Yellowstone Adventures!

We drove half way to Pocatello, Idaho Wednesday night so we could break up the drive. Then Thursday morning we met our friends, the Steel's (Shane and Sadie & kids), at Bear World. Which ended up being perfect because we didn't see a single animal in Yellowstone (besides squirrels and birds!). The girls loved bear world because they got to go on rides, see lots of bears and animals AND Emma and Reese got to feed the bear cubs! That was a highlight and so fun to watch. Then we drove to a burger place and ate with the Steel's, then drove to West Yellowstone to check into our KOA campground.

At the KOA we checked into our cabin and went swimming. Then at night we drove to downtown West Yellowstone and walked around shops, got the girls their souvenirs, ate at a pizza place and played at the park. It was super fun. Unfortunately, that night Nora was throwing up from about 1 am to 8 am. I was right there and caught every throw-up in a plastic bowl I had brought. That was definitely not our favorite night...but the show/vacation must go on. So on we went!

On Friday morning we had planned on getting out super early but because Nora was sick all night, our plans changed to late :). We drove first to Old Faithful and got there before there were too many crowds. Then we drove to the Fairy Falls hike to see the Grand Prismatic Spring from the overlook there. It was so beautiful. Nora was sick so she took the hiking backpack and Lucy had to be held (mostly by me but occasionally Cade did double duty :)). Then we went back to the gift shop for Cade and ate some lunch. Then we called it a day in the park- we were way too tired. We went back for naps (long ones!), more swimming, bike rides and treats. Then at night we drove to downtown West Yellowstone again and ate at home-cooking restaurant.

The last day (Saturday) we took our time packing up and eating breakfast. Then we drove way up north to Mammoth Hot Springs. They were super cool but the girls didn't like the egg smell :). After Mammoth we drove to the Artist paint Pots and got to see the mud bubbling and squirting out- the girls thought that was fun. Then we left Yellowstone and drove back home! We all had so much fun. Aside from a throw-up it was very successful! :)