Next stop? The Olympics!

Chris took Olivia swimming on Saturday.  She loved it!  She kicked, squealed and threw herself around the whole time she was in the water.  She didn't want to get out!

Hiking the Grand Canyon

Steve here ... It's been a while!  Kim asked that I post some pictures from my recent 3-day backpacking trip into the Grand Canyon.  I hope you enjoy the following photos as much as I did hiking through this stunning place. 

I suppose only a fraction of those who stare down into the canyon actually attempt to walk to the bottom of it.  At first glance, it appears to be an impossible task.

Our party consisted of six intrepid explorers, determined to enjoy nature and avoid work.  Left to right: Sanford, me, Ryan, Dave, Mike, and Mark.  Two minutes after this pose, we were on the way down!

It was all smiles and no pain as we descended from the South Rim via the Kaibob Trail, known for full sun exposure and fantastic views.

Mark was our trip organizer and did a great job of it.

Ryan was pleased with the views, the weather, and the skills of the traik-builders ... at least at first.  The problem with hiking down a vertical mile is you are required to ASCEND a vertical mile to return to your normal life.  As the signs warn: "GOING DOWN IS OPTIONAL, BUT GOING UP IS MANDATORY".

Here I am on a typical ledge/trail of the Kaibab route.  I read that these ledges were formed by drilling and dynamite in the 20s, and haven't changed much since.

Almost at the bottom ...  The Colorado River is just below.  The 400-foot Kaibab suspension bridge provides a path to the other side.  Note the smallish size of my pack.  That's because ...

... there's a Canteen at the bottom of the Canyon called Phantom Ranch.  Rather than carrying three days of food and cooking equipment, we simply ate three meals here.  What a treat!

The next day, we hiked seven miles to Ribbon Falls and back to Phantom Ranch again for dinner and sleeping by the Bright Angel Creek. 

The Grand Canyon is desert country, so Ribbon Falls provides a wonderful respite.  Sanford took this picture from behind the falls looking out.

Five of us are pictured here in the pool at the base of Ribbon Falls looking as tough as possible.  Mike was smart enough to get BEHIND the camera and avoid being swept up in the testosterone flow.

On the third day, we arose early and began the tough job of getting out of the Grand Canyon.  Every step would be a step UP.  Our strategy was to get as far as possible before the sun hit us.  You can see the trail ahead in the valley, still safely in the shade.

Rather than ascending via the exposed and steep South Kaibab trail, our route up was via the longer but more sheltered Bright Angel Trail.  In the ravines near water, it was downright lush at times.

The coolness of the early going elicited many smiles.  This is a great place to take a walk!

On the way up, stunning scenery was always available simply by pausing and looking back.  It was amazing how quickly one can climb and look down on a spot covered a few minutes ago

The builders of the Bright Angel Trail were wise.  They built rest houses complete with running water and bathrooms.  It was a great place to stop and chat with other hikers.  We met one couple in their 70s.

At last, features on the rim became more recognizable.  Here we are with "just a little bit to go", and the remaining fractional climb is undoubtably higher than anything in Missouri.  Ryan is turned away from me because he is no longer smiling.

We spotted some local residents just below the rim.  Could this be a good omen for the local football team?

 A near fall from the very top!  Scary stuff.

Above the rim at last ... it was a great, great trip ... or should I say "grand"?

The Olivia Chronicles

Olivia is one very happy, easy baby.  She is also very active!  Walk, climb, run, talk, turn on the TV, turn off the TV, if it has a button she wants to push it!  Here's a few pictures from our first day in LA.  We arrived in time to watch her while, Chris, Sunny, Tommy & Jena went to the Cardinals vs Dodgers game.  She really loves her Uncle Tommy.

Are you looking at me?

This is the life!

Happy, Happy!

I'm very flexible.  Even Lyla is amazed!

I am one good looking girl!

Patty cake is fun!

Lyla goes to LA

This is Lyla's story told from her perspective.  To you and me it sounds like "woof, woof", so I asked her to type it.

I started out on Day 1 full of anticipation and excitement.  I didn't know where Grandma was taking me  so I just planned on enjoying myself.  By Day 2 the fun of the car trip was over.  I spent most of the day curled up on the floor.

She did take me to a place in Amarillo where they have lots of cars that you can paint on.

This was probably my favorite hotel bed.  Grandma thought she could keep me off the bed, but little did she know that I can jump on the couch, walk over the night stand and get up here!

Day 3 was full of excitement!  We stopped at the Continental Divide and later picked up Grandpa.  We had to kill a couple of hours in Flagstaff waiting on him.  But that was ok.  We made several trips around the parking lot checking out all the new smells.

I thought I would surprise Grandma one day and help with the packing.

I was so excited to find out that I was actually being reunited with my beloved Jena!  It was a wonderful trip!

The Game

The soccer player...

 the assistant coach...

the assistant coach's assistant...

the assistant coach's assistants assistant...

the game...

Happy Birthday Heather!

 We got the gang all together to celebrate Heather's birthday.   We won't say how old she was, but it took way more candles than we had so the grandkids decided we should put 4 on the cake!

 This boy loves his cake!

 After we counted birthday years, we counted chins!

 All aboard!!!

 Guess how many rings I'm wearing.

 This looks stunning when worn with a plaid shirt.

 Gussie taking a break from all the festivities.



City Diner

Friday night we popped over to the City Diner for dinner.  It was quite a fun place inside.  All sorts of posters and neon colors on the walls.

Most of us ate breakfast for dinner.  Mary had a grand idea.  Instead of cutting up her pancakes she decided it was easier to scoot it to the edge of her plate and just eat it from there!

They had a big case full of Barbies.  The kids asked me what each of them were wearing and then picked out their favorite.