Grand Canyon Train Trip

Memorial Day weekend Andrew and his buddy John planned on camping outside the Grand Canyon and hiking to the bottom and back up in one day.  While I enjoy hiking to some extent a 15 mile hike into and out of the Grand Canyon did not sound like my cup of tea.  I did however want to see the Grand Canyon one last time before we moved away from Arizona.  After a little research and some collaboration with Susan we decided that she would fly out that weekend and she and I would take the girls on the train from Williams to the Grand Canyon.  It was a bit ambitious, the train ride was 2 hours and 15 minutes one way and I was a little worried how the girls would do on such a long ride.  I packed lots of little toys, coloring books, the Leapster, and snacks and hoped for the best.  After the long car ride (with lots of traffic) up to Williams I was even more concerned about the train ride than before.  Maybe a yummy dinner, a dip in the pool, and a good night's sleep would do us all some good.  The next morning we woke up bright and early and went to the western show that was put on before the train took off.  Abby and Olivia were not too excited about the show, they didn't like the loud booms of the fake guns.  Next, we were off to board the train.  The girls did so much better than expected!  They really enjoyed riding on the train and the on board entertainment that was provided including cowboys singing, Grand Canyon facts, and of course a trip to the cafe car!  I didn't get out the toys or coloring books at all on the way there!  We got to the Grand Canyon about lunch time, so after a few breathtaking views of the canyon and a few quick pictures we headed over to have some lunch.  We opted for a light lunch and ate it outside with the most amazing view in the world!  During lunch I got a text from Andrew saying that they were only about an hour away from reaching the top so we decided we would meet up with them.  We headed over to the visitors center when Abby got her "passport" stamped, took in some more awe inspiring views and then caught up with Andrew and John when they made it to the top of Bright Angel trail.  It took them a little over 8 hours to make the 15 mile hike, which was much quicker than originally anticipated.  The girls were over the moon to see their Daddy and, poor Andrew wasn't able to put Olivia down.  I tried to get her to walk or let me hold her, but she only wanted her Daddy!  The boys wanted to have a celebratory beer so we all headed over to a little pub so they could rest and celebrate a bit.  By then it was about time for our ride home on the train so we said goodbye to Andrew and John and boarded the train for the journey back to Williams.  On the return trip there was more entertainment to keep everyone busy, more cowboy music, all the kids went to the front of the train car to tell a joke (Abby even did it), and our train was even stopped by some nasty train robbers who came aboard to take all of our money.  Abby was a bit scared but she loved telling the sheriff which way the robbers went!  When we got back to Williams we headed into town and found a great Mexican place to eat dinner, which was followed by a dip in the pool and then we all headed to bed.  It was a great trip and I am so glad we did the train, it was lots of fun!

This is the pre-train ride Western Show

This is how Abby spent most of the 20 minute show

Abby and Grammy on the train

"Where are we going?"

"This is fun!"

Olivia and Grammy

Mommy and Abby

Abby wanted me to take this picture of her walking between the cars on our way back from the cafe car. She was so proud that she could do it all by herself!

My girls!

Pictures do not do this place justice.

It is simply amazing and I highly recommend a trip if you have never been.

Abby, Olivia, and Grammy

Checking out the amazing views.

John and Andrew after their epic adventure.

Andrew and John with their celebratory beer.  Way to go boys!

The scary train robber

Myself and the girls at dinner after a long day!