Just over a week ago we spent 5 nights and 5 days in Island Park. Mike's uncle Jim called on a Wednesday night and said I have a timeshare cabin this Friday-Friday that we can't use. Do you want it (for free)? After clearing a few things off of our schedule we took off Friday evening and came home the following Wednesday evening. This is on our list of one of THE BEST trips we have ever taken. It was so fun to just be the 6 of us. I think we REALLY needed this time to bond and just get away from the busy, chaotic life that we sometimes lead. We had great fun, exploring, swimming, hot tubbing, canoeing, playing games, sleeping in and just being together. THANK YOU Jim and Sherlene for such a great gift :)
~THE CABIN~
It had two bedrooms and a loft that had 2 queen beds. The BEST thing about these cabins is they have private hot tubs right on the deck. We hot tubbed first thing in the morning, middle of the day, after dinner and before bed. AWESOME!
DAY 1 ~ SATURDAY
Our first stop was Mesa Falls. They were absolutely breathtaking. It rained which made the falls and area so green and even more beautiful.
After the falls we drove past some wheat fields. We thought it would be fun to get out and take pictures. It is pretty funny to see what is going on in the background of some of the pictures.
This picture cracked us up. Here I am having my picture taken and look what is happening in the background! I had no idea :)
Hot tubbing when we got back to the cabin.
DAY 2 ~ SUNDAY
We drove the lower loop in Yellowstone.
First stop...
Firehole Falls!
Next stop was Geyser Basin.
It was pretty cool to see so many geysers and mud pots.
It was pretty cool to see so many geysers and mud pots.
We stopped to see the OLD FAITHFUL GEYSER go off.
Will broke his femur 8 years ago in the Old Faithful Lodge when this window came crashing down on it. He was sitting just like this looking out the window. When our nephew pulled the stick out that holds up the window it came crashing down on his leg and snapped his femur.
West Thumb Geyser Basin.
It was fun to be able to get so close to this buffalo.
Dragon's Mouth Spring
The LOWER Falls!
This picture cracked us up. Look at the Asian guy in the background getting someones attention :)
The falls were incredible!
Another buffalo walking along the street!
Once again we ended the day soaking in the hot tub :) 
DAY 3~ MONDAY
We rented canoes at Mack's Inn in Island Park and floated 5 miles down Big Springs. It was GORGEOUS.
The kids all jumped off this 20 foot bridge before we started down the spring in canoes. It was sunny, rainy, windy, thunder and lightning. This was definitely a highlight of our trip.
When we got back we hot tubbed in a rain and hail storm. Not the smartest thing...but super fun :)
After dinner we played in ISLAND PARK RESERVOIR. We found this tramp that Mike and the kids played on. Someone had to of course take pictures so I opted to sit this one out :)
DAY 4 ~ TUESDAY
We drove the upper loop in Yellowstone.
First stop was Gibbons Falls.
Next the Artists Paint Pots!
Mammoth Springs!
An elk just walking around Mammoth Springs.
Last stop was Tower Falls!
We could not believe how many different people come and visit Yellowstone. We took pictures of as many license plates as we could and Rachel made this collage. We figured we saw a car from every state but 3 (Connecticut, South Carolina and West Virginia). CRAZY!
DAY 5 ~ WEDNESDAY
DAY 5 ~ WEDNESDAY
All packed up and ready to head back to SLC :(
We figured since Lava Hot Springs was on our way home we would stop and spend the afternoon here. We had a great time playing in the pool, going down the waterslides and jumping off the platforms. What a great way to end such a fun trip :)
