Verde Canyon Railroad

On day three of our Fall Break vacation, we took the boys on the Verde Canyon Railroad.

On the website it said the Verde Canyon is one of the nesting grounds for migratory Bald Eagles and we were excited to see them! Unfortunately it wasn't nesting season and so we just got a picture of one of the nests. Some of the passengers saw an eagle but I was trying to get the camera out and missed it.

The round-trip took four hours so we had lots of time to just relax and enjoy the scenery, the train, and each other.

Jacob tried his hand as photographer and took this great shot!

Jacob also took this picture of the Verde River. It wasn't too verde (green) because of the big rainstorms a week or two earlier but it was still beautiful.

Isaac loved to be outside and watch the world go by.

There was a guide on the viewing deck and we learned some fun and interesting tidbits from him as we went along.

He pointed out the Indian dwellings nestled into the walls of the canyon and told us all about the native plants and animals.

After some cat naps on the return trip, the boys were looking forward to browsing the gift shop (they are so funny; the gift shop of any tourist attraction is the best part of the day for them!).

Isaac and Jeremy doing their best totem-pole impression.

When I saw this, I knew my mom would love it! She is always telling the boys to "Soar High" like an eagle instead of acting like a turkey.

So all the boys wanted to show Granny their wingspans.

Of course, Spencer is the family's first "real" Eagle, having just completed his Eagle Board of Review.

Isaac can soar high, too, with dad's help!