I have to backtrack a little because somehow almost a year has flown by and I have not kept up with my blog. After our engagement, life quickly became a whirlwind.
Shortly after we got engaged, two of my great friends flew out to Utah to visit. Another friend who already lives here joined us, and we spent a long weekend celebrating and making a few plans for the future.
Needless to say, girls weekend was a blast. I showed them around Utah, visiting lakes, waterfalls, and even Antelope Island.
Not long after the girls left, Shane and I got serious about planning our next adventure. We decided to take a trip to Yellowstone National Park and meet up with my cousin, her husband, and their four children who live in Montana. It seemed like the perfect opportunity to spend time with family while exploring one of the most beautiful places in the country.
My younger brother Evan also joined the adventure and flew out from Florida to take the road trip with us.
On the Road to Yellowstone
Our journey officially began as we made our way north toward Yellowstone.
Our first stop was Upper Mesa Falls, which turned out to be a beautiful place to stretch our legs after the drive. It was only a short walk to the viewpoint, but the waterfall was absolutely worth the stop. We even got lucky and saw a rainbow in the mist.
After that, we continued toward our home for the next few days: the West Entrance KOA. Shane and I used his brother’s old tent, while my brother Evan ended up in a much smaller tent. It worked though, and it became home for the next three nights.
Soon after arriving, my cousin and her family met us at the campground. Once everyone was settled, we piled into the cars and headed into Yellowstone National Park.
Yellowstone Lake and West Thumb Geyser Basin
Our first stop inside the park was Yellowstone Lake, where we explored the West Thumb Geyser Basin. Walking along the paths through the steaming geothermal areas was a completely new experience for the kids and just as exciting for us.
There were geysers bubbling everywhere and some of them actually flowed right into the lake. It was fascinating to see something so unusual in such a peaceful setting.
Of course we had to stop for a family photo along the way.
Old Faithful
Next up was the famous Old Faithful.
We arrived at the perfect time. Some visitors had apparently been waiting almost an hour, but we only had to wait about five minutes before it erupted.
Watching Old Faithful shoot high into the air was one of those moments that makes Yellowstone so memorable.
Afterward we explored the nearby geyser basin and walked along the boardwalks where steaming vents, colorful pools, and bubbling geysers were everywhere.
Midway Geyser Basin
Before heading back to camp, we made one last stop at Midway Geyser Basin.
This area was incredibly busy compared to the rest of our day. Once we saw the brilliant colors of the pools, it was easy to understand why everyone wanted a photo there.
By the end of the day we had visited Upper Mesa Falls, Yellowstone Lake, Old Faithful, and Midway Geyser Basin. The kids were total troopers because by that point I was completely exhausted.
We ended the night back at camp with dinner and s'mores around the fire.
Day Two: Lower Falls and Boiling River
Our first stop on day two was Lower Falls of the Yellowstone River.
The hike down to the viewpoint was steep, and part of the way I carried one of the kids. The whole time I kept thinking about the hike back up. But once we reached the bottom and saw the falls, all of that disappeared. The view was absolutely breathtaking.
After soaking in the view and taking another family photo, we made the climb back to the top and continued exploring.
Our final stop of the day was the Boiling River Hot Springs.
This spot was so much fun. The hot spring water mixes with the cold river, so within a few feet you can experience freezing cold water, warm water, and very hot water. After all the hiking we had been doing, it was the perfect way to relax.
That wrapped up Day Two, which was just as full of adventure as the first.
Day Three: Rafting in Montana
Day three started with a bittersweet moment as my cousin and the kids headed home.
Shane, Evan, and I continued the adventure and drove into Montana for a whitewater rafting trip.
It was a first for all three of us, and we had an absolute blast. By the end of the trip we were already talking about booking another rafting adventure in the future.
Day Four: Grand Teton National Park
Our last tourist stop before heading home was Grand Teton National Park. It also happened to be my 27th birthday, which made the day even more special.
We explored Jackson Lake, took a ride up the mountain, and enjoyed incredible views of the Tetons. We even spotted a moose and watched some daring hang gliders soaring through the sky.
It was the perfect way to celebrate my birthday.
Afterward we began the drive back to Utah, stopping in Idaho for the night before finishing the trip the next morning.
It was truly a wonderful adventure and one we will always remember.
The months that followed were a little quieter as we focused on planning our upcoming wedding. I will try to get our wedding post up soon so I can finally bring this blog up to date.
