The Grand Canyon & Slide Rock

Over the weekend, we took a family trip ( - Ashley but + my mom) to a mini vacation around Arizona. We wanted to do something fun for the family and (for my mom's birthday present.) We've lived here for 15 years and had never seen the Grand Canyon...it was time!

This was our first glimpse...it's breath taking. There are no words to desribe it. You truly have to see it with your own eyes.

Of course I had to get tons of photos...

The first thing we did was catch the bus to Bright Angel trail...we hiked down just a bit, to get the feel. It was too hot (& scary!) for Mia, plus the poor girl has tonsilitis...so she sat with my mom and watched us walk farther down the trail.

Matt, Alyssa, & Madi are quite the adventurers. I hoped Madison knew that if you go down...you have to come back up. It's much harder!

It's a LONG ways down...

What a trooper Madi is...she did great on our little hike.

We caught another bus to a different look out...

Time for water and a snack, in the shade.  This is where we lost Matt. He went walking to the next stop, while we caught a bus back to the Visitors Center. A much needed break for these tired girls.

Then we walked to Mather Point...this was a really good view. Actually, everywhere is an amazing view.

There were lots of people...from all over the world!

We finally found Matt after a few hours...and a 4.5 mile hike later. Whew he was tired. But he said it was well worth it! We took the bus to the Geology Museum and it had a fantastic lookout...where you could use binoculars.

I LOVE this photo...it's just precious. Taking a break to take in the scenery.

Who had fun?! We did! We are so thankful to have had this time to see the Grand Canyon! We loved it. Matt and I hope to go back (without kids :) and hike to the bottom. We'll see...

Alyssa & Matt quickly went back to get one more look and a quick pic. I hope to go back soon! If you have never been, I highly recommend it!! 

_______________________________________

SLIDE ROCK

_______________________________

Our next little adventure was to see Slide Rock, in Oak Creek Canyon just outside of Sedona. The park is named after the famous Slide Rock, a stretch of slippery creek bottom where you can slide down a slick natural water chute. It's a pretty popular place, plus the scenery is amazing!

The kids (yes, including Matt) loved it! Despite the water being chilly, they were in there the whole time, while my mom and I sat in the shade.

Madison just loved it...she was so brave. I can't believe she went in like she did. This is one of my favorite photos of her just sliding down the natural slide.

Alyssa is definitely adventerous. (Note to self :) She really enjoyed everything...she was SO cold when she got out but she didn't mind at all.

Mia loved it too, but the mom in me (with her tonsilitis) said that she needed to rest. Sorry Mia.

Matt and Alyssa wanted to try jumping of the rock. Matt is on the right in the white shorts, Alyssa in the blue shirt. As Matt said, you only live once...we gotta do it! Madison wanted to do it...but the mom in me said no, maybe next time. It's deep.

They did it! Way to go guys...

Brrrr! But fun.

______________________________________________

We had the best time...what a fun trip! If you've never been to either of these places, you must go and see for yourself. It sure makes you feel small seeing all the wonderful things God has created in this world. He makes the most beautiful things!

_____________________________________________

We had lunch in Sedona and ice cream to follow...then we were on our way home. I can't wait for our next Arizona adventure.