Summer Vacation Part 4-Yellowstone/Grand Tetons

Oh! The Places You Will GO!

I sit here today on the computer looking at all these wonderful photos of my family and the places we have been and the people we love. WOW! My heart is filled with happiness and joy! To be able to travel like we do and experience God's creation...it's a beautiful life!

The time we touched down from Boston to the time we left again for Yellowstone National Park...27 hours. We packed up our camping gear and a few clothes and drove 10 hours. Stopped for a few bathroom breaks which were gas stops as well. The boys were amazing at traveling in the car!

Driving into Yellowstone to meet the LA Robinson family, we saw lots of bison. Silas called them "cow".

Setting up camp and waited for cousins to show up after their hike that day.

The cousins! We are finally together again!

The first day was mud pools and waterfalls.

Uncle Nate was our personal park ranger. The kids had loads of questions.

They were stinky pools!

The Grand Canyon of Yellowstone-Lower Falls

Plenty of hiking. The kids did amazing!

Because we enticed them with ice cream at the end.

Loads of fun around the campfire.

Our view from our campsite! Magnificent! The moon rose every night that we were there over Yellowstone Lake.

Fried doughnuts one night for dessert!

Biking around the campsite.

Jonas and Silas loved their cousins! Lots of snuggles and hugs.

Trees burned from the Yellowstone fire in 1989.

Our 2nd day was hydrothermal pools and Old Faithful geyser.

These deep colors of green and blue were spectacular! Very hot pools!

We walked along boardwalks to keep safe from the pools.

Sydney was the best at making Jonas happy! Back rides when he got tired.

Waiting for Old Faithful geyser to erupt. Approximately, every 1 1/2 hour the geyser would erupt. Spectacular!

Taking a rest out of the intense sun.

Juice box buddies!

Our 3rd day was Mammoth Hot Springs. Elk roamed the area like they reside there...oh yeah, they do.

Eating lunch while 6 elks came across the park just randomly.

More hikes and impeccable photo moments!

On our drive home(campsite), we encountered 2 different black bears. The first time was a momma bear with 2 cubs. Too far to take pics...good thing! The next one was solo and close to the road. We pulled over and decided to stay in the car. Jonas said"Mom, we need to stay in the car, it's walking toward us." Eli commented, "Well, he could crawl into our sunroof if he could."

Singing songs and playing car games made the trip back to our campsite enjoyable!

No naps the whole time we were there in Yellowstone. So early bedtimes. Here Auntie Sara reading books around the campfire before the sun set.

Smore time!! The best part of camping!

After 5 days in Yellowstone, we drove down to Grand Tetons National Park to spend a few days.

Our first activity was...yes, you guessed it...hiking! We took a ferryboat across Jenny Lake to a trailhead that lead up to a beautiful waterfall. Another boat ride again!

We hiked 4 mile out and back...steep trail! Jonas hiked the whole way! So impressive!

On the way was a stunning waterfall...refreshing.

Steep climb over looking Jenny Lake. We were in the heart of the Grand Tetons!

Our last meal together we found a BBQ cookout. After 7 days of not showering, we were happy to not cook and be outside instead of in a restaurant.

Our view camping in the National Park. Smashing!

Once again, we were very sad to leave our cousins and family again! But we will see them again soon! Thanks for a wonderful time LA Robinsons.

While we drove home, Jonas stated, "I love camping and seeing my cousins but I miss our home." He is Matt's son. The next day at home, Jonas was playing in the backyard and said,"Hey mom, I'm pretending to play with my cousins. I love them!"

Summer Vacation Part 3-Boston Robinson visit

Back to Massachusetts to stay with my brother and his family in Beverly, suburb of Boston.

The first event was a talent show. Kate, 6 years old, set up all the chairs and stage to perform out back on the porch. The show must go on!

Coordinator Kate started the show with a bang...rose petals!

Jonas was so intrigued with this new concept of talent show, he didn't know what to think. But with confidence, he stood up there and sang 'Twinkle Twinkle Little Star' which turned into the ABC's.

The Finale of the show...everyone got up and danced!

Auntie Jenny treated all the cousins with popsicles! Yummy! Silas savored every bite...

...and his cousin, Ethan's too! They are 5 weeks apart.

Ethan...such a cutie! We called him a menace all week b/c he was captivated with Silas' curls and would just yank on them every chance he got. I thought it was funny but Silas learned to watch his back.

The messy and silly cousins!

Next day was 4th of July. We attended a local parade(which we have been several times now) and had a blast! Jenny and Chad have friends right on the main strip, so we got front row seats and lots of food!

Eating breakfast on the sidewalk...anticipating for the fire trucks!

Jonas enjoyed the mussel loaders firing from soldiers.

Silas enjoyed the food, drinks, and candy!

Tuesday, we headed over to a local CSA to pick fresh veggies and fruit. Even though Chad and Jenny are suburbanites, it seemed to be rural to us. Just down the street, a beautiful farm with fresh food. WOW!

Farmer Silas

The joy of picking snap peas and popping them right in our mouth was priceless! So sweet and juicy! Jonas now wants to eat snap peas everyday for his green.

Once Silas stuffed a pea in his mouth, he was onto picking another one.

Jonas and Nora(9months apart), walking side by side.

Every afternoon, we had to cool off...it was HOT and humid!

Jonas and Nora washing her car over and....

over again!

Jonas and Nora squirting cars as they drive by.

Tuesday night, Jenny and I were able to attend the Red Sox game at Fenway Park. REALLY?? I was so thrilled and what an exhilarating moment.

The Uncles(Matt and Chad) took all 5 kids to ice cream. Brave souls!

Just a funny pic of Nora and Silas

Uncle Charlie(Jenny's brother) came over with his scooter and gave rides for the older kids. Jonas was giddy!

Matt had class all week in the city as well as Jenny for just 2 days. So it was Chad and I with all 5 kids...off to the beach!

Catching crabs was the highlight of the first day. Very low tide with lots of seaweed so off to the rocky area to search for crabs.

Kate was the catcher! Full of courage and screams at the same time. It was quite hilarious!

Jonas always watching his back, just in case a crab is near. He was very timid and didn't care to catch any. But still had a great time being the bucket holder.

Off to Gloucester to eat some fresh seafood and walk around the pier.

Rice beach! A more clean and fun beach!

Silas, the adventurer, and Jonas the observer! Jonas stayed safe always and was nervous about the BIG ocean. Silas wanted to cross the limits and explore.

Kate, Ethan, Jonas, Silas, and Nora creating a dam. Hours of fun!

MUD!

Fearless Kate

Little Ethan

The last day was touring all over Boston. First stop was in Charlestown, where Chad and Jenny use to reside.

USS Constitution, the world's oldest warship afloat. It's magnificent!

All aboard the ferryboat to catch a quick ride into downtown Boston. Jonas loved the ride.

What a beautiful harbor!

Rode the swan boats in the Boston Garden. I wanted to recapture the story of 'Make Way for Ducklings' for the kids. We love that book!

Mrs. Mallard and Jonas with

Jack, Lack, Mack, Nack, Oack, Quack, and Pack right behind them.

It was very sad to leave with lots of hugs and kisses. But we will be back again soon. Jonas said his goodbyes and told Uncle Chad, "I'm seeing my other cousins now...bye!"