The Grand Canyon

While in Las Vegas we took a day trip and visited the Grand Canyon. The Western rim of the Grand Canyon is about 2 1/2 hours from Vegas and is part of the Hualapai Native American Tribe's reservation. It was an interesting ride out there to say the least, but worth every minute. The Grand Canyon is absolutely amazing!

We stopped for a picture at this scenic overlook on the way to the Grand Canyon.

A breathtaking view along the stretch of road between Las Vegas and the Grand Canyon.

The drive to the Grand Canyon is pretty interesting. The first stretch of the trip is a normal ride along an interstate type highway. Then you get to Dolan Springs, Arizona. That's where the fun begins. I wish I would have taken a few pictures of this town. After seeing it, I will never again complain about Tallassee being a small town with not much to offer. I'll just leave it at that.

On this stretch of road we kept seeing these cactus/palm looking trees. They were everywhere and really odd looking. I kept saying the terrain, plants and rocks really looked like something from another planet. After I got home, I Googled these trees and discovered they are Joshua trees.

The last 29 miles of the journey are by far the most interesting. Their is a 13 mile stretch that is a rough, dirt road. It was a very bumpy and dusty ride!

But then, just when you are asking yourself if this drive is really worth it....

you see this.....

and realize YES, it is very much worth it!!! The first time you see the Grand Canyon it literally takes your breath away. Pictures do not do it justice! It is truly one of the most amazing and beautiful things I have ever experienced.

This is referred to as "Eagle Point" because the rock formations resemble an eagle soaring.

While at the Grand Canyon we made a stop at the famous Skywalk. The Skywalk is a glass bottom bridge that is suspended 4,000 feet above the Colorado River on the very edge of the Grand Canyon.

They do not allow you to take anything (including cameras) on the bridge for fear of harming the glass if something were to fall. You have to wear booties over your shoes to protect the glass as well. I read somewhere that each piece of glass on the Skywalk cost $250,000. So I guess I understand why they are a little protective of it! I did find the picture below on the Internet so you can get an idea of what it looks like on the Skywalk.

I really didn't think I would be scared, but when you are up 4,000 feet above the Grand Canyon looking straight down and walking on a sheet of glass, I was SCARED!

They had Native American dwellings around the park.

Me with a very sweet Hualapai Native American.

And I had to end this post with the following picture. This is the car after we made the trip both to and from the Grand Canyon on the dirt road. The car was so dirty and dusty! This picture is also funny because anyone who knows my parents would get a kick out of this picture just at the thought of them traveling in this car!!!

Las Vegas

This past week Mom, Dad and I went to Las Vegas for a "mini vacation." We had the best time! Las Vegas is probably not the place I would have chosen if I were planning the trip, but I am so glad Mom and Dad picked Vegas. It is one of those places everyone need to experience at least once in their lifetime. It really isn't like any other place I've been.

We stayed at the Palazzo, which was SO nice!! Our room was amazing and the view was great. You know me, I had to take pictures of the room. It had a sunk in living area separate from the sleeping area.

The view from our room.

The Palazzo is the sister hotel to the Venetian. They are connected by an amazing shopping mall that is centered around canals complete with gondolas. The ceiling is painted like the sky and you actually feel as if you are outside walking a street in Italy. It really is amazing!

This was a real man dressed as a statue. It was neat, but at the same time really creepy!

We tried our hand at a little gambling...ha!! I think in all we spent about $6 or $7.Dad was the big winner!! Here he is holding his winnings.... $0.10!!!

Mama, who is known for her thriftiness, finally got the courage up to bet $1. Notice the slot machine and what is reads: "Call Attendant. Bill Jam In Acceptor." This was too funny! Her dollar was stuck and we couldn't find an attendant!!

We headed downtown to here...

in hopes to see them.....

but as you can imagine, they weren't there. But it was a lot of fun to see the place. It is actually much smaller than it appears on television. It is also in a not so great location.

Bookcase Makeover

Several months ago while shopping at JoAnn's Fabrics, I came across these unfinished wooden storage bins in the clearance section. They were marked 70% off, and I think I ended up paying a little under $30 for both. I bought them thinking Georgie could use them to help organize her books and Barbie accessories. I stacked them in her room and there they sat for months. We recently rearranged her room and when we did, we found the perfect spot for them; at the end of her bunk beds. Last weekend I finally got around to finishing them for her. She was so happy to have them completed!

Just in case your curious as to what I did, I'll fill you in here. First, I screwed and glued the two units together, countersunk the screws, filled with putty and sanded. Then I added moulding to conceal the "seam" between the two units and then added moulding to the top of the bookcase. Next, I painted it an off-white latex flat paint, then waxed it with paste wax. I found the canvas storage bins at Target for about $5 each. And there you have it!!

It has almost been three weeks since I have posted to the blog. I never intend to go that long, it just kind of happens. So, I'll play catch up in this post.

They love to play and climb on our neighbor's tree. It's a great climbing tree...lots of branches and a lot are low to the crowd.

We were excited that cousin Banks got to come and play...

Daniel gave him a crash course on how to play at the train table.

And I must admit, Banks LOVED it! He stood and played for at least 30 minutes.

Daniel is always looking for some love time with Banks. I can see these two being the best of friends in the years to come.

I think I have made a big mistake! I bought the kids Yoohoo drinks for the first time. After only about 30 minutes of being home from the store, I walked into my bedroom and found this....all empty and compliments of Jack Butler.

I've found little Butler babies asleep all over the house the past few weeks.

Daniel's class learned about city helpers last week. He came home wearing this cute Policeman hat he made. He had a badge, but we lost it before we could take the picture.

Georgie was invited to her sweet friend Blair's birthday party. It was a Barbie themed party and was the cutest thing ever! Barbie came to the party, put make-up on all the girls and they had a fashion show. Georgie was all about this!!

Georgie and Blair

Georgie and Barbie after the fashion show. All the girls received a "Fashion Show Award." Georgie was "Little Miss Graceful."

Picking out her jewelry for the fashion show.Barbie putting on Georgie's make-up.

"Butler Automotive Repair Shop" is always open and ready for business.

And last but not least, the little faces and personalities I love.....

their "mean faces"...

and his sweet face!

Wordless Wednesday

The Little Tooth that Could

Everyone knows the childrens story The Little Engine that Could. Well, Georgie had the "Little Tooth that Could." It kept saying, "I think I can stay, I think I can stay..." FINALLY yesterday while eating a fruit roll-up snack at school it came out. Seriously, this top front tooth has been loose for 3 months now (barely hanging on for almost two weeks).

I took this picture over a week ago, and I thought for sure it was coming out that day....WRONG!

Here she is proudly showing off her snaggle tooth smile. She sounds a little like Cindy Brady now...HA!