South Rim of the Grand Canyon

I suppose the first thing I should do is apologize for the obscene number of pictures I am posting from our time at the Grand Canyon.  It is next to impossible to whittle it down any further.  If you've seen it in person, you know what an awe-inspiring sight it is.  Truly one that pictures do not even come close to doing justice.

The Train Station at the South Rim
This is where the train left us.  We decided since we didn't have a vehicle at the Canyon and we wanted to see more than was within walking distance that we would take the bus tour around the South Rim, hitting all the major views.

The kids at our first stop, Bright Angel Canyon.  This is where Brighty of the Grand Canyon got his name.  When we got to this stop, I was so glad we were with a lot of other people.  As the bus rounded the corner and we got our first glimpse of the canyon, the occupants of the bus let out a loud, collective gasp.  THAT'S a memory worth a thousand words and truly speaks to the magnificence of our Creators works.

One thing I can't provide you with is scale.  I truly wish I could.  It is huge and amazing!

Such a good dad.  He's actually been to the Grand Canyon before, but I love that he wants to make sure his family still has the experience.  He is so good at taking the time to talk to them and explain what he knows to them.  I heart him!

Good Dad, TERRIBLE husband!
There was NO way I was going to let him push me off the canyon.

Hopi Point

The Yumans look a bit chilly, don't they?

Even if there is a lack of railing around the Grand Canyon, at least they put some at the bottom of the ice covered stairs.  :)

We had our pb&j lunch at this little nook.  Yep, that is RIGHT on the edge of the canyon.  See?  No railing!

My guess is they were discussing coming back one day with parachutes they make
out of old tshirts and what it will be like to jump.

I made her move before I took the picture, but do you see how close she is sitting to the edge of the canyon?  Before I made her sit on her bottom, she was perched precariously on that rock with her feet tucked up under her enjoying her sandwich.  Can you imagine?  Right on the edge of THE GRAND CANYON???

One of two bathrooms in the park.  We took advantage while we could.  It's an outhouse type potty in a brick and mortar building.  I went in with Amelia and this was her soothing herself about the 10 foot drop between the toilet seat and the bottom.

"Don't look down.
Don't look down.
Don't look down.
I get dizzy.
I might pass out."

REALLY?  Is this the same kid that JUST sat on a rock on the edge of the Grand Canyon with her feet tucked up under her???

The Meem's getting a "shoulder back" from Daddy.
That thin air wears you out!

The weather was just beautiful the day we were here.  The visibility was amazing.  It was so warm and sunny, but there were a few gusts of wind every now and then.  Abby made a comment about how she better watch her hat.  Amelia quickly tossed back "Better watch my life!"

I find this picture hilarious.  Looks like some kind of Art-Deco picture that you would see in some artsy-fartsy museum showing the "juxtaposition of human nature" where everyone nods their heads and agrees to what they "see" when it's really just Marshall looking at his feet and Amelia figuring out how to climb to the top of the building.

**No disrespect to my artsy-fartsy friends.  I'm an extremely concrete thinker and jealous.**

After our bus tour, we were just in time for a little history lesson.  The ranger was talking about Mary Elizabeth Colter.  She was the architect responsible for many National Park buildings.  She is credited with inventing "Parkitecture", the rustic architecture seen in our National Parks today.

The Hopi House, one of Colters creations- a really cool building that houses a rather
expensive gift shop with all kinds of Native American crafts and Grand Canyon related wares.

The Beaven 3 at what we were told was a famous spot.
Apparently The Brady Bunch sat right here during their Grand Canyon episode and watched
 Native American dancers.  Of course, my kids have no idea who The Brady Bunch are....

Abby brushing wool.

Abby wearing her wool hat!