Flagstaff, Grand Canyon and M&K visit

February 24, 2017

It was a blast having our latest company here. M&K got in a day of warmth before we ventured north. This time instead of a cross country road trip with just Stefan and two vehicles full of our stuff, they accompanied all four of us two hours north to Flagstaff.

We loved our little AirBNB three bedroom complete with a trampoline and a fire pit. We left Friday evening after work so Z would fall asleep and a little before we got there, so did G. They both were easy to transfer to their bed.

The first day we drove another hour and a half north to the Grand Canyon. We did the tourist thing and visited the ranger station, but then we walked a trail off the beaten path with both kids. It wasn't too long, and it was well worth the view. Amazing! Unfortunately the weather didn't cooperate and we had some light rain as well as fog. The view would be unbelievable with good weather, even with it closing in completely within five minutes of us getting to the end of the trail, it was awe-inspiring. It really is GRAND. The pathway was snowy and muddy and G traipsed around giddy as can be in it. We enjoyed a clear night that evening and lit up the fire pit complete with hot cocoa and trampoline jumping for A. Katie and Gavin.

We got take out both evenings to eat the house to make it easy with the kids but packed picnic lunches both days and made breakfast at the rental. The second day we took our time so we could open presents for G's bday then made our way a half hour to Sunset Crater National Park to see a volcano and lava flow. With Gavin's latest fascination with volcanoes this was perfect. He got to be sworn in by the park ranger as a junior ranger after completing his workbook during the hike. He got a badge and we got him a hat as a souvenir. We had plans to go the observatory to see space, his other fascination, but the weather was never clear enough. Sunday evening we of course enjoyed cake. Each evening the adults enjoyed games, wine and time together which we don't get often enough.

We had two days before their evening flight home where we all had to work but Mike and I got to enjoy Valetine's Day lunch at G's school. It was outside with a fully cooked meal from the chef for all students and two guests. So nice.

Thanks again M&K for making G's 4th bday and our 10th anniversary even more special. Enjoy the pics everyone!

Auntie and Uncle with their "Canadian Sweetheart"

G working on his space puzzle from G&G H with Auntie.

Hike to the GRAND view.

Happy as can be playing in the snow.

Tired baby going for a hike.

The gals.

Approaching the edge of the canyon. The VIEW.

Stefan with Gavin in the backpack standing at the edge. Breathtaking, just wish it was clear weather...next time. If anyone wants to come down and do a Grand Canyon trip, we will take you here!