Mimi/Baba/Uncle Rye & the Grand Canyon

We spent spring break with Mimi, Baba, and Uncle Ryan in Arizona. It was a great week. We all needed a break from school, work, activities, and agendas. My mom planned a mini-trip for us to take the train to the Grand Canyon. In order to do this, we had to spend two nights north of Sedona because the train to and from the Grand Canyon left from Williams, AZ. It was fun to explore Sedona - highlights include visiting a beautiful church and lighting candles for our grandparents, eating good Mexican food, shopping in little touristy stores, doing a puzzle back at the little cabin we rented, introducing our kids to "Ferris Bueller's Day Off," watching the kids make their own candles, and going on a jeep tour.

Chapel of the Holy Cross

Taylor lit a candle for G.G. on what would have been her 96th birthday.

Brayden and I lighting a candle for my friend Annie, who is battling Stage 4 lung cancer.

Family photo outside of the Chapel of the Cross

Dipping candles at the Sedona Candle Company

Beautiful Sedona scenery

On the Pink Jeep tour. Taylor and I had the back seat for the first half, and it was a bumpy ride!

Love these three!

My grown-up girl.

Me and Memes

Our journey to and from the Grand Canyon was fun. Brayden loved riding on the train, of course! Taylor and Matty had a great time too because Uncle Ryan entertained them the whole way. The three of them plus Tommy played cards on the train and Ryan told story after story. Everyone also enjoyed going to the cafe car and getting snacks. Once we arrived at the Grand Canyon, we took an organized tour that was not-so-great, but it allowed us to see the Canyon from a few different view points. We only had about four hours there before the return train left, so we did not get to do any real hiking - next time!

Ready to board the train for the Grand Canyon

I think the Grand Canyon pictures speak for themselves.

We also enjoyed hanging around Mimi and Baba's house. My parents have a great set up - their house is a perfect size for the two of them, and their backyard is awesome. They have a pool, firepit, and a covered eating area. We spent a ton of time back there. They kids also loved driving Baba's golf cart. Taylor drove the golf cart many times and Brayden steered while I did the pedals. We also went to a Diamondbacks game with the Brown family (from Newcastle) and went to the Train Park in Scottsdale with my cousins.

Matty dipped his feet in the pool when we arrived at midnight the first night.

Pool babe

Crazy kid

Diamondbacks game

Brayden's swim sale

Taylor and Baba driving the golf cart.

My three and my cousin Julie's triplets - Kaelyn, Trey and Tanner

One last hug with Uncle Rye

I think they were ready to sleep in their own beds again!

Spring Break 2019 was just what the doctor ordered - a week away from our over-scheduled, busy lives. Now we are back for baseball season, soccer season, and the final weeks of dance!