Family Vacation 2010 - Part 1

After returning from YW Camp, there was very little time to rest and wind down. After only a few days of being home, we left to go on our 2 week family vacation to various parts of Wyoming! It was one of the best vacations we have ever had! There are so many great memories from this trip! After being away for 2 weeks, one would think that we would be ready to come home and get life back to normal, but no. Wes wanted to call in his next shift and get it covered so that we could stay for 1 more week! We didn't but I really wish we had! 

Here are a few highlights from the first part of our trip!

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Top 10 Favorite memories (in no particular order):

1. Wes asking the tourists in Yellowstone Park where the "famous Yellowstone Monkeys" were. All done in a British accent.

2. Hiking with Emerson to Lewis and Clark Falls. He was SOOO excited!

3. Walking the streets of Cody and window shopping with Emerson late at night after all the stores closed while Wes rested back at the Hotel.

4. Emerson hugging on a stranger's leg in Jackson, thinking it was Wes. The man was very nice but Emerson cried when he made the discovery.

5. Waking up to one of the most exciting, and horrible, lightening and rain storms in Jackson Hole's history. It was a nice break from Utah's 100 degree temps but unfortunately, 4 people were killed that day from it.

6. Always having to wear a jacket or sweater wherever we went. The weather was perfect for walking around and discovering new territory.

7. Waiting for a herd of buffalo (and their babies) to get away from our car so that we could get in it.

8. Emerson was a complete trooper in the car. He was so good and so patient and didn't even make us want to kick him out of the car! 

9. Giving our sore buns a little break at Bear Lake for some milkshakes and burgers while eating on the picnic blanket under a tree.

10. Feeling small when seeing such a vast amount of country.

Bear Lake in the distance and Emerson saying, "I want to go there". 

Charting our way

We made it to Bear Lake in no less than 6 hours! A much needed rest and wade in the waters was needed!

Finally made it to Jackson Hole that evening. Good thing I wore my camouflage for this picture! All I can see are my feet, arms and head! How funny! 

Wes is a fan of ol' Ben (as you can see by the tender and endearing stroking of the hair) because he is the one that invented the Fire Department. Thanks for that one, genius!

The world famous Cowboy Bar.

Some day my prince will come! Just kidding, Wes!

This is the result you get when you have a very annoying stranger take your picture. I specifically asked that he get as much of the antlers in the photo as possible. I'm pretty sure we could of had this same picture taken in our backyard!! 

Yellowstone Park in all her glory!

We made it!

It has been a lifelong dream of mine to stay at this lodge. You have to book almost a year in advance. Someday...someday.

Big hike for little legs!

Move along fatties! We need to get in our car without any trouble from you!

The most fascinating natural phenomenon!

Picture perfect day!

Emerson kept asking us "who tooted?" because of the sulphur smell! HA!

Baby buffalo. Looking very similar to a baby cow.

Getting into Cody later in the evening and checked into the historic Irma Hotel. I didn't take too many pictures since I have a ton from last year's trip.

We asked the lady at the check in desk if the hotel is haunted and it IS! 

To be continued...........