Thursday, July 31, 2008

All aboard the Grand Canyon Railway

Thanks to Grandma Nelda we were able to enjoy 3 wonderful days at the Grand Canyon. We will cherish the time spent with her and the memories we had together. Since we were already in Needles, California at the river. Richard's mom, Nelda, and brother, Rob, met us there on Monday, July 28th. It was only 2 1/2 hours to get to Williams, Arizona from Needles, California.
This is the steam engine that took us up to the Grand Canyon.


Rob, Grandma Nelda, Kaleb, Richard, Noah, Me, and Hannah


On Tuesday, July 29th we went to a wild west show. Hannah was very upset when the cowboys shot their guns. She started crying and hiding under the bleachers. Richard and I tried to calm her down by explaining that the guns are fake. But, that didn't help. I asked her if she wanted to leave the show, but she was afraid the cowboys would shoot her. I hope she didn't ruin the show for everyone.


Waiting in line to ride the train.


Earl was our attendant. He was very charming and funny.



Grandma Nelda and Hannah on the train



Noah on the train



Richard and Hannah



Richard and me



Rob and Kaleb



Hannah looking out the window at the beautiful scenery.
We even saw some antelopes.


The Grand Canyon Railway train was a fun and relaxing ride. We departed from the train depot in Williams, Arizona and in about 2 hours we were at the Grand Canyon. We were able to sit back, relax, and enjoy the scenery. It was more than just a train ride, which included musicians and a wild west train robbery.

The Family enjoying the breathtaking views.


Richard and Hannah


Hannah and me


Richard and Kaleb

Noah

While we were in the Grand Canyon Richard spotted a California Condor.



This squirrel in the Grand Canyon actually posed for a picture. They warn you about these little creatures before you get off the train. They look tamed, but they're not.


Hannah, Kaleb, and Noah

Hannah, Kaleb, and Noah


Hannah looking over the edge. It's hard to believe only this little wall separates you from falling one mile to the ground. A little scary when you think about it!


Noah and Kaleb trying to get a better look


The Observation Center at Yavapai Point. We also went to Yaki Point and Hopi Point to check out the views.


Pictures can't describe the beauty of this place

Grandma Nelda and Hannah


Family picture


Grandma Nelda, Noah, Richard, Kaleb, and Hannah



Stay away from the edge!
That's what I kept telling the kids during our visit to the Grand Canyon.


More Beautiful scenery
Noah and Kaleb standing 7000 feet above sea level


Another View of the Grand Canyon from the South Rim



The bus we went on in the Grand Canyon


Hannah on the bus


Kaleb and Noah on the bus


On a clear day you can see for 60 miles.

Kaleb, Hannah, Richard and Hannah at Hopi Point



Noah trying to sneak a peek at the FIRST CLASS train car.



The Entertainment on the train.


The cowboys who robbed the train.


Hannah was afraid of the cowboy on the train. She told me, "Mom, just give them the money." She didn't realize it was just pretend!



Richard and Kaleb gettin' a closer look at the steam engine




Kaleb, Hannah, and Noah on the tracks





Kaleb and Hannah on an old tractor


The lobby of our hotel in Williams, Arizona


Nelda, Rob, Noah, Kaleb and I walked a block from our hotel
to check out the shops in downtown Williams, Arizona. Hannah wasn't feeling well, so Richard stayed behind to keep an eye on her. I saw this guy on stilts and told Kaleb to go take a picture with him. Kaleb purchased a toy archery set and Noah purchased a pack of gum that shocks you when you try to take a piece. Noah wanted to get the shock gum because Hannah and Kaleb kept taking his gum without asking. It was Funny the next morning when Noah asked Hannah if she wanted a piece of gum and she got shocked. Of coarse, she didn't think it was funny at all. Hopefully, that will teach her not to take gum without asking.


This is what Noah did most of the time we were at the Grand Canyon. SLEEP! He was complaining of a sore throat the whole time. I took him to the doctor's when we got back, everything checked out fine.

Another Escape to the River

I absolutely love summer. To me summer means no schedule, no alarm clocks, staying up late and sleeping in. I enjoy relaxing in the sun, feeling the sand between my toes and the sun on my back. However, I don't like the sunburn I occasional get when I miss a spot with sunscreen. I love the smell of barbecues and the taste too. I cherish the time spent with my family and the endless conversations with them. I love watching sunsets, I would enjoy watching sunrises, if I was up that early. I live to watch my children play and to hear their laughter.
We had another adventure at the river last weekend with my family. We left Friday, July 25th. We met my sister MacKenzie and Doug and their 3 kids, my sister Megan and her boyfriend Wally and her two girls, my sister Michele and Jason and their 4 kids, and Michele and Jason's neighbor Mike and his daughter Megan and my parents at the river. On Saturday, July 26th it started raining. Then the thunder and lighting kicked in. But, nothing was going to stop us from havin' a good time. Luckily, the weather changed and the sun came out.

Doug and Kaleb

Kaleb givin' Richard, Noah, and Cody a push on the jet ski.


enjoying the ride

Hannah playing in the sand

24 of us at the River

MacKenzie, Megan, me, Michele, and my mom

Cole and Charlie


Richard and me

There was some other people on the beach that built this fanastic slide. The kids had a great time using it. I hope they didn't mind.
Cody and Charlie

This is one of my favorite pictures of Kalena. It just captured the moment perfectly.


Kenzie and Bailey sliding down the slide

Noah


Bryson and Kaleb


Hannah


Me

Hannah and Lizzy


Jason, Mike, Richard, and Wally


My dad, Lizzy, and Hannah


Hannah

My dad takin' Hannah for a swim

Hannah, Cole, Megan, Wally, Megan, Richard, and my dad takin' a ride on Mike's boat

One more picture and I'm going to punch you!


Hannah and me


Kenzie and me


Hannah and I

My sister Kenzie and me


Hannah playing in the dirty water
Noah and Kaleb playing with a dog. Noah loves dogs!

Kaleb takin' a stroll along the beach


My mom and dad

My sister Megan, my mom and I at the river


Hannah gettin' ready to jump of the cliff into the water.


Kaleb, Cody, Hannah, Noah, Lizzy, and Doug climbing up the cliff on the Colorado River



Kalena and Hannah in front of the waterfall at Grandma's house

Kalena and Hannah looking pretty.
Aunt Kenzie styled their hair.

A pillow fight at Grandma's and Grandpa's house

Cody, Cole and Hannah

Richard on the jet ski


Hannah playing in the sand

Lizzy and Hannah gettin' ready to enjoy the waves.

Noah and Cody gettin' ready for a raft ride.

My sister Michele and her daughter Charlie at the London Bridge


Noah and Kaleb on the boat by London Bridge in Lake Havasu city.


A beautiful sunset at Lake Havasu.