days having fun with our visitors my dear friend Leslie and her cutie Landon. Zion and Landon met once before but only briefly. They had a blast together. We were able to see the girl boy distinctions which was very interesting. Landon was climbing things and doing boy stuff and Zion was clapping for him, smiling at him and following him around. It was great to have them here. Landon has such a wonderful demeanor. It was very special to spend time together and we can't wait to see them again in December when we got up to Pittsburgh.
We took Landon on his first trip to the beach and he totaly loved it. Zion is always not too sure about getting covered with sand but he did not seem to care.
After a day at the beach and ice cream on the way home.
Learning how to share. Zion shared her drink and they fed each other french fries at the restaurant when we went out to eat which I thought was hilarious.

A visit to Flamingo gardens. They both were disturbed when the peacock decided to join their lunch. It tried to peck food right of Zion's stroller.
Watching the animal show.
First kiss!
On the tram ride looking at plants!
Mr. Flamingo himself!

Thanks for coming to visit guys we had a great time. Can't wait to see you soon!

Humility?

I know I don't usually post much, but after reading my wife's last post I just had to say something. For those that know Reba, she doesn't need a lesson in humility. There are really only a few reasons Reba was at the spot of her sudden slippery slope. 1) She works with students because she has a real desire to help people obtain their full potential. She knows that these students have the opportunity to provide light for those that live in darkness, so she has decided to help the students help others. 2) She works because I don't bring home enough money to pay the bills. She would much rather be home to shape the life of our dear child, but she knows that Z would probably be shaped in an adverse manner if we were homeless. Reba is very encouraging to me in our financial dilemma and is very humble in her approach. One thing I have learned in life is that we often have the wrong perspective of what we deserve.

For instance, we say that "I'm a good person and I don't deserve that kind of treatment." I believe that the only thing that any of us deserve is death..."for the wages of sin is death"...and "we all fall short of the glory of God," but I also believe in the Good News that "For by grace we are saved through faith, not by works so that no person can boast." All this to say that I think Reba has the right perspective in that she never thinks she deserves more, but it is by grace that she possesses the gifts she has so that she can help others, including her family. I'm sorry that she had to endure the bruised knee and torn pants. I will do my best to make sure she gets them replaced. Her knee seems to be healing well.

Reba, I love you and I'm proud of you for all the things you do to help us. I speak on behalf of your friends and family and those whose names you'll never know.

Your husband and best friend,

Travis