A Summer of Adventures

Yellowstone National Park 2013

We had an amazing adventure at Yellowstone! We saw and experienced so much that I can't even write about. I took about 800 pictures (just me, that doesn't count all the other people's pics) and tried to show just my favorites. The first batch is all the people and the scenery in the park.

 We spent quite a bit of time in the car going from one place to the other. The kids kept "car hopping" so that they could sit with their cousins on occasion (instead of their parents, go figure). 

Some of the hikes we did were harder than others. Don took pity on Loreli and carried her part of the way. 

 The colors that the minerals deposit in the sulfur pools are beautiful.

 There were hot springs everywhere, even in the middle of the river.

For whatever reason, Carter woke up on the wrong side of the bed and decided he would not smile for any photos. He was so grouchy that day! Mitch had the great idea for everyone to mimic his frowny face.

 Scott's idea was to turn the frown upside down :-)

 The scenery...need I say more?

 Isaac carried this stuffed otter everywhere. It was funny how many times it turned up in the photos. He is such a goof! He also ate some red candy and therefore the red lips.

 The "must have" picture of Old Faithful.

The Flora and Fauna was amazing too! 

 It is incredible to see that something beautiful can grow around a toxic pool of water.

The Animal Life

My favorite first, a mama grizzly and her two cubs. Scott totally captured the cubs' curiosity in this photo.

 Buffalo are really intimidating up close! I was really hoping that they would not get irritated with our car. There were several calves walking up the road too. It was an interesting experience.

 James captured this eagle with his camera. We were all amazed at how close he was able to zoom in.

 The white blur in the middle of the photo is a mountain goat.

 Two black bears walked right in front of our car. I have never been lucky enough to see bears at the park and this trip we saw eight total.

 Aww... a mama dear with her baby.

 A coyote taking a nap in the clearing.

 This elk was about 5 feet from our car. The velvet on his horns was beautiful.

 The most frightening wildlife of all can't even be tamed by the strongest uncle we know!

 James caught the only fish we ate. It was delish!

Loreli ...what can I say...

Scott's "A River Runs Through It" Experience

Scott has always loved the movie A River Runs Through It. He and Mitch went fishing on the river early one morning. The sun rose right over the river and they caught the most beautiful photos!