Getting Ready for the Grand Canyon

6.03.2017

May has been a whirlwind at work...award ceremonies, Commencement, annual reports, final grades. If you work for a college, then you know that May is your busiest month.  I used to complain, but now I just accept it.  The reality is that once I get over this hump, I have a glorious summer to spend with my family.  Don't get me wrong--I still have to work e-v-e-r-y-d-a-y, but I do take some days off for vacation, relaxing around the house, and having play dates with Lewie.

This year it looks my dream is finally coming true.  We are going to the Grand Canyon!  Seeing the Grand Canyon has been on my bucket list since I was a teenager.  When I met my husband, we went on lots of trips together--Hawaii, San Francisco, San Diego, New Orleans, Lake Tahoe, Spain, Ibiza. Then I had Little Lewie.  Everything changed.  I thought we would become these cool parent jet setters, but instead I became neurotic Mommy--worried about my son's safety at every corner.  A trip to the Grand Canyon certainly didn't feel right then; I was not going to be one of those parents putting my son on a safety leash.

I waited, and waited, and waited, and... well, now with Little Lewie being eight (soon to be nine), what better time to begin our National Park trips?  I booked the trip in December with my fingers crossed.  So far, so good.  No family emergencies--Check!  Everyone's in good health--Check!

So...here's what we plan to do beginning on June 8th:

Fly to Phoenix, AZ...



Drive to Williams, AZ to begin our Grand Canyon Expedition.




Take the Grand Canyon Railway to the South Rim of the Canyon.  (Lewie still LOVES trains.)




Stay overnight at the South Rim of Grand Canyon National Park.



Experience an old-time Wild West Show.




Take a raft down the Colorado River to view the canyon from below.



(Photo courtesy of Viator Tours)

Travel to Scottsdale, AZ.

Desert sunset. (Photo courtesy of Scottsdale Convention & Visitors Bureau)


Visit family that moved to Phoenix, AZ.




Visit the Phoenix Zoo.




Lounge by the pool.




Relax.  (Well as much as you can do with an eight year-old.)




Enjoy whatever other wild adventure comes our way.



This is definitely not the cheapest of trips, but I've been saving for a long time.  Here's to wishing for good health and a safe journey.  Now it's time to start packing :)

6 comments:

  1. Ooooooooooooo this is on my list too my friend!! I cant wait to hear all about it and see pictures! How exciting! That massage looks like a good plan too! That is exciting that you will be seeing family on your trip. This itinerary looks fantastic!! You sure you cant fit Little Chick and I in your luggage? ;-) Lets plan a playdate soon when you return so I can hear all about this trip. Say hi to Little Lewie and your mom for me. Big hug! Have fun!!

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  2. So excited for you all! You are such a fun mommy!

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  3. Is Lewie going into 4th grade? In 4th grade, kids get a free pass to the National Parks for the whole year and sometimes it allows their families in free too! We got one this year for Zachary!

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  4. What an adventure! My husband and I went to the Grand Canyon before we had kids. We camped on the North Rim and did some hiking. I hope one day we can take the boys - but it is super expensive for a family of 5. I can't wait to hear all about your trip!

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  5. Wow, so much fun ahead! I went to Grand Canyon as a kid and totally didn't appreciate it! And then when we lived in Arizona for 1.5 years, we somehow never made it. I'm totally regretting that now!

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  6. That is so exciting! I hope you have an amazing trip!

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