Thursday, October 10, 2013

Last day in AZ

I'm 100% sure that if I wasn't a "Texas girl" I would definitely be an "AZ girl".
I loved the cool mornings and the hot afternoons without any humidity. 
We spent every morning out on the patio watching the sunrise and snuggled up with blankets and robes. The views were perfect and so was the company. 


Before we flew out we had to spend one last moment at the pool. Or as most parents traveling with small kids would say, we had to tire our kids out before the flight.


Ainsley really warmed up to the camera this weekend. She usually tells me "no" and to "stop" however she wholeheartedly embraced the camera and even posed for me!!!!







Upon our arrival, Andy had purchased this massive rice crispy treat for the kids. 
I'll be honest, I let them eat 2 pieces, Andy had about 6 and I ate the rest. 
I also ate the rest in 4 days :) 



The flight back was a piece of cake. Drew started playing one of his favorite games "Old Maid" and it caught the eye of the flight attendant. She immediately came over to Drew and hung out to play 2 rounds of the game with him. 



Ohhhh Ains!
She loved the flight. She had a hard time staying buckled on the way too Phoenix so I was a little nervous about the flight back. 
However, since we were "robbed" on the train she had it in her mind that if she didn't stay in her seat and buckled then the "bad guys" would come. 




Tuesday, October 8, 2013


 Since we were in Phoenix, while not that close, we decided to take a full day and go to the Grand Canyon, as it is the number 1 Natural Wonder of the World and man that's the truth. We figured since none of us had been there, this would be a great experience for everyone.  So we all got in the rental car, drove to Williams, AZ and then took the Grand Canyon Railways to the Grand Canyon.

 The Pullman car is special to ride in because it is the first car behind the Engine.  Another special part of this train ride is that it was on a Steam Engine, and it was the last Steam Engine trip of the year.  The mornings were cool so the pullman car, with no AC, was still pleasent to ride in.  The trip to the Grand Canyon was relaxing and fun all at the same time.

 The train did not go too fast so it gave me some perfect moments to take some pics of the kids enjoying the ride and sticking their heads out of the windows, even though they were not supposed to.


 As you can see, the scenery was priceless.  It was such an amazing site to see the Canyons and how far and deep they were and just how vast it was.  It was really amazing and so happy I had my Dad there as well to share it with us.  

We can't go somewhere without taking a picture supporting TCU.  Go Frogs from the Grand Canyon!


 Although the scenery was amazing and beautiful, it took a lot of heavy breathing and taking rest breaks to get up there.  The altitude definitely took its toll, but don't worry, we stayed hydrated and made it to the area we were trying to get too, but again, after 2, or maybe 15 stops.
 Here is the actualy Steam Engine.  Again, they usually use this Engine once a month, and this train ride was the last one of the year before the Polar Express!







While on our way home from the Grand Canyon, there was a little issue we ran into. What was it?  It was a group of Bandit cowboys trying to rob all of us (or just ask for extra money), but being ROBBED was more fun.  The kids loved seeing the horses ride up along the side of the train and hope on board and hold out their hands for money.  It really ended our trip with a bang (get it, robbed with guns), and helped make the 3 hour drive back home not so bad!  So happy that we were able to see the Grand Canyon all together as a family and so happy my Dad was able to join us.  Definitely a memory I will never forget!