July 2014

Our amazing roadtrip through SLC to Yellowstone National Park and back.

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July 4 in Utah

Spending time with cousins

Temple Square

Discovery Museum

Ropes course at Discovery Museum

Arriving in West Yellowstone

Cabin on Hebgen Lake

The boys had as much fun at our cabin on Hebgen Lake as in the park. They were on the grass and at the lake's edge nearly every second that we were at the cabin. They were up at dawn and outside every morning, even though dawn was probably 5 AM and we hadn't gone to bed until close to midnight. Every day the boys asked hundreds of times if they could go fishing. On our last day there, before heading out we spent an hour or so on the boat dock fishing.

Old Faithful

 Wildlife sightings

We were the first ones on the road to spot a black bear. As we pulled over and started watching more and more cars joined us.

We saw a bull moose and a cinnamon black bear.

Bison were so exciting for the first 20 minutes then they became as exciting as seeing pigeons in NYC.

During one drive, there was a lone elk standing on the side of the road. We were held up in traffic for at least 30 minutes due to other visitors just watching it.

At the Lower Falls parking lot, there were several bison hanging around the bathrooms making it impossible for anyone to safely use the facilities.

We saw a fox run across the road with three rats in its mouth.

There was a very angry mama bird crossing the road with her babies.

We were able to observe a grizzly bear in one meadow.

Yellowstone scenery

Midway Geyser

Hike to Fairy Falls

This hike turned out to be quite a bit longer, hotter and drier than expected. It was not easy for any of us. The entire way to the falls, Tyler cried and cried because he wanted to be carried but we needed him to walk. The entire way back to the car, Tyler cried and cried because he wanted to walk and we needed to carry him. The falls themselves were not much more than a trickle but we stayed and played around the water. Chad decided to explore a little on his own. When he returned he told us that his entire life flashed before his eyes. He saw a dark, furry blob in the brush ahead of him and was certain that it was a bear and he was about to be eaten. It was a bison.

Relaxing

Artists Paintpots

Norris Basin

This area was a surprise to us. We drove in and hiked down not knowing what we would see. It didn't disappoint. We were even able to see a geyser go off.

Selfie break at Norris Basin

Not sure what this is called

Swimming at Boiling River

Swimming in this river was so much fun. We had planned to do the hike but it was closed. Instead, we played in the water, built rock dams and explored. The water was not warm but we all adjusted.

Undine Falls

Hike to Brink of the Upper Falls

Brink of the Lower Falls

We lost two water bottles on this trip and one was on this hike. The Upper and Lower Falls were absolutely beautiful. The natural rainbows were unbelievable. The views did not look real.

Lookout Point on the Grand Canyon of Yellowstone North Rim Hike and Drive

Grand View on the Grand Canyon of the Yellowstone North Rim Hike and Drive

Inspiration Point on the Grand Canyon of the Yellowstone North Rim Hike and Drive

Tower Falls - a hike bust

We were hoping to hike down a bit to these falls but the area was closed and we could not hike. Instead we hung around the top, rested a bit and took selfies. Selfies became a way to help the kids have some fun and chill out a little bit.

Tower Falls selfies

Beautiful Yellowstone greenery 

Mammoth Hot Springs

This area of the park was not nearly as beautiful as the others. We were hoping to see glaciers and other vegetation but it was fairly desolate.

Firehole Canyon swim and drive

Beautiful waterfalls

This is one of the best family vacations we have ever been on. We spent some great quality time together and saw some of the most beautiful country around. We did a lot of hiking and walking, as well as driving. The boys hung in there the entire time. They all had fun learning to take pictures. Grant had his own camera. Cole stole mine and Tyler always wanted to push the button. Grant was grouchy as the trip wore on. Cole was always cold. Tyler always had to go potty.