Ystone, Day Two

The older the kids get, the better sleep (or at least "less terrible" sleep) we get when we're traveling. The kids did a really good job sleeping in the cabin! Our beds were all very cozy, and Claire even did really well in her pack n play crib (which isn't always the case). 

The highlight of this morning, of the trip, and maybe of my life was this OTTER that Sara and I saw in the grocery store parking lot in West Yellowstone. We pulled in and saw an animal moving around and then did a double take as it scampered closer to us and we confirmed that it was a real Yellowstone OTTER. We couldn't believe our eyes! It was unbelievably cute and whiskery and back-archy (they move much better in the water). This was an absolute GIFT and we were talking about it for the rest of the trip. (When we went inside the grocery store he had already moved around to the front of the store, down the sidewalk one block towards the forest right there.)

Saturday was "family in the park" day, so we all got ready and gathered in our five-car caravan to leave at 9 that morning. First up was a stop at Firehole Falls, where we enjoyed the view of the rushing waterfall and also were very relieved to get back in the car and not worry about the kids falling down the steep embankments.  

Next, we (and 1000 other people) went to the Midway Geyser Basin to see the Grand Prismatic and other interesting features of the Yellowstone landscape. We had to park down the street from the actual area, and we had a very pleasant hike through the trees to get to the parking lot. Stockton was less thrilled about it, but he put up with it. 

Yellowstone is so steamy and rusty and sulfury and incredible. I love this place! It was very fun to show the kids all of these cool features. 

After another hike back to the cars, we drove to see Old Faithful, the Yellowstone classic! I've seen it erupt probably 20 times in my life, and it never gets old. We timed it perfectly: we parked, had a leisurely picnic, cleaned up, and then went over to the geyser viewing area right as it started to erupt. Little Jack was beside himself....he thought it was absolutely the coolest thing he had ever seen. Stockton stayed in the car with PopPop haha. 

It is interesting to see the park in July when we have only ever gone in May, and one of the differences was where the bison were gathering. The normal spots where we see them were empty this year, and we had to find them other places. I'm glad we still got to see them! Yellowstone wouldn't be Yellowstone without the buffaloes (still not sure if buffaloes/bison are the same thing?). 

We split off after Old Faithful, one group going on in the park to do some more sight-seeing and the other group coming back to the cabins for some quiet time. When everyone was gathered again, we ordered Chinese takeout and had a lovely dinner at the picnic tables. 

Here are more pictures from the day, most from the boardwalks near Grand Prismatic: 

Our big group! We all wore our matching flag shirts and got so many compliments from strangers. It was fun to match all together! From left to right: Gage, Annie, Sara, Jack, Austin, Jessie, Sam, Krispy, Dad, Mom, Max, Abeepa. And kids. 

Pretty special that we were all there together. Everyone worked out their individual schedules and planned ahead and it made a difference that no one was missing. Family time all together is so important! This is the first time that all of my siblings have brought significant others, and that was really fun too. 

courtesy of little Jack haha ^^

Claire wanted to get out but this was the most crowded boardwalk and it wasn't safe, so she had to satisfy herself with goldfish. (Which she didn't eat, she threw on the ground behind her like Hansel and Gretel for the rest of my family. "Where's Jessie? Oh, follow the cracker crumbs!")

Stockton: "If you're tired, you can sit down and take a rest!" He was pretty much glued to Sara this whole trip. He loves her so much! They are the cutest little pair. 

More Old Faithful pics:

Everyone else got back from their separate activities after my family had already had enough quiet time, so while they were resting before dinner we grabbed PopPop and went to the river to play. It was the PERFECT spot...shallow enough to be safe, so many rocks to throw, a little makeshift dam to make a little pool for the kids to be in, and a beautiful view over the meadows. And it's only like 10 minutes away from our cabins, very soon after the entrance to the park. 

We walked on this boardwalk to get to the spot...it was perfectly isolated and lovely. Claire LOVED walking, barefoot of course. 

The river wasn't freezing and the water babbled so happily down the rocks. Stockton had to poop so he was on the banks not enjoying himself, but the others were completely at their leisure. Austin walked to the other side with Natalie and Jack in each hand since the river was shallow enough, and they thought it was a grand adventure. 

PopPop has always been Stockton's pal, offering help and love in whatever way Stockton needs it. He let Stockton walk up to the car with him and play with the steering wheel. 

It was so glorious to be out there and enjoy the park and the river and watch my children laugh and play happily. Claire was a freezing soaking mess and couldn't have enjoyed herself any more. Look at that smile!

We came home for DINNER and scarfed it down. Stockton was particularly pleased with his lo mein and sweet and sour sauce. 

^^View from the porch of the cabin (we're in the upper unit); view from the ground facing the other direction. We love Hibernation Station!

Came down after putting the kids to bed to find my cute parents sharing a moment, enjoying the sunset (you can see the reflection in the window). We are very grateful to them for orchestrating this trip and giving all of us an opportunity to gather in such a beautiful, nostalgic place. Plus, they shared their 33rd wedding anniversary while we were on the trip. They work hard and play hard and love hard.