Yellowstone Aug 2011

We were able to take a wonderful family camping trip to Yellowstone. It was so great to be up in the mountains, see all the wildlife, and just be together. We all had a great time. It was so fun to be snuggled in the tent together. Norah would stand up from her port-a-crib and just smile at the whole family sleeping around her. Jack and Audrey enjoyed discovering and exploring all around our campsite. We were worried that Norah would take off, but she was content to swim in the dirt of our campsite.

The pictures below are kind of backward and out of order, but the idea is still there. Beware, there is a lot of them.

Tucked in the van, ready to head back home after 4 days of camping.

Family shot, on the Indian Paint Pots trail.

Jack and I, what a cute kid. He was so adventurous on the trails, I was lucky to make him stop for this.

Me and Audrey, I believe we are overlooking the Yellowstone Falls.

Jack at the Yellowstone Falls.

My family!! Couldn't resist this shot!!

This was so cool, the color of the water behind the kids actually tells the temperature of it. It was fascinating to walk through this valley and see all these streams of different colors of green, yellow, orange, and a dark, rusty orange. It was beautiful.
One of the many fountains we saw.

We stopped off at Whiskey flats one day for lunch, and the kids enjoyed playing!!

We drove through Hayden Valley, because Chris HAD to see Buffalo while in Yellowstone, and we were told this is the best place for it. Boy were we right, We saw Buffalo up close and personal. This particular buffalo, was right next to our car, so close Chris could have pet it from an open window. We saw large herds everywhere. They really are magnificent creatures.

One afternoon we stopped at a small swimming hole, of the river and had a good swim. The water was a nice temperature, not too hot, or too cold. Chris and Jack loved it the most. Jack got tired first of the two. Audrey struggled, but at least she got in and tried it. Norah clung to me, and stayed calm if I had both arms wrapped tight around her, but if I let go - so did she. It was a nice way to cool off.

This picture was taken next to a pool on the Fire Hole Loop. It was amazing to feel the heat come off of these things. The colors were amazing.

Another lunch stop. Another chance to explore. Can you see how far Jack is off the ground?

Waiting to see Old Faithful!

Family Shot at Kepler Cascades.

Isa Lake! We all just loved the lillypads and enjoyed climbing around the small lake.
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Jack and Audrey looking at animal skins. Jack was so intrigued by their claws, that the Ranger let him come behind the counter and look at longer and bigger claws from other animals.

Some dirty fun, in our campsite!

New Mexico Trip Part 2 of 2

Part 2 includes all the ones I would have put into separates parts into one. I just need to get this done. Lots of pictures to follow. (The dates on the pictures are wrong...again) All pictures are April 2011

Chris can never get enough of my dad's motorcycle. The whole family will jump into one car to go somewhere and he rides the motorcycle. One day in particular he drove it so far he not only sunburned, but blistered his arms, from being on it so much. He realized after that, it was necessary to wear a long sleeved shirt while travelling. He wants one so bad.

One day we went to this awesome lake. I thought it was so funny because in Utah, this place would have been packed, but in New Mexio 90 degrees isn't warm enough. Here is Audrey, being her usual careful self. But she had fun in her own way.
And, Chris his with trusty Mountain Dew after enjoying the cool water.
And of course, Jack. Our little fish, or shark. Was in and out of the water the whole time. It was and enjoyable time.
To save money, we ate most of our meals at home, but my parents had to let us eat out and try some traditional "New Mexican Food" a few times. Boy, was that stuff good! My favorite was a stuffed sopapilla. Its funny, because the waiters will ask the question "Would you like red, or green salsa?" and your answer is "Mild," or "Hot" if your prefer. The salsa varies from restaurant to restaurant and there is never a set answer.

Norah, loved her spanish rice!
Jack loved his food so much he went loco!!
Apparently Grandpa and Audrey did as well!
We went to the White Sands National Park. It was about 2 hours away from my parents house. But well worth the visit. The sands are such an incredible thing. We were all having so much fun there. I was cursing my contacts the whole time, but I still had fun. Here is Grandpa sliding down the side of one of the many mountains of sand.
Jack was so daring. He would run and jump off the side of the mountain. Then land and roll down the side. I think this is a great shot.
Here is Audrey burying her legs. We took turns afterward and buried both Jack and Audrey up to their necks.
Daddy and Norah enjoyed themselves as well.
I love this shot as well. Norah was fascinated with the sand. She would sit and dig her feet and toes into the sand and grab handfuls of it. This is Norah's little 'snake' trail she made in untouched sand. I loved it!
On one of our distance travels we stopped at this cute rest stop and had lunch. There was this horse there to play with. I thought it was a lot of fun.
Grandma has so many fun, games and activities that every evening just at home we would have a blast!!
This is at Carlsbad Caverns. Grandpa insisted on carrying her in the backpack. He was so cute with her. She just couldn't handle all the excited though!
The artificial light really made this picture go wonky, but it was the best one out of a bunch I could get. Grandma is taking the picture, and this is us down in the cave.
On our way to Carlsbad Caverns we stopped at this fantastic park and played for a while.
I love how Audrey dresses up in her girly way, but then knows how to get down and dirty when it comes to playing. She is making wood chip angels in this shot. She is so cool!
Norah loves her daddy.
The men in my life.

We had the best time with Grandma and Grandpa. We wish they were closer so we could see them more often, but we love the opportunity to get out and see different places of the world, we would never otherwise go to.