Day 5 - Finally! And what a day!!

Day 5 began with an early start so we could head into Yellowstone National Park.  We left around 8-ish after a quick meal at the hotel.  Mom took Kylee with her and the rest of us piled in the Suburban (again).  We came in through the East entrance and drove by Yellowstone Lake.  That's where we got our first glimpse of the crazy geothermal occurrences that go on there.  After meeting mom for a quick potty break (we've had TONS of those) we headed north.  Along this stretch is where we got a good look at the bison that roam the park.  It's so funny that they just go wherever they want, including the road.  We made a little stop and the kids thought they were so cool that they all took turns with my camera.

The bison like to roll around in the dirt and stir up lots of dust.  Apparently it's WAY more interesting if you  aren't a cow.  

When I was a kid we took a trip just like ours only in reverse because I live in California.  I don't remember seeing the Grand Canyon of Yellowstone.  It appears out of nowhere and is AMAZING!!  

I'm sad to say that Brenden was having another bad day.  I think he needs to eat at more regular intervals.  He's just too old for me to make him:(  Next stop geothermal paint pots, the dragon's mouth, and Old Faithful.  I'll let the pics tell the story..

By the end of the day we were all super tired.  It had been hot and we had seen more than we could have dreamed up.  We split up - Kylee and my mom to a hotel and us to a little cabin at Henry's Lake State Park in Idaho.  Me and the boys (I know, bad grammar, but I like it) found a place that had super awesome Yelp reviews.  A Taco bus!!  They were the best tacos EVER!

Are tired reading about our day yet??  I promised leeches...but not yet.  

I got a pic of our brief drive through Montana but it must be on Taylor's phone.  On to the lake....

Here's our cute little cabin.  I slept inside with the boys and Taylor slept in his beloved hammock.  FYI - if you ever visit here, take bug spray!

Now for the leeches.  After we set everything up (we are pros now), we took a little walk to the lake where the boys had a rock skipping contest.  I told Dylan that he could wade in the water up to his knees.   A few minutes later I remember vaguely hearing him say, "Oh cool!  Fish Bait."  Then I hear a ruckus and him screaming, "LEECHES!!!"  Slithering all over his hands were what appeared to be 30+ flesh-colored baby leeches.   EWWWWWWW!!!  Well, that was it for everyone so we settled down fast, played a couple of quick games and went to sleep.  I'm tired just thinking about it all.  It's been so fun to have so many fun memories:)  Tomorrow - BYU Idaho and Salt Lake City!