A Grand Day

**again, this post is for Thursday, October 11, 2012.  Crazy time zone!**

Today was the day.

The day we were going to the Grand Canyon.

We were all up early and ready to go at 8am.

It is about a 2 hours drive from where we are staying to get to the south rim.

So, off we went.

And wouldn't you know it, it started to rain.

Oh no.

Before we got to the park entrance, we stopped at a gas station to hit the restrooms.

And while there, we decided to buy ponchos.

And boy were we glad we did.

Because when we first got to the Grand Canyon, it was raining.

And cold.

Oh my.

Cold and rainy as in my I couldn't really feel my hands cold and rainy.  Brrrrrrr.

Here is part of the group.  Most in green ponchos.

It was quite the memorable start to our visit.

And we were a bit worried about the rest of the visit.

And then, hope against hope the rain lightened.  And then it stopped.

And the sun started to come through the clouds.

By the time we got to our 2nd viewing point, it was turning out pretty nice.

Hubby.

Family photo at the Grand Canyon.  A must.  Clouds in the background.  Started to clear up.

Here is Aunt J and her girls, D, S, and L.

The kids.

Simply amazing.  Pictures don't do it justice.

Group shot.  Love this.

Happy girls smiling for their daddy.

Amazing.  Really words cannot describe the beauty.  

On our drive out of the park, we came across elk on the side of the road.  Very cool.

The trip to the Grand Canyon was amazing.  We definitely have decided we want to come back.

There is just so much to see.  It is truly one of the most magnificent things I have ever seen.

On our way home, Aunt J took us up a back road that they drive to see fall foliage.

Fall foliage in this part of Arizona are the amazing yellows of the Aspens.

The yellows are just beautiful.

I just love the white bark of the Aspen.  They remind me so much of the Birch trees we have back home.

Aren't they just amazing?

E amidst the Aspens.  With her coon hat.  Hysterical.

D with her coon hat.  So cute.

Coon hat explorers.

Aspens.  So, so pretty.

Yellow on fire.

Mountains in the clouds and yellow aspens.  Beautiful.

What a day.  Simply amazing.  

And oh so much fun to do with family.  That makes my heart happy.

potd #283.  What an amazing sight this is in person.  The colors of the rocks and the shadows of the clouds are indescribable.  Can't wait to get back.