More Yellowstone, Signal Mountain Lodge and Jackson, WY

Signal Moutain Lodge (located in Grand Teton National Park just southe of Yellowstone)

Kelsey exploring wildflowers

Cheese :)

Probably the most gorgeous waterfall I've ever seen

3 Coyotes running from the bears

My turn to try hiking with Kelsey

Mama Grizzly Bear and 3 cubs (here one of the cubs is jumping to play with Mama)

Bull Elk (there were 3 of them, but here are 2)

Huge Moose herd that just kept getting closer and closer to the road GTNP about a mile or so from our lodge

Our second day in WY (July 1st), we took advantage of our location to revisit Yellowstone and were so glad we did. In addition to seeing more buffalo, elk and various birds, we got to see animals we've never seen in the wild before. It was just gorgeous and a great day!

Yellowstone National Park, Wyoming

In order of discovery...

Bald Eagle nest

Elk

Bison with claypots and geysers in background

Close up Bison chilling on the side of the road

Mineral rich run off

Claypots

Hot Geysers

Fallen tree (these are the roots)

Old Faithful

On wednesday (6/30) we left early and made our first drive through Yellowstone National Forest to drop Mom off at the Jackson airport. We made several stops for wildlife (buffalo, elk), Old Faithful and the Claypots area that looks like an alien planet. SO cool! We were such a big fan of Yellowstone, we went back for a whole other day.

Big Sky, MT

Butte, MT- our lunch and stretching legs spot

With a wildflower shot

Adam and I about to zipline.

Hiking to the waterfall. Kelsey loved her travel mode!

Almost there! Mom and I

Kelsey loved the horses and wanted to get as close as possible.

On Monday, June 28th we packed up everything (and there was alot!) and we hit the road for our drive to Big Sky. Driving through MT is so breathtaking and to top it off, Kelsey was great in the car content with eating snacks, reading books and singing with Bubbie. We made a lunch stop in Butte (my affectionate pronunciation- butt :) and then arrived in Big Sky in the late afternoon. On tues morning, Adam and I left Kelsey with Mom and went zip lining in the mountains. It was a heckuva hike, but well worth it! I even got to try some tricks and Adam had his first zip lining experience ;) Fun stuff! Then, we decided to go for a short hike (yes, 2 hikes in the same day- can you believe it?) to see a local waterfall. (the first of many waterfalls). For dinner, Mom took Adam, Kelsey and I to Lone Mountain Ranch where Kelsey got to see some gorgeous horses close up. And it was a unique experience since Lone Mtn Ranch was one of my favorite childhood family vacations. Next.....Yellowstone!

Seeley Lake, MT

We took our first family vacation to Montana. My mom joined us for the first part of our trip to help with Kelsey so Adam and I could do a few adventure activities. Thanks, Mom! Adam and I went fly fishing and danced the night away at Jill's wedding :)
All of us at the Double Arrow Lodge, where we stayed for Jill's gorgeous wedding!

The stunning bride! Kelsey couldn't take her eyes off Aunt Jill!

Another view of the lodge

Beautiful unposed moment

Our day trip to Big Fork, MT

Kelsey's First puppy experience. What a cutie!

Kelsey was a rockstar on the flights out to Missoula. She did a great job traveling and being in the car more than ever before. Montana is gorgeous with it's lush green trees and grass and it's amazing mountain views. Jill's wedding was beautiful and so personalized. We had a great start to an amazing vacation!