Several weeks ago we took some time off work, loaded everyone in the car, and drove to Yellowstone park. I was a little worried about time in car for the kids (and the parents!) but the kids were great and we had a wonderful time.
This is a great time of year to go. The crowds are gone, the animals are out and about, and the scenery is just beautiful. We saw elk, and deer, and buffalo. In fact, Josh's new favorite word is "buffawhoa". Ask him to say it for you next time you see him; it's the cutest thing you've ever heard!
Kathy and Dave drove up with us. The kids spent most of time fighting over who got to drive around in the truck. Who can blame them? Grandpa can spot an animal a mile away, Grandma has a stash of treats that never quits, and neither ever say no to little boy requests! It was actually great to have 2 cars and 2 sets of adults to swap the kids out. It kept them from getting restless and they each got to spend quality time with both parents and grandparents.
We took lots of hikes around the boardwalks. The twins did surprising well, always wanting to do it themselves. Calvin was especially adamant which made me a little nervous around the hot springs. But he was just fine and didn't stumble once.
They were troopers and we only had one melt down each. Calvin objected to being put back into his car seat and Josh objected to Grandma walking away from him. Seriously- the Grandmas tantrum lasted for 30 minutes (she took Gabe on a walk and we had to wait for them to return) and ended with Josh getting a huge sliver in his hand on the aging wood handrails. Getting the sliver out is something we won't soon forget, not only because of Josh's very loud protests but also because he tell's on me to anyone who will listen..."My hand owie. Mommy did it!"
On the way home, we took a detour to the top of a mountain in Island park. As we drove into the valley, I looked up at the peak and said to Pat, "Sheesh! I hope that's not where we are going." Well it was and it turned out to be a great sideline. The view was awesome and it was so quiet (well until the twins got out of the truck).
Pretty isn't it?
The whole trip was great. Some of my favorite childhood memories are exploring Yellowstone with my family. I'm glad my kids got to do some of the same things. I hope their memories are as good!
Sounds like a lot of fun. I'll have to give Josh my buffalo calendar page when November hits.
Posted by: Maurine | October 15, 2008 at 10:27 AM
Man, I haven't been to Yellowstone in ages. Sounds super fun! And I'm glad no one fell into a hot spring.
Posted by: Meredith | October 15, 2008 at 09:16 PM
looks like you had a blast.. It is so beautiful there.
Posted by: amy | October 15, 2008 at 10:20 PM
I love Yellowstone. Sounds like you had a great time! :)
Posted by: Jessi | October 16, 2008 at 02:58 PM
Your photos are great; we had a super time - let's do it again.
Posted by: Grandma Kathy | October 17, 2008 at 08:21 PM