Grand Canyon: Part 1

With school out, we decided to go to the Grand Canyon to explore our state.  Everyone but Matthew had been before but Megan was one month old last time and Me was pregnant with Matthew.  Time to go and make some lasting family memories and do a little more hiking.

Sarah captured pictures of the sunset as we drove to the Canyon.

There were beautiful clouds.

Good morning Grand Canyon!  We got up early to go collect Junior Ranger booklets for Megan and Matthew and then get on the trail.

A view down the South Kaibab trail.  Lots of switch backs.  We hiked 1.5 miles into the canyon and dropped 1200 feet in elevation.

Intrepid hikers on their way down the canyon.

Megan posing with the canyon.  The weather was beautiful for hiking,  Excellent visibility and cooler temperatures.

Yes, that is the real name of the point.  The view certainly inspired it.

All of us together at Ooh Aah Point.

Always hike with a buddy.

Look how far down we've come already.

A great view of the canyon.

Sisters!

Cedar Ridge.  This was our turn around point  Megan and Sarah waited while the others went exploring a little farther.

Me and her favorite son.

The Colorado River runs through that deep trench over there.

Hard to imagine how long it took to cut this whole thing.

Panoramic to the left.

Panoramic to the right

Mules coming up the trail, time for flight.
(Seriously, the volunteer pointed out that you might not want to follow them up the trail since they would leave fresh presents for us...)

U and Me as seen by Matthew at Cedar Ridge.

Our handsome photographer joined us for a shot.

Walking back across a stone bridge to collect the girls.

Sarah posed for some pictures for her Instagram account.  Isn't she cute?

Hanging out in the canyon.

Sarah loved taking pictures and adding filters.  
(As a side note, if you ever have a teen who doesn't want their picture taken, give them the camera and let them take selfies. You will end up with a lot of pictures!)

Uh oh! The mules are here. Time to book it uphill. 

Matthew and Me coming up the hill.

We stopped to take a rest at Ooh Ahh Point but Matthew climbed some rocks instead.  That is why they are there right? 

See how tall the rocks are?

Back at the top!  We beat the mules up.  It was helpful motivation for everyone.

Looking down at where we had been.

We stopped by Yaki Point for some more view into the Grand Canyon.

Matthew wanted a picture with his big sister too.

The elk are not afraid to walk right by you.  They see a lot of people here.

Megan and Matthew being sworn in as Junior Rangers.

U and Megan with the Hopi Building.