Ooh, Ahh...

All thirteen of us loaded up and drove to Williams, Arizona to catch the train to the Grand Canyon. The Grand Canyon Railway was a real treat. The authentically restored vintage locomotives run along the historic rail line that passengers rode more than a century ago. We were entertained with strolling musicians, western cowboys, and great views.

Before boarding the train, we were entertained by an Old West Show. Alice was such a good sport all day - she started out smiling, and stayed like this all day.

On the train, the kids had fun chatting with the Marshall, some train robbers, our amusing and informative train conductor, and a couple of very talented musicians. Here they are with the Marshall.

The high desert turned to prairie, and the prairie turned to pine. Then we came upon the Grand Canyon.

Here we all are. What a spectacular day!


A bit windy at the Grand Canyon.
Grandma and Grandpa enjoyed the time with all the grandkids.
Len, Jean, and Elise. I hadn't seen Len and Jean for 15 years - the last time was at Jay and Elise's wedding. It was such a pleasure to spend time with them again.
Len, Jean, and Gary.
Alice got ahold of my camera and ended up taking some lovely photos, including this one of her Aunt Elise. Alice also took this one of me with my Mom and Dad.
And this one of me and Zane.

My brother's family.

I believe Alice actually took this one too. I may be out of a job pretty soon!

So glad we got to experience the South Rim of the Grand Canyon today. It was wonderful.

Then it was time for the long train ride home... Uncle Gary, to the rescue! He made up the "Name Your Favorite Piece of Candy" game. In the first few rounds, the standards of Snickers bar and M&Ms came up. By about round fifteen, they were coming up with those orange marshmallowy peanuts. And by round twenty, Alice was getting desperate and came up with Chinese food. And to her, well, it's true - Chinese food is like candy! She loves it.

We drove through Flagstaff, Arizona on the way back to Sedona and ate at Black Bart's Steakhouse and Musical Review. Wow. What a fun time that was! The wait staff had the added responsibilities of singing and dancing - and they were quite talented. Alice's favorite song of the evening - Under the Sea from Little Mermaid. It was a good time. Highly recommend it.

And what did we do when we got back to the resort? The kids begged, they pleaded, but no pool. We were all exhausted!