"The Park"

WARNING--This slideshow is really long!

Last week I went on the best vacation ever! (That's what I say about all vacations, but this one was really amazing!) We went to Island Park and Yellowstone with my family and my Aunt Paula's family. Greg had to work (or so he says) and wasn't able to join us. (I think he is saving his days off for hunting season!) We missed him, but had a great time.

We made reservations several months ago to stay in a cabin in West Yellowstone. Just a few days before we were supposed to leave, we found out the cabin in West Yellowstone had been condemned (or "cadammed" as Brooklyn says). We went into panic mode and spent a full day on the phone and Internet trying to find a place. Miracuously, we found a brand new, very nice cabin in Island Park to rent. It was amazing and we had a fabulous time.

I just heard on the news today that a fire is burning in Yellowstone and one of our favorite roads is closed, so we're very relieved our trip was last week!

Here are some of my favorite lines from the trip:

Brooklyn (as we're driving): "I think we're almost to Alaska. Let's go see Brett and Chels!"

Brooklyn (looking at the jetted tub in the cabin): "That's a big bathtub for a four year old!"

Brooklyn (crying because Sean had to work and couldn't come): "I wish my daddy was here. I'm going to be all growed up when I get home."

Brooklyn (looking at a bull elk in awe): “My Uncle Derk (Greg) would shoot the antlers right off that thing.”

Mom: “I could care less about a wolf. It’s just a glorified dog.”

Brooklyn: “Nat, come sit on the stairs and talk with me.”
Nat: “Okay. What’s wrong?”
Brooklyn: “I asked Marlee to dance with me and she said no.”
Nat: “I’m sorry.”
Brooklyn: “It ruined my life.”

Brooklyn (after seeing a bear): ”Nat, do bears pee and poo?”
Nat: “Yes.”
Brooklyn: “In their beds?”

Brooklyn: “I amaze you, don’t I?”

Brooklyn (driving through Yellowstone): “When do we get to go to the park?” (We had been calling Yellowstone “The Park” and apparently Brooklyn thought we were going to a giant playground. OOPS!)

Brooklyn (looking out the window): “I see a bear…and a buffalo…and they’re kissing!”

Brooklyn (after I had given her my change): “Nat, are you and Derk rich?”

This is just a small sample of many wonderful moments! We’re already planning our return to the “The Park." Anybody want to join us? I'm thinking next week sounds great!