West Yellowstone

West Yellowstone is right next to the west entrance to Yellowstone so we spent a lot of time there coming and going from Yellowstone. We got to see wolves and bears up close at the Discovery Center in West Yellowstone.The food in the park was overpriced (like Disneyland) and not that good--we liked the food in West Yellowstone the best . One night we went to a pizza place that was in a bar and it was sooo good that we were able to overlook the Steelers paraphernalia in the adjoining bar--one pizza even had baked beans on it (Jer's fave). There was also a good family restaurant that was really attentive to our kids. We also had our pictures taken at an old time western photo place. The next time we go to Yellowstone I hope we can plan ahead and stay right in West Yellowstone.

They had lots of taxidermy bears and other animals.

The kids liked the one of the bear cubs climbing up the tree.

We were able to watch them feed the bears. That was really cool.

The kids enjoyed going inside the wolf cave.

A picture of all of the kids, 2013 vacation

The kids enjoyed seeing a real life bald eagle.

Michael particularly liked the wolves.

Island Park

For our Yellowstone trip, we rented a cabin in Island Park, Idaho with all of Jeremy's family. It had 3 levels--we chose the basement level that had 2 bedrooms, a bathroom, large family room and laundry room. The main level had a mud room, kitchen, living room, bathroom and 2 bedrooms while the top level had 2 more bedrooms, a bathroom and rec room. It stayed nice and cool in the basement plus for an added bonus there was a door so we could keep the babies from climbing up and down the stairs. We enjoyed going on walks around the area and there was a convenience/grocery store just up the road that had better prices than West Yellowstone.  The cabin lot backed up onto a golf course so we had to teach the kids to not walk there. Although it was nice I think I'd like to stay right in West Yellowstone next time.

Family Pictures

While we were in West Yellowstone we had the opportunity to go to one of those picture places that does old time Western photos. It was fun and Jennie was so cute they did a photo shoot just for her.

Our family picture

Gray male kids and grandkids with Grandpa

Jennie's cute photo

Yellowstone Trip

This year we went to Yellowstone for the first time as a family. I had never been. We rented a cabin in Island Park with all of Jeremy's family and drove 30 minutes into the park everyday. Michael, Kimberlee and Kaden earned their Jr. Ranger badges. One night while we were there we got to see a lot of buffalo. The kids enjoyed walking around in nature and seeing all of the animals in the wild. The food in the park was overpriced (like Disneyland) and not that good--we liked the food outside the park better. Unfortunately we forgot to bring the baby carrier so just had the stroller to take Jennie around in. The kids did get tired a few times and had to be carried. Michael said he really liked it up there and wants to go back. It's fun but more of a place for honeymooners/retirees/avid  hikers. I think we'll wait and go back when everyone is a little bit older.