Yellowstone 2013

We last minute took a trip to Yellowstone as a family a couple weeks ago. Our friends the Drapers invited us to go with them and we had a great time. Of course no trip to Yellowstone would be complete without stopping at Bear World on the way up. We loved going there 2 years ago and it was just as exciting this time around as well. The boys were so excited to see the bears, Cam even channeled his inner bear here. Can you tell he had just been stuck in his car seat for the last 3 hours? They were crazy! Ha ha! The bears didn't disappoint either. We saw a ton of them and the boys loved it. Cam loved helping Lance drive the car maybe a little more than the bears! :) This little guy was having a snack off our friends car Nice! We had a nice lunch and then went to the petting zoo they had and of course to ride the rides. When Cam saw the train, well, his face says it all. Nailed it! Aren't we the cutest little bear family? Poor Ryland was so sweaty hot! Ry trying to decided if he actually wanted to touch a chicken....and no he didn't. They did love this little deer though. And they rode the train I think 13 times! Ry Cam and Sara Ryland liked to ride the cars as well, Cam was a no go on any ride but the train. This bear got super close to our car on the the last drive through, the boys may have freaked out a little about that one. Ha ha! It was a great afternoon at bear world though. A great way to start off the vacation! We then finished our drive up to Island Park. After some dinner we headed out to Big Springs. There weren't many fish that evening, but it was a beautiful night! Love my family! We were ready to rock and roll at Yellowstone the next morning. We stopped and did a few hikes early. Cam loved looking through all the boards... Me and Ry, it was beautiful! Ryland was fascinated by all the water shooting out of geysers. Ryland putting his photography skills to good use. Ryland was such a trooper and walked the whole trail around old faithful. He did awesome, and even helped push Camden on the last stretch. The classic old faithful picture. Cam and Ry loved eating outside for lunch, they thought it was great! Oh and throwing rocks at trees, super fun right? The boys got some of this in While we drove to the next place. They were both out and missed the beautiful Yellowstone lake And the bear! I was sad they were both sound asleep when we found this guy, oh well. That was the first time I remember seeing a bear at yellowstone, so that was cool to see. We also saw a ton of the usual bison! Lower Falls, love how Cam has his leg up here! Beautiful Yellowstone! Day two at Yellowstone, we stopped to get the family picture in front of the sign! Cheese! Just because here we are 2 years ago at the same place, we have grown up a little huh? We had a blast the second day as well full of more hiking, driving, and enjoying the beautiful scenery. We stopped by an awesome little stream for lunch. The boys were in heaven getting their feet wet and of course throwing rocks into the water. It was such a fun trip! Until next time Yellowstone!

Independence Day 2013

We had a great time celebrating Independence Day this year again! We love this holiday, it is such a great day to spend time with family and enjoy being outdoors. We started celebrating the night before with taking the boys to cherry hill to swim for a couple hours. Besides freaking Ryland out on the first ride, it was a success and they had a blast. We then went to fireworks at the park that evening. It was great and a good practice run for the boys since they are crazy afraid of fireworks still. It was good to warm them up a bit before the bigger 4th of July show. And nope, no pictures of any of that, so sad. Anyway, we woke up early the morning of the 4th to run the 5k. We also signed the boys up for the kids 1/4 dash. Here we are before the race. The boys were nice enough to sit great in the stroller while we ran. They were so excited to run their race after ours. They had their numbers on and ready to go before we even ran. So cute! Before their turn, the boys had to get their stretching on. Waiting for their turn. How can you not love this pictures, these boys are the best! Ready to run, the boys are right up front in the center here Here is a little movie of the starting line. Ryland is on the second row now, in the middle. Cam comes running in with Lance at the end! Love the false start too, ha ha! And in the mad dash of the finish, I failed at getting a picture of them finishing. I got this gem of Ryland waiting for his ribbon, better luck next year! :) Lance basically had to run with Cam for the whole time, he wasn't as into as Ryland was, but they both loved it. Here they are after they crossed the finish line. It was a such a great way to start the morning. We headed out to the parade after the race. The boys were dancing in the street and ended up wining some hula hoops for that one! Mom and Camden at the parade Ry and Bryson And yep again my boys are terrified of the fire trucks and police cars. They ran to the safety of Grandmas lap and plugged their ears. Ha ha! Cam was basically here for the whole parade, and clearly it helps if Grandma plugs your ears for you! He was super afraid. :) The boys had a blast watching all the entries in the parade, and getting candy. Poor Ryland sweats like crazy, he was dripping in sweat by the end of the parade! He tried to stay cool with the little fans they gave us. He loved being fanned off! We spent the afternoon swimming at Grandmas, playing basketball, a BBQ and of course fireworks. Camden loved helping to hold baby Benson at fireworks, maybe he will like a little brother after all.....we will see! Ry and Cam tried out their first sparklers as well. Waiting for fireworks, love these dudes! And they are off! Best fireworks show ever, we love it every year! Ryland had such a busy day and the fireworks put him right to sleep. He saw a few minutes of the show! It was a great day and we love celebrating our freedom. Happy Independence Day!