Mainland Trip - Yellowstone, round 1

We made our first visit to Yellowstone that Tuesday and drove around the southern loop.  We saw some fun hot springs, waterfalls, and Old Faithful Geyser.  This park is HUGE and we neglected to grab a map from the entrance which was a big mistake because we ended up getting lost and separated from the group.  No cell service.  (I don't understand how we ever survived before cell phones).  So we kind of spent some of our day driving in circles, (cause we had no idea where we were or which direction we should head in).  It wasn't a big deal.  We were in Yellowstone and we decided we should make the best of it, try to follow signs, and hope for the best! 

Our adventure started at these lovely hot springs.  Betsy and Ever, in coordinated knitted sweaters, are still unsure about each other.  

Christian and Jim had to touch the water to see just how hot it really was. How can you NOT touch it? it's right there... and we headed out just as the angry park ranger guy came down the path looking a little scary.

We stopped to look at this beautiful waterfall, (can't remember the name).  This is when we accidentally split from the group.  

We then did a lot of driving, which was kind of good because the kids got some decent naps in.  We drove all the way down to Old Faithful, stayed for a couple of hours and then realized, by choppy voice messages, that everyone else was heading this way.  And then we were all reunited!  We got to watch the Geyser do its thing a couple of times.  It was pretty cool.  

and got some ice cream.

On the way out of the park, we stopped at these pots and hot springs and some of us were able to get in and swim a little.  I kind of freaked out about swimming in the water because I remember the scene in Dante's Peak where the group of kids went swimming in a hot spring and there was the freak volcano and every one died from scalding hot water.  There were caution signs all over where we were.  I was just being lame and paranoid, but every one else had fun.  

I don't know how this happened.  These poses come naturally to him.

Got some last wildlife glimpses on the way out of the park. You can always tell if something is nearby, just look for the traffic jam/ parking lot in the road. Sometimes people will even slam on their brakes and jump out into the middle of the street in front of you, pointing, as the nice lady did when a coyote was seen running alongside the road.

We got out as the sun set and found a nice little pizza/ pasta place in the town at the park entrance and had a little birthday dinner together for my b-day. Was a perfect way to end the day.

Mainland Trip - Johnny Sack's Cabin and Rafting

The next day we stopped and visited Johnny Sack's cabin, located near Big Springs.  The 4 ft. 11 in. man took three years to build this cabin, starting in 1929.  It was super cute and cozy inside, built on an ideal spot.  The water was crystal clear, it looked so refreshing and drinkable.  We spent some time hanging around the icy water and walking the grounds.

(picture above stolen from web)

Betsy braved the icy cold water!

 

B girl and I doing the hoe down dance with our elbows.  Her favorite.

We then rented some rafts and tubes and floated down the river for a few hours.  I vaguely remember this float trip because Betsy was in dire need of a nap and she was refusing to fall asleep in my arms, therefore it wasn't really a peaceful float down the river for me, and those sitting around us.  After about an hour of rage, she finally gave in and fell asleep in my arms.  But that only lasted maybe 30 minutes, enough to get her through the rest of the float, allowing me to enjoy myself a little.  It ended up being a fun and beautiful ride!

Mainland Trip - Welcome to Ashton, Idaho

We spent a whole week in Ashton, Idaho with Christian's family, and it was lovely.  We arrived at the beautiful cabin (picture stolen from the web), and were greeted by these fine folks, waiting on the back porch.  The cabin and the view were unbelievable.  So peaceful.    

On Sunday morning we decided to explore our surroundings and took a short walk down by the river.  Tristan, being obsessed with his older cousins, decided to follow them on the shortcut path back to the cabin and cried for my help getting him up there, therefore my walk was cut short.  It was fine.  It's cute how much he looks up to those boys and tries to be like them.

Later that day we went to check out the Mesa Falls.  It was fun how close we got to the upper falls drop off.  The kids were impressed too.  

And there were some water balloons!

 

We have SO many pictures from this trip.  I'm having a hard time narrowing them down!  A ton more to come.    

Mainland trip - CA and UT

We just came home from a 2 & 1/2 week trip to the mainland.  On our way over to Ashton, Idaho for the Hastings family reunion, the kids and I made a pit stop in Orange County and Salt Lake City to visit with family and friends.  I pretty much tucked my camera away for most of the week, so I hardly have any pictures.  Bummas.

This was a very organized trip to CA.  Before I got there, my mom and I planned out everyday we were there, to make sure we used our time wisely.  I was fortunate enough to be in town for Adrienne's bridal shower, my best friend from 4th grade and up.  She's getting married in October!  It's always fun seeing some of my old high school friends.  On Sunday we got to witness the baby blessing of Liam King DeVilliers, the new baby boy of our friends, Kelly and Jason.  Of course my sister Chelcie got to mess with my hair, color and cut.  And she also did a Brazillian blowout too!  (While being 9 months pregnant!) She's wonderful.  

We made a trip to Knott's Berry Farm, which was so awesome.  The adults took turns going on some of the big rides, while the little one's played around in Snoopy Town.  So fun.  Alisa (Sista in-law) and I went up to LA one day and visited the Fashion District.  We scored on fabric and spent one night sewing up some skirts.  I can't wait to get back there again.    We had a beach day at Huntington Beach 9th St.  BBQ's and smores in the backyard.  LOTS of swimming in the pool.  

Christian flew in at the end of the week so we could celebrate our 10 year anniversary together.  We went out shopping together in the morning, (without kids!), met up with friends Kelly & Jason to eat some grinds from Beach Pit BBQ.  The food there is phenomenal.  It was exactly what we wanted to eat on our anniversary.  Then we came back to the pool to swim and hang out for a while together.  We had big plans to go bowling or to a movie that night, but the kids got super clingy and we needed to pack for our flight to SLC the next morning.  Sad but that's life.          

Off to Salt Lake City we went for the night, before we drove up to Idaho.  We stopped in to have dinner with Nana and Papa at their new place.  Aunt Lina Bean and cousin Lisa joined us.  It was SO good to see them.  Special thanks to Christian for entertaining the kids so I could visit with everyone.    

The kids enjoyed their special rides back to the room.  

I love these guys.  They are so special.

Off to Idaho next, with plenty of pictures to come!