Arizona's Natural Treasures!

 The Grande Canyon

 Our family has visited the Grande Canyon a few times, but this was the first time to be there during a storm.  The kids and I drove up and didn't want the day to be wasted.  We loved running from the rain and watching the lightning strike across the sky.

 We were lucky to experience the fast moving storm.  From moment to moment the sky, colors and canyon changed.

 We had the opportunity to enjoy some great moments of clear skies and snap a few group photos!

 The kids enjoyed the grass (rare in Phoenix) and chasing the squirrels. 

 Due to the storm the kids and I ducked into a few places we had never visited before.  We enjoyed learning about the canyon and different films, visitors and equipment that have been used throughout the years.  We truly had a fun day, but were glad to get dried off and warm on the way back to the hotel!

Sedona, Arizona

 

 Sedona was a first for both the kids and I.  As we drove into the Sedona Valley the red rocks captured our attention.  We were quickly surrounded by the amazing red rocks as far as our eyes could see.  Because this was our first stop we visited a tour company and set up a trolly tour.  While we waited for our time slot the kids and I ventured out to the Chapel of the Holy Cross.

 The Chapel of the Holy Cross was built into the side of a rock.  The church is still used today and the kids liked seeing the crosses and candles in the chapel.  The church is very small but it was a great way to start our day in Sedona.

 We headed back to the tour stop so that we could load up!  The kids and I learned a lot on our tour.  Sedona has the first McDonald's without golden arches, their arches are turquoise :)  The Thunder Mountain Railroad ride at Disneyland and Disney World is based on a section of rocks in Sedona.  They also have a few rocks shaped like characters, the kids favorite was Snoopy!

We were able to get off of the trolly and wonder around at a few points.  We had fun hiking and seeing if we could feel the "Sedona Vortex or Energy"!  I don't think that any of us felt anything special, but it was fun to try!

 Sedona is also home to a lot of fun art and shops.  We all liked getting being able to stretch our legs and see new things!

Sedona was a bit warm by the afternoon so the best way to end our day among the red rocks was trying the local ice cream!

This was the first time that the kids and I have taken an overnight trip without Dadam.  I think that we all had a fun time, but we would have enjoyed it a lot more with him along!