Day 11- Grand, Oh So Grand Canyon

We spent the entire day looking at the Grand Canyon from every viewpoint that there was.  It is very easy for us to start our day early because the kids wake up at 5:30 out here because it is so bright out.  We rode the bus to the Visitor Center and then transferred to the Rim Route Bus, which you can get on and off of all day long.  You can ride the buses or hike between overlooks.  We did some of both, but started off with the hiking when the kids are at their best.  We hopped on the bus and rode it to South Kaibab Trail head Lookout.  This is one of two places where people begin a hike to the bottom of the canyon.  One day, I will do this hike.  I am just not dumb enough to do it when I have a 4 and 6 year old with me!  

Beginning our morning hike.  We hiked along the rim for about 3 miles.  The weather was perfect and the kids were great!   Throughout the Grand Canyon, they have all of these refillable water stations.  David and Logan are filling up our Camelbacks for our hike!  Each of the boys carry their own.  They look adorable!

It was breathtaking!

As we walked closer to the rim, this was a common look for us.  The two little ones had their cameras out (thank you poppy and Wanda) taking pictures and David or I had a hold of them.  They got very used to grabbing hands and slowing down and taking their time- which is a monumental task in and of itself for my boys!

Jimmy took this picture!  Love it!

We got back and switched buses and headed out for lunch!  

Here is our picnic spot at Mohave Point!  

One of the best places ever to eat lunch!

One of the things that was amazing to us was how much the view changed as you went to each of the different scenic overlooks.  

This is the last scenic overlook that you can stop at!  It is hard to believe that there is so much more to the Grand Canyon that the general public hardly ever sees!

Each of the National Parks has a free Junior Ranger Program where the kids get to learn about things specific to that National Park.  The boys are loving collecting their Junior Ranger Badges!

After the Junior Ranger Program where they learned about the animals of the Grand Canyon, we headed out to the Trailview Overlook.  

This is from Maricopa Point which is one of our favorite stops on the South Rim.

These Ravens fly over the Canyon all the time.  We watched one chase small birds away.

The last time we got off of the bus for the scenic overlooks was at Hopi Point- Beautiful!

We then walked down to Powell Point before boarding the bus and heading back to the campground.  

When we got back to the campground, we had the dinner guest below.  That is our Expedition in the picture and our Shadow Cruiser.  You can see just how close she was!

After dinner, Jimmy stayed with the two little boys and David and I headed out to Yavapai Point to watch the sunset.  The sunset was beautiful, but we still need to work on our photography skills to show the beauty of it!