Traveling Home

We decided to drive home through Arizona so we could take the kids to see the Grand Canyon. I have never seen it either. It sounded like a good idea. It didn't turn out to be as rewarding as we had hoped. It was a longer drive which no one cared for. It was really hot out. After one look, the kids were like, "Okay, can we go now?"

Rick's dream of spending some time and getting lots of great pictures with his camera didn't quite pan out. We agreed that we would need to be a trip without children. I told him the Grand Canyon is kind of for old people or hardcore outdoorsy types. The older you are the more you appreciate the beauty of it. The outdoorsy types(which I am not) could hike and camp and do the mule trip into the canyon. I would prefer the helicopter tour, but I always seem to like the more expensive way of doing things. Honestly, seeing it was enough for me after a few minutes. Not to mention the stress of keeping up with Isaiah so that he didn't fall off one of the cliffs. He is so active, we had one close call that freaked us all out. Oh, well. We have pictures. We saw it. We are good for a while.

This was the only group picture we could squeeze out of the kids.

Forget including Rick.

God's artwork captured by Rick.

Isaiah was not happy here because he wanted to be in a picture by himself

Now, he is happy.

Sam probably enjoyed this stop more than anyone.

He would have explored for a while.

More scenery!

Lolly

I like this one!

Notice I did not have any alone pictures of Abby and Cody. They just weren't into it. It stressed Cody out because it was so dangerous. Abby is not into having her picture made right now.

We stopped overnight in Flagstaff. Rick and I were pretty much done at that point. No swimming. We couldn't tolerate all the work. It was pizza and then to bed. The boys stayed in a room and the girls stayed in a room.

Laila was out pretty quickly

Lauren and Abby shared a bed.

I got my own bed. The girls and I watched Cake Boss and then drifted off into dream land. It was great!!

Our last day of travel seemed never ending. We woke up at 5:30. Packed up, had breakfast, and left the hotel at 6:30. 14 hours later we pulled into our driveway. I will spare you the details. Let's just say, "It wasn't pretty." It was traumatic and either we will all block it from our memories to preserve our sanity or someone will need counseling for it some day. Enough said.

Trip over. Home now. Rick is off for a few days before reality slaps me in the face. Not sure how I feel about life resuming.