Grand Canyon Trip July 2011

Well we are back from the Grand Canyon and wow what a weekend! 

We arrived pretty late in Williams, AZ but that didnt stop the girls from getting up early!  We walked across the street to get some hot chocolate and went back to the hotel for a continenental breakfast.  We headed over the train station a bit early so we could take pictures.  The girls enjoyed the western show before boarding the train for their 2 1/2 hour train trip.  The girls were super excited about the train trip and loved getting a snack in the cafe car.  Up at the Grand Canyon the girls finished the Junior Ranger program and learned about the newly released Condors up at the Canyon.  With a 10 ft wing span these birds were very impressive!  The girls saw 3 of them quite close and were very excited.  Everyone agreed that the Grand Canyon looked so pretty it almost looked fake.  The girls explored the south rim, lookout point and the Hopi House Museum before boarding the train to return to the hotel. 

Excited by the train trip the girls were so surprised when they pulled into the train station and saw their Horse Drawn Carriage ride waiting to take them back to the hotel.  They said they all felt like princesses and waved to the crowds all the way to the hotel.

Sara celebrating her 8th birthday not only had the whole train sing her Happy Birthday but also got to drive the horse carriage for a little bit.

They capped off the day with some pizza from the Pizza Factory across from the hotel. Then they had a surprise party for Sara with cake and presents.

Sunday we got up early packed the car and walked over to the Country Pine Restaurant for some of their world famous pancakes.  Having to waste some time we stopped at a local swap meet before checking out of the hotel.  Now bouncing in their seats we headed for the horse stable.  The girls got a special class about horses and caring for them before heading out for an hour trail ride.

The trail ride was quite eventful because Lizzie's Horse fell to its knees spooking Alyssa's horse causing it to rear up and take off at full speed with Alyssa hanging on!  Luckily both girls were able to stay in their saddles and all made it back to camp.  The leader said they were both natural horseback riders to hold their seat without falling. 

After recovering over happy meals at the local McDonalds we headed over to the Bearizona that just opened which was just amazing!  We started with a 3 mile drive where animals were loose and really close to the cars.  We had a bear pass right in front of us which was incredible.  After driving through several times we headed into "zoo" area where the girls got to see a bird show and see various baby animals playing in natural habitats.  It was incredible and we were glad we stayed for it.