Grand Canyon - Spring Break - Part 1

I know, long time no talk to... It's been a nutty month and a half with much to tell and show. When we got home from our spring break adventures, our internet had been cut back (long story - not our fault either) and was running dog slow - at dial-up speed. So, haven't been able to upload ANYTHING. We're now trialing ClearWire and I'm testing it out today with blogging.
I'm going to break our spring break up into a few posts. Feel free to grab a snack before you begin - this could take a while...

We flew to Phoenix on March 25th and drove straight to the Grand Canyon that night. Arrived in Tusayan, AZ ( a few miles from the south rim) about midnight. We spent the next two days seeing the sights - and WOW what sights there were to see! I had NEVER been to the Grand Canyon, even with living in AZ for 4 years. Was fun to see with the kids - Here is our Grand Canyon journey in pictures: Brianna:

Keeping track of Aaron was a trick. When he wasn't trying to LEAN over the rails (if there were even rails) he was found hanging from whatever tree he could find. He had a number of "talking to" moments and by day 2 stayed on the safe side of things better. Hard to keep his adventurous spirit down! As my dad always says, "Hasn't got the sense God gave a goose."

Carly and Aaron:

Kenzie and Carly:

By mid-morning the first day, the clouds rolled in quickly and it started snowing! Yep, that was cool, but VERY VERY cold with the wind that came with it. We spent the rest of the morning and afternoon going through visitors centers, seeing the cool IMAX movie back by the hotel and eating lunch. Here's a sign showing the forecast for the day. Looks like the next day should be much better weather!

By evening, the snow had stopped, still chilly, in the 30's, but we went back out and stopped at a few more view points. We were killing time til sunset.

Carly:

Paul - yes he climbed over there:

Paul braved the cold wind and sub freezing temps to get these amazing pics of the Grand Canyon at sunset. Poor guy, came back with frozen fingers - don't think they completely thawed til sometime during the night.

The smart ones - Brianna, Kenzie and I - stayed in the van and enjoyed the view:

Gone:

Anytime we find pics of clouds on the card, we know who had the camera. Brianna has this love of clouds that's not quite understood - but appreciated:

The next day, Friday, found the skies crystal clear with temps in the upper 50's - just like we like it! Here's Aaron making mom a bit nervous with his proximity to the edge!:

Kenzie's "Me and the Grand Canyon" shot:

I needed one too! I even have my new "GRAND CANYON" sweatshirt on - just in case I forgot where I was.:

Brianna, Aaron, Amy, Carly and Kenzie - cool vantage point:

We found this sign funny AND scary all at the same time: "Use Caution Near the Edge. People Die Here!" Doesn't that just give you warm fuzzies?!?!?!

Hey, look at that! The WHOLE family together! Carly, Amy, Aaron, Kenzie, Brianna and Paul:

Nicely framed Paul - your father would be proud!

Carly and Aaron:

Aaron, Brianna, Kenzie and Carly:

Are you over the Grand Canyon yet? Almost done... Along the rim trail that we followed for 5 miles that second day: (Poor Paul - seems to always be behind the camers - that's usually my spot!)

The end of the rim trail is at Hermits Rest.

Resting at Hermits Rest:

Paul and I decided that we'd like to venture IN TO the Grand Canyon WITHOUT kids one day. He'd like to use his feet to get in and out and I'd like to utilize a helicopter (at least for the coming out portion - we'll see who wins out...) We opted to take the bus back to the beginning of the trail. This concludes our Grand Canyon portion of spring break. On to the Larson's by dinnertime and another blog post.