Yellowstone

We decided to go to Yellowstone National Park while we were already up in Idaho Falls (because it's only about 2 hours away from there) and Tyler had the Monday  following the July 4th weekend off of work. I had been to Yellowstone with my family- but honestly- all I knew of the park was Old Faithful- and Tyler promised me that it was possible to see actual wildlife while there!

We had wanted to plan a hiking/camping trip- but didn't know how Jordy would do- so Yellowstone seemed like a good "starter" (getting to drive around a bunch and get out for short walks when we wanted) So we drove up there on Saturday afternoon and were going to see as much as we could before finding someplace to set up a tent. However, we went on one of the busiest weekends and all the campgrounds near the park were full. Our brother-in-law's parents have a cabin about 25 min. from West Yellowstone and had said we could put our tent up there, however, it was already late and we knew we wanted to be back in the park early the next morning to do a hike- SO...we ended up just sleeping in our car. Yup. Not the most comfortable for Tyler and I (I was holding Jordy in the backseat- he was by far the most comfortable!) But- we were willing to do it for one night and were back in the park by 6 am. We then drove back to Idaho Falls later that afternoon-- so it was once again a LOT to do and see in just over 24 hours...but I think it was worth it!
Jordy was such a trooper with all the getting in and out of the car throughout the park. We were actually able to see a lot of the park- we'll just have to go back soon when Jordy will appreciate all we saw! :)

We took TONS of pictures --I'm not going to try uploading all of them, but I warn you- there will be a LOT. I don't really know the best way to organize them- so this is YELLOWSTONE! :)

This was the first thing I saw when we got into West Yellowstone...a Packers Bar! :)
So THAT'S what people come to Yellowstone for! 

Firehole Falls

In Lower Geyser Basin

Tyler and the mini stroller :)

In front of Old Faithful before it went off

"There she blows!"

Jordy letting out some steam in front of Old Faithful after it blew! :) 

In front of Keppler Cascades

Grand Prismatic Spring

Just chillin with the bison!

Gibbon Falls

Artists Paintpots

Pretty sunset in the land of Christmas trees! :) We didn't want to stay too much later because we were all alone and didn't want any bears to eat us! 

Happy Camper in front of the Lower Falls of the Grand Canyon of Yellowstone

Yellowstone River in the Grand Canyon of Yellowstone...truly a breathtaking sight- especially first thing in the morning! AMAZING! 

Upper Falls

Jordy going up another mountain! This time to Mt. Washburn :) We started early in the day to avoid the major heat- but we still weren't expecting to see snow! We actually had to walk through quite a bit of snow. It was a 3 mile hike to the top. The sign said to plan on 4-5 hours...but we had too much to see after- so we were booking it to the top! (We made it up in 1.5 hours!) Jordy took a nice little nap on the way up!

We made it!  

It was an amazing view of the park from the firetower that we hiked to!  

Beautiful!

Tower Falls

Undine Falls

Last stop: Mammoth Hot Springs. We were all pretty tired and hot at this point!

Tyler had promised I would see wildlife while in Yellowstone...and we were actually pretty lucky- we definitely saw some! 

We had seen bison in several places as we were driving through the park but early in the morning when we were near the viewpoints for the Grand Canyon of Yellowstone- we saw this guy across the parking lot just getting a back rub! 

On our hike to Mt. Washburn

We had to walk through a herd of these big horn sheep to get to the fire tower on top of Mt. Washburn!

Elk outside the Mammoth Hot Springs Village area.

This was taken from the car- so it's not very good- but that is in fact a black bear cub rolling around in the grass! 

Coyote crossing the street! 

We were able to sleep in a little on Monday morning and then we headed back to Provo.

Poor Jordy needed a little break as we were getting back into Utah- then he decided he'd get us the rest of the way home! :)

We stopped in Salt Lake to see Carly and Brad in their new apartment and meet their little puppy! 

It was a fun weekend to end a VERY fun week! We were grateful Tyler had saved up his days off and that we were able to be with family and get a little hiking in as well! We were also very grateful to make it back safely and to be home again! :)