Day 10

Day 10 has been the longest day of travel yet. We drove for 6 hours, but for some reason it seemed like 24. Really. When I fell asleep sitting up, I knew it was just too long of a day! Our drive from Jackson Hole, WY to Vernal, UT was full of hills. We knew we were in cowboy country when we stopped at a gas station and saw this sign.

Much of our drive looked like this.

and this.

Once we arrived in Vernal, UT (YAHHHH) we visited the dinosaur museum. The kids loved it. I think their favorite part was just playing with the plastic dinosaurs. I am still kicking myself for getting rid of Jackson's tub of them thinking that Jenna would never play with them, boy was I wrong.

Night 10 was spent in a KOA in Vernal, UT. We took some time to look at our remaining path. To CO or back up to WY? The WY path won. Enough mountains for one trip.

Day 9

Day 9 was spent in Jackson Hole, WY. We did drive out to Teton Village in the morning and had lunch there. We spent the afternoon walking around Jackson Hole being tourists. Jackson has been taken by the cowboy way. Here is is outfitted in is new gear. You cannot see the gun and holster, but it is there. So much for no play guns...

In the evening we went on chuck wagon ride to dinner and a show. It was fun and Hailey enjoyed helping drive the team of horses, Daisy and Duke.

Day 8

Today was our last day in Yellowstone Park. We headed out the southern loop to Jackson Hole, WY. The main sights we visited were Grand Prismatic Basin and Old Faithful. We took turns with Jackson and Hailey since Jenna slept again for 3 hours!

Otherwise, today was a little bit low key. We finished our travels around 5pm when we arrived in Jackson Hole, WY. What a neat town. Here is a photo of the Teton Mountains as you drive in to Jackson Hole.

We took a walk from our RV park into town for some Mexican dinner. Best of all, Jenna is back to her happy-go-lucky self.

Day 7

We spent day 7 touring the upper loop of Yellowstone. We had a slow start to the morning, so arrived at the park around 11am. So far driving through the park has been good, but long. I did not realize it would take so long to get from one place to another. A lot of car time for the kids.

Mammoth Springs was one of the highlights of the day.

I enjoy the wildlife. We have checked most items off our list the Park Rangers gave to the kids. Here is a bear that crossed in front of our car. (Yes, we rented a car for the day)

And one of the many, many bison. This fella was about 2 feet from our car. Wow, they are huge.

After one of our walks, I found Jackson daydreaming. I would like to think that is pondering all the nature of Yellowstone, but know that he is thinking about his friends back home and his Legos!

We headed back to West Yellowstone for the night. The kiddos had sometime to run and play since it was a full day in the car. I did 4 loads of laundry -- vacation is not all roses! And neither was the smell of those clothes :)

Day 6, Happy 4th of July!

Our day started with a short drive to Cody, WY. Right now, have put on 1150 miles.

Upon entering Cody, we found the town packed and the parade already started, so we skipped it. We picked up a few things at Wal-Mart and headed on our way to Yellowstone.

You cannot enter Yellowstone without getting the photo!

It is spectacular sight here. Everywhere you look there is more to see.

We took some time to do a little walking and visited Artists Point, a mud volcano and many cauldrons. I can do without the sulfur smell of the cauldrons! Here is the family at Artist Point. Jenna has a pretty nice ride! And notice Jackson and Hailey picking on each other -- somethings never change, even on vacation!

We then ventured out of the park to West Yellowstone, MT. We spent sometime walking around the town before heading to the city park to watch the fireworks. They kids had a blast!

Day 5

Our travels lead us from Rapid City, SD to Greybull, WY. Today Jenna was on the mend, but CRABBY! We returned our rental car in the morning and prepared for a day of travel and relaxation time for the kids, which they much needed. Our first drive was to Deadwood. We toured a museum and left. I personally, was expecting a little more than casinos and gift shops. Jenna was not herself at all, to put it nicely so we headed back on the road. Our next stretch of driving was to Devils Tower. Jenna fell asleep – yahhh, a four hour nap! Since Jenna was sleeping, we took turns with Jackson and Hailey hiking through the woods. What a sight!!

After this, it was back in the RV to our long drive to Greybull WY – though the Bighorn National Park. OH MY!!!! The way up the mountain was beautiful, the way down – well, my head was in a pillow after deciding that my brake pedal was useless! If you did not know, I hate heights. We did see lots of deer and Jackson and I saw a moose. I will give Stuart lots of kudos for driving. He did a great job with the RV. Actually, I think he drives the RV better than the car!

Day 4

Day 4 was spent in Rapid City, SD. Jenna was feeling okay, so we thought. She started off the day okay but soon you could see the energy drain and the crabbiness start. Our first stop was at Old MacDonald's farm. It was a fantastic farm with lots of animals, including many baby animals. The kiddos loved it.

Jenna was great as long as she could see me. Out of sight -- here is what would happen!

This is kinda what she was like...... Actually, she loves being a troll and does a great, "Who is on my bridge?" Ask her sometime, I am sure she will show you!

Next we were off to Bear Country USA. This is an "open" park. You drive though and keep your windows closed! We happened to be there at feeding time. All of a sudden all the bears started heading towards one spot. We soon saw a white truck with someone shoveling many, many scoops of food out. I am guessing it was chicken. Here is a shot of a bear that stopped to have a bite in front of our car.

Here is the group of bears feeding on the chicken.

After seeing the animals, we spent some time in Keystone and driving around the Black Hills. We stopped and toured a cave, going 225 feet below ground. That was fantastic. The kiddos loved it and I got a workout carrying Jenna the whole way! Our final activity of the day was a Chuckwagon Show. Jackson and Hailey loved the shootout at the beginning and helping to find the Biscuit Bandit. We missed the final show, since Jenna was scared of the bandit and would scream if she saw him! That was a sign, our day needed to end!

I am writing this the morning of day 5. Jenna seems to be feeling pretty good so far. We have a day of mostly travels ahead of us, so rest is in order!