Day 26 - Passport Diaries

Ok, math people, I need an equation. What is the maximum amount of whiny-ness allowable to still truthfully let all parties say “we sure had a fun day!” Even “that was kind of fun!” would suffice. I think we exceeded our alotment today for sure. But sometimes Isaac’s whiniest days deliver an inexplicable “that was a fun day!” at the end. Somebody give me the formula!

Today WE WENT ON A HELICOPTER RIDE OVER THE GRAND CANYON. It was amazing. We flew along the rim where the land is Navajo as far as the eye can see, and dirt paths dead end on the razor edge of the precipice. We swung out over nothing as the pine trees fell away and the canyon plummeted thousands of feet in elevation. We saw millimeter-long white water rafts and ants that were actually grazing buffalo. We looped around the north rim and swooped down a dragon-shaped ravine. It was incredible. “Mom! I don’t know about this!” Isaac was brave and adorable. Flying over the river was his favorite part. It was so fun!

The whole family was flying high over that successful adventure. The plan for the rest of the day was simple: naps, food, canyon rim walk, food, sunset. I’m not sure where it went south. Probably around the time Eloise pooped instead of napping, so no one rested. Then the kids didn’t want to eat, so they were hungry and grouchy on our walk. Yesterday there were some kids on the train, so it took me until now to realize: we are the only idiots here with little kids. Of course this isn’t enjoyable; Chris and I are both constantly saving the lives of our precious NAFODs (no apparent fear of death).

“MY BUTT IS ITCHY AND I AM TIRED OF WALKING!” said Isaac on repeat.

They touch everything. They eat nothing. They spill milk all over the bed. There is all the crying and whining.

Are we having fun yet?