Ain't Life Grand?

Last Tuesday, we began the last leg of our vacation adventure. We made our way across NM and into AZ. We made a quick detour into the Painted Desert. Mat and I had driven in/out once before we were married (on our way from NM back to CA). We got to see a little more of the gorgeous landscape, pausing to take photos along the way. We even managed a few with us in them (aren't tripods wonderful?).

We didn't drive out the other end, but headed back out the same way so that we could get to our next destination...the Grand Canyon. Apparently, our arrival was preceded by that of the First Family (guess the Prez' Press Secretary didn't get my email stating that we wouldn't arrive until Tuesday...they were there the weekend before we got there). Oh well. Personally, I'm glad we didn't have to deal with any of the hulabaloo that's bound to accompany the presence of the President (no offense, Mr. Pres).

Let me just say that the Grand Canyon in INCREDIBLE! I had never seen it before...okay, if you ask Mat, he'll say I did. We drove there before we were married but, since it was in December, the entire canyon was filled with fog! So, for all I know, we could've been at a desert or along a mall parking lot! But this time, OH, this time it gorgeous. The kids thought so, too. I promise to add photos to this post sometime soon. We had perfect weather (daytime temps in the mid 80s) and we camped 2 nights just outside the Park. Maybe 5-8 of the 40+ campsites were taken. Other than the occasional flight in/out of Grand Canyon Airport, it was very quiet and peaceful.

We left Grand Canyon on Thursday morning, driving to HOT Las Vegas for one night's stay. Knowing it would be miserable camping in the tent trailer, Mat opted to reserve us a room at our favorite hotel, the Venetian. And yes, my sweetie got us a suite just like the one we stayed in last summer (though this time, we had the kids w/us). They thought it was awesome...especially the TV in the bathroom! The pool was THE BEST (a perfect match for the 100+ temps there). We had to make a trek to M&M World at the kids' request (okay, I didn't mind going again). We made the mistake of taking the van to M&M World (since it was a long walk). Mat was going to fetch the van and get us as we walked along the Strip. Wrong! We ended up walking the entire way, made it into the Shoppes, ordered and ate gelato, then went up to the room (dressed for bed) before he got back. Poor thing! Construction on the Strip (and on every parallel street) made it slow going everywhere at night. The next morning, traffic was fine (drove to Peppermill for breakfast before heading out). Note to self: DO NOT DRIVE ALONG THE STRIP AT NIGHT.

We had one last camping experience in ID at a KOA before we got home. Made a side trip to Shoshone Falls (very cool). Had no idea we had such a gorgeous falls so close to home.

So, we're back in our own beds and back at work (ick!). But it was really a great vacation, one that we won't soon forget....though it makes us wish we could do it again soon!