Spectacular Yellowstone

July 10, 2014 - This trip has exceeded my expectations in every way.  We've spent the last few days in Island Park, Idaho, about 20 miles outside of Yellowstone National Park.  The beauty and diversity of Yellowstone is beyond description. We woke up early and got to the park the first day at 5:30 AM to beat the crowds and see the wildlife when they are most active.  The early bird catches the Grizzly! Saw Bison, Elk, Grizzly, and 2 wolves all before 9 AM.  Add big horn sheep, pelgrin falcon chicks, black bear and we had a pretty full experience!

The diversity of the land is just incredible. It's like going on a journey to a the far ends of the earth and beyond but in one place.... pine covered mountains, open grassland, desert-like canyons, hot springs, geysers and what looks like a sci-fi moonscape with steam pouring out of the earth's vents and bubbling pools of mud.  Simply amazing.

But the most amazing thing about this trip has been spending so much time as a family and watching the kids enjoy this experience.  Peter asked Jessica today how she would rate Yellowstone on a scale of 1-10 and she said "A twenty!". Both kids are enjoying it in their own way. Hannah, obviously is younger and at 4 years old is taking her usual fun loving and goofy approach to things. She is very interested in learning about the animals and being part of everything. They both eagerly completed their Yellowstone Junior Ranger workbooks and earned their badges.

Jessica, at  8 years old, has shown an incredible thirst for knowledge, enjoyment of the outdoors and has been an amazing travel partner. I am so proud of her. This trip is driving so much growth. I haven't heard "I'm bored" once on the trip.  She is easy going and up for whatever challenge and new experience comes her way.  I'm not going to pretend that they haven't had their moments of bickering or crankiness. But, when you consider we had both of them spend two twelve hour days (much of it driving in our rental car) in the park looking at landscape and wildlife, off schedule, they have been absolutely incredible. I have loved listening  to the goofiness from the backseat, the giggling in the bunks at night and even the care from Jessica when Hannah has gotten overtired and needs a little extra patience from those around her.

We have so many pictures to post. Unfortunately, the WiFi at our RV park is very limited and not one for uploading pictures. But as Peter said earlier tonight.... "Sometimes is great to force yourself to be disconnected from the world, so you can connect with your kids."