For now, the next installment of our summer memories...
These gorgeous flowers are called Arrowleaf balsamroot. We found them all over Yellowstone and Teton National Parks. We camped for 2 nights in the Colter Bay Campground in the Grand Teton National Park. We had an amazing little campsite that was very wooded and beautiful. We were all mesmerized by the mountains. I think I took at least 100 pictures of them. They are truly spectacular!
We hiked around parts of Jenny Lake. It's a special place because the mountains end at the waters edge. There is a hiking trail that goes around. We didn't hike the entire way, but we did some. It was a beautiful warm day. In the afternoon, we went rafting down the Snake River. Our rafting adventure took us to a part of the Snake River that is protected and designated wild. The only way to access it is by the water. On the rafting trip we saw several Bald Eagles. Also, we saw a lot of evidence of beavers (chewed trees, dams), but the beavers were sleeping (nocturnal).
A stunning view of the beautiful Grand Teton.
After relaxing for two nights in the Tetons, we were ready to get to Grandma Cindi's house! We had planned to take 3 days to drive to Show Low, Arizona from Wyoming, but we changed our plans and got there in 2 days instead. I had enough of camping and the kids just wanted to see Grandma and Grandpa.
We drove South through Wyoming and entered Utah in the Ashley National Forrest through the Flaming Gorge National Recreation area. It was stunning! A storm was coming and it started raining as we arrived. We continued on South and stayed the night in Grand Junction, Colorado.
On the next day, we passed through Four Corners Monument and made our way South into Show Low, Arizona. We were dirty and tired and so happy to see Grandma!
Grandpa came up a day earlier than planned. We all just played and relaxed. A pile of rocks was delivered and the kids helped to spread it out. Well, kinda helped.
They loved riding on the golf cart, running through the GIANT golf course sprinklers and playing outside in the gorgeous mountain air.
Aunt Arnie brought matching bracelets!
Aunt Arnie and Uncle Curt have a new dog! Of course, Lily and Madeline were in love instantly!
Wyatt found a great stick for making a bow.
It's great to have some time with Grandma Lucy!
I always feel a little sad that I don't take more pictures when we are in Arizona. I get busy visiting and enjoying myself that I forget to document it! We had a ball.
Scott left Show Low by airplane and headed back to Austin to return to work. The kids and I stayed for a few more days and then Grandma Cindi and I drove back. We were all happy to be home. It's always fun to get away and have an adventure, but there's no place like home!
