Yellowstone-Mud Pots

After five and a half hours at Old Faithful, we made the drive a bit north and stopped at the mud pots. Everyone got a kick out of the colorful, boiling, mud. We also made it to Midway Geyser Basin and saw more cool water features. Also more hats that had blown away on that windy day. We even found a place that the kids could cool their feet in the river!

Yellowstone-Old Faithful

Here are a few more pictures from our stroll around the boardwalk at Old Faithful. So many neat things so see, hear and smell! Many people weren't quite prepared for the wind, as there were several hats that were lost forever on the hot springs. Nathanael was quite proud of the Young Scientist key chain he earned for completing the program!

Yellowstone-Monday

It was rise and shine early at campsite C175, for a delicious breakfast of hash-browns, home made rolls, coffee and juice. After Noah and Hanah finally got the dishes done (to be fair, it was the first time either one had done camp dishes), it was off to Old Faithful! We spotted our first wild life on the way, a little coyote near Grant Village. The southern part of the park is finally starting to show some recovery from the 1988 fires. There are many new lodge pole pines starting to grow, which was a welcome sight.

We arrived about an hour before the next scheduled eruption, so we had some time to walk around the visitors center, sign the kids up for the Jr. Ranger program, sigh Nathanael up for the Young Scientist program, and find some seats to watch her erupt. We spent the next several hours walking around the Old Faithful area, while Jen helped Nathanael complete his "homework." In fact we were there so long, we got to see three eruptions from three different locations, eat a meal, and get ice cream! Not too bad for five hours!

Yellowstone-Sunday

It was quite a family vacation last week to Yellowstone National Park. We were able to spend four nights camping at Bridge Bay, followed by a very special two night stay in Worland with the Luhms. 1643 miles and 428 pictures later, we are all home safely, sound, and in one piece. The trip wouldn't have been possible without the planning and help from Jennifer, who managed to get things ready even with second degree burns on her legs from the Water World trip. What follows is a "brief" recap of the trip. Enjoy, I know we did.

After the night in Laramie, the gang hit the road will full stomachs thanks to another great meal from Grandma Roth. It was a long day driving across Wyoming, but we mananged to get to our site, set up the camper and the tean, and have dinner served by 9:30. We enjoyed a simple meal of apple sausage brats on the grill with some other items I can't really remember. We had cold Fat Tire too.

Mammoth Hotel!

Been a great week in the park so far with limited cell service. We are all alive and having fun!!

Rawlins

The freaking armpit of Wyoming. There's a reason the state pen is here. Quick stop for a Red Box, then off to Rock Springs for lunch!! Go Team USA women's soccer!!!

Laramie

We made it to Laramie last night and enjoyed a nice dinner with mom and dad to celebrate the beginning of vacation. I hadn't been back home since Labor Day, so it was nice to be back, if only for a little bit. Pretty sunset behind the university sports complex. Go Pokes!

Muggles!!

Not even a second degree sunburn she earned yesterday at Water World would keep Jen away from the double feature tonight. First at 830 is Deathly Hallows Part 1, then at midnight the final chapter in the Harry Potter franchise, Part 2.  joining her tonight is her friend Mandy and Noah. Glad I'll be at home sleeping through the whole thing.

Water World!

Somewhere in the wave pool are the kids, who are enjoying their first day ever at Water World!! Been a great day so far, with lots of sun, slides, and waves!! Get the aloe vera ready for the sunburns that will soon be appearing.

Safety Fair 2011

It was already time for the annual Frito-Lay Safety Fair yesterday. The Ft. Collins team has turned it into a fun kind of family day: a nice lunch, face painting, jump castle, some goodie bags for the kids, several presentations and demonstrations, and a balloon animal making guy. Even though it was a bit on the warm side, the family still had a good afternoon. Interesting face painting the kids choose, isn't it?

Dive!

We are so blessed to have a pool membership this summer over at Bittersweet. The staff have been great, the pool is beautiful, and there are lots of friends and classmates who are also members. Nathanael is working on his diving techniques currently. Thoughts?

Biker Gang

Not too warm yet outside, so the boys are out cruising the neighborhood.  After lunch it will be off to the pool!!

Birthday

If anyone is looking for birthday/Christmas/4th of July/Halloween present for Ryan, one of these babies would fit perfectly. Finally found dinner at Coopersmiths. Enjoying a Pourde Pale Ale while waiting for my burger.

Ft. Collins Brewery

After a quick stop at Jax to look at shoes (????), and a drive through the New Belgium parking lot that was WAY to crowded, we ended up at FCB.  Next stop will be dinner downtown. Then maybe Funkworks.

Odells

Half way through 4th of July weekend, so its time to celebrate and little and connect with my wife. Off to the breweries!! This is Jens first trip to Odells. I think she is having fun.