The Grand Canyon_Finally!!!!

April 20, 2009
Monday morning we got up early and headed to breakfast after taking shifts in the shower and getting dressed (reminded me of living at home and getting ready with one shower and 3 kids needing it). There wasn't as much to eat as there were choices at our first hotel but I found some cereal, fruit, and yogurt to eat. Another gentleman staying there talked with me about going to the Grand Canyon and to watch the roads for animals. I told him we were taking the train and he said he has wanted to do that. I was really excited and couldn't wait to finally feast my eyes on the Grand Canyon ("just another hole in the ground"-Mom said when we were only 2 hours away on our road trip and they didn't want to go and us kids did).

We piled in the van after determining what to take for the train. At the station I picked up a hat for DD and a little bear she wouldn't let go of while DH and my sis redeemed the e-tickets my sister got for us. We then boarded the train after a bathroom break and we were off. Our guide for the trip cracked jokes along the way mingled with lots of facts and tidbits. It was for the most part entertaining. DD loved the musicians that passes through our cars going there and on the way back (though she was frightened by one who stomped his foot and played right by her when she was fast asleep coming back).

Once the train arrived at the Grand Canyon we walked up a TON of stairs and immediately took in the view! It truly is amazing. It really is hard to take it all in and get a clear concept of how vast it is. I LOVED just looking at it. DD's favorite parts were walking everywhere (mostly on each and EVERY rock.) We ate an expensive lunch of some gross sausage dogs but the pretzel was good and later we got some yummy ice cream. We took a short hike down into the canyon to this neat arch way. I wish we had more time to hike further down but it was fun the little we got to do. LM was wonderful and slept most of the time under the burp cloth to keep the sun off of him. Both the kids were fabulous and we couldn't have asked for more from them.

We were even robbed on our way home. DD didn't get scared of them.

Overall the train was fun for the experience but we probably won't do it again unless we have some kid that LOVES trains. It takes forever to get there going around 35mph and was EXPENSIVE. Thanks for the treat though sis. DD loved the entertainment. Next time we will drive and pack the car with lots of food.

Arizona here we come!!!!

April 15-16, 2009

We have lift off

We made it to Phoenix safely. DD slept almost the whole time on the plane and LM too. We actually got three complements on how well they did. We didn't even pull out the DVD player! I was impressed with the kids and very grateful. DD was tired and I told her to lay her head down on me and go to sleep and she did. I transferred her to DH's arms when LM woke up to eat and then I fed him and the flight was almost over at that point. DD woke up about 15 minutes before landing and just played in LM's car seat and looked out the window since we were lucky enough to get an extra seat for him!!!

We went to the botanical gardens yesterday (twice once during the day and again at night) since they had a glass exhibit which was lit up and it was fun to see at night. They also had a butterfly exhibit to go to. DD loved all the pretty flowers and butterflies. It was amazing to see all the different butterflies and see how well they blend into their environment. I loved watching a huge group of the them sleeping upside down on a tree.

The Beautiful Butterfly Garden!!!

I thought this was cute!
The glass all light up at night! Spectacular.

For dinner we made the drive to Mesa (20 minutes) for some yummy Cafe Rio for dinner! My sister and I got a salad and burrito to split. It was so worth the drive there and thank goodness they were still open for just a little longer. YUM!!!! That place is the best! I'm craving it again already.

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Today we went for a walk after breakfast our yummy breakfast of strawberry waffles with whip cream. Once we were ready for the day we walked down the LONG block (probably 8-9 normal blocks) to a service station for a treat. DH got a candy bar, DD some Cheetos (her fav), and I got a Popsicle.

DD managed to put her shoes on all by herself! (**Notice her left shoe is turned in on the heel but not bad for a 1 year old!**)

LM ready to go for our walk. Don't you love his hat.

Waiting for my sister to get off of work after our walk. DD is enjoying her Cheetos and DH is checking his e-mail or Facebook.

Other than our walk we just stayed at my sisters and took naps and hit up a pizza joint, live concert, and some art galleries in a near by town. To finish off the night we grabbed some ice cream on the way home. Got to have your Cold Stone!

DD walking all over the rocks while at the concert.

Crunch, Crunch. AZ has rocks everywhere instead of grass or bark dust. DD LOVED walking on them to here the sounds they made and to kick the pebbles with her shoe.

DD was so tired from the concert/ late night that she was falling asleep in the car. We were just minutes from our hotel and wanted her to stay awake so we could get her ready for bed. We put on her favorite song (pink) and she immediately started to dance in her seat practically asleep. It was the funniest thing. She even moved her hand back and forth until slowly it came to a stop since she was too tired to even move.

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I've been able to get a little bit of walking in while here. And I weighed myself on Monday and dropped 2lbs since I started my walking group! I'm so happy that some more is finally coming off. Now I just have 9-11lbs left to lose and get my flabby tummy in shape! That's also if I don't gain any more while on this trip.