Obamas take in wonder of the Grand Canyon

(NECN: Grand Canyon National Park, Ariz.) – The first family continued its tour of America’s west on Sunday, paying visit to Grand Canyon National Park in Arizona. The stop came a day after watching Old Faithful shoot off at Yellowstone National Park in Wyoming. President Barack Obama, first lady Michelle Obama, daughters Malia and Sasha and other relatives hopped aboard Air Force One in Phoenix for the short trip. Accompanied by park rangers, the Obamas had a handful of questions about the nature of the Grand Canyon. And President Obama recalled a childhood visit to the Grand Canyon. “When I was eleven years old — when I was Malia’s age — I was here,” the president said. He was asked by a park ranger whether he thought it looked the same as he remembered it. “It does. It hasn’t changed too much,” Mr. Obama said. The visits come during one of three summer weekends when the administration has waived entrance fees at 147 national parks and monuments to spur tourism and boost local economies. In the evening, the first family was to return to Phoenix, where the president will address the VFW National Convention on Monday. Material from The Associated Press used in this report.