Yellowstone

After a full day at Silverwood, we spent the night nearby and then spent the next day in the car driving through Montana (since when did they put a speed limit in Montana?).  We stayed the night in Livingston, near the entrance of Yellowstone.  Next morning we got up, drove into the park, and spent a day exploring the wonders of the park.  It was beautiful!

Since we went in the north entrance (a first for me) we got to visit Mammoth Hot Springs.  It was very interesting and beautiful.

After Mammoth Hot Springs, we drove south through the park.  On the way, we saw lots of fields of wild flowers.  At one, I convinced David to stop and talked the kids into posing for some pictures.  Ben had to get out and run first.

Next stop was Tower Falls.  Breathtaking! 

The scenery was beautiful--from the flowers,

 to the expansive vistas!

We hiked to an overlook on Upper Falls (see the rainbow?).

and then went on a much longer, steeper hike to an overlook over Lower Falls.  Being that close to all that rushing water was amazing.  Some of the kids did not like it, however. 

 The canyon views were fantastic.

 We drove farther on and saw Upper Falls from a distance.  I can't believe we stood right on that edge!

 My favorite view of the canyon and falls was Inspiration Point.

After we left the Canyon, we drove to Yellowstone Lake where we met up with some of our favorite people

 and one of David's very favorite things

 in one of his very favorite places.

After a boatride on the lake and some time throwing rocks,

we jumped back in the car and did some animal spotting. 

Our last stop for the day was the Giant Prismatic Spring.  It was amazing!  By this time, it was early evening and starting to get a little chilly.  The kids warmed themselves in the steam from the hotspring.

 William liked his seat on David's back and still talks about going on a hike in the backpack. 

Goodbye Yellowstone.  I'm sure we'll be back.