Dave and I went on the trip of a lifetime in May, with some of our favorite people, Jason, Jenn, Jason and Kristina. Because I have no memory, and I want to remember this amazing trip, there are probably 600 pictures about to be posted. It was quite the feat organizing all these pictures from all the different cameras, and because I am crazy, they all had to be in sequential order. Even more reason to post more pictures, I was so proud of myself for organizing them.
My amazing sister in law Carrie used to be a guide for Western River Expeditions, and I have always wanted to do this trip. The opportunity arose, we jumped on it, and we planned this trip in less than three months.
Dave and I flew into Las Vegas on Monday, May 6. The next morning, bright and early we got on this little airplane and flew to Marble Canyon, AZ. I had major pep talks with myself about how I wasn't claustrophobic.
We landed and met up with these lovelies. We love traveling with these people. We went on a cruise with them four years ago, and we were due for another trip.
Here we are, all nice and clean.
The J rig boats. Our bags. And our life jackets. Start of the journey.
After a brief orientation (where Dave embarrassed me by asking inappropriate questions), we were off! The start of our six day, 186 miles down the Colorado River.
The food on the trip was incredible And the best past was that I didn't have to make any of it! Or do any dishes! We stopped for lunch and we went on a hike and we came back to our guides setting up lunch. One of my favorite things was how strict they were with germs. They had a hand washing station, and then an antibacterial pump. My kind of people.
This lunch set up was the least impressive. The other days we had curry wraps, and I can't remember what else. But it was good. See, memory fading.
This was my first time to the Grand Canyon, another reason to add to the massive amounts of pictures. I was very impressed with the beauty.
The Colorado River has the largest rapids for a river its size in North America. We only took pictures on the smaller rapids, because on the big ones we were holding on for dear life.
First set of rapids.
Their faces say it all. This is one of my favorite pictures from the trip.
Our campsite for the first night. The sand was so soft and white, and I loved watching the sun fade away on the mountains.
Jason took this picture of us. I wish I could remember what we were talking about.
Jenn and Jason. Two of the most positive, upbeat, fun people I've ever met.
Jason and Krisitna. Hilarious, down to earth, witty, and always looking so stylish - both of them.
Love these four people.
Us.
Dinner that night was amazing-BBQ chicken (which I did not eat, I don't like chicken), two different kinds of cornbread from the dutch over, salad and yummy green beans with marinated almonds.
Our view from our tent that night. It was supposed to rain all night (which it did) so we opted for the tent instead of sleeping under the stars. Not a bad way to end the first day.
*******Wednesday, May 8, 2013*******
I loved waking up to this view-the mountains, the river, and Jenn with her trusty hot chocolate.
Watching the sun rise grow down the mountain was amazing, and doing it while eating eggs bendict added to the awesomeness. We went to bed with the sun, and woke up with the sun. I thought I was going to be really tired, but I actually really liked it and found I had lots more energy. Probably because I didn't have to cook. Or clean. Or change diapers. Ha!
Watching the sun rise grow down the mountain was amazing, and doing it while eating eggs bendict added to the awesomeness. We went to bed with the sun, and woke up with the sun. I thought I was going to be really tired, but I actually really liked it and found I had lots more energy. Probably because I didn't have to cook. Or clean. Or change diapers. Ha!
This picture captures the essence of what a dork I was on this trip. Rain gear, no makeup, freaking chums on our sunglasses, sun hats, and I only wish our shoes, yep dorky Tevas (knock off Tevas, even worse), were in this to capture the full effect.
The start of a great day.
She may have been the best dressed, but Kristina was the cutest dork there. She actually bought and read the river guide book. What? I just waited for the guides to tell me all they knew.
Dave photobombing.
Petroglyphs (and a little bird poop).
An old wall, and our boat in the river. I like to think this was some Anasazi woman's kitchen. Maybe she cooked here while her kids played outside.
We hiked all the back inside this cave. Kinda cool, kinda creepy.
Our stop at Red Wall Cavern. This place was huge, they said a football field could fit in it. Look how little those people are on the beach. My sister in law who was the guide said there are fossils there that are 300 million years old.
The girls.
The boys. The guide were doing crazy rock climbing stuff.
So Jason and Jason tried too, and were really good. Dave didn't try. We need him to keep his fingers the way they are so we can go on more trips. 
The six of us. And Greg.
Another stop and hike. These are called the "kissing rocks".
For obvious reasons.
Lunch.
We floated down the river and were told that we got to hike to some ancient Anasazi granaries. In the middle of the picture in that big hole, and to the right is another smaller hole. To the right of that, is a little indent with thee hole in it. That is where we were going. The Anasazi people would keep their grain in there, light a controlled fire, and then close the granaries so they were air tight. This preserved the grain until they needed it during the winter. They lived in the canyon during the summer, and on top of the canyon during the winter.
On the way up.
You can see our blue boats off to the bottom right.
Such a beautiful view. I love the Grand Canyon now. Cheesy, I know.
Almost there! 
We did it!
After we got all good and sweaty we decided to brave the 55 degree water and take a "bath". It was freeeeeezing, but felt so good after. Most beautiful spot I have ever taken a bath. Coldest one too.
