Island Park Vacation 2010

Two years ago, Ty, Sylvester, Grandma, Nicus, and I took Ty on his first trip.  We went to Island Park, Idaho to stay at a friend's cabin.  Since Ty has become so interested in volcanoes and nature's other awesome powers, we thought it would be fun to take another trip up to I.P. and Yellowstone to see Old Faithful.  It is such a relaxing, calming spot that we thought it would be perfect for Mya's first trip and a nice little getaway for me too!  Sylvester decided to stay home and work on the house, also saving up leave for when Baby C arrives.  Grandma is almost always a willing participant, so she packed a bag and came along as well.  This time we visited the cabin while Di, the generous owner, was also there.

The Car Ride

We started out around 10 on Thursday morning.  The kids were happy, and Mya quickly fell asleep.  Smooth sailing...

Island Park

After about a 4 1/2 hour voyage, we arrived in Island Park.  The kids were happy to get out of the car and explore their surroundings.  Mya loved practicing climbing on the stairs of the porch.  And Ty discovered the swing hammock, which became a favorite during our stay.

One of Mya's few words that she uses is "doggie," so she was thrilled when there were two new doggies, Mesa and Easter, to point to and declare "doggie!"

Our day at West Yellowstone

Ty enjoying his thumb and a geyser, all at the same time.

Grandma and Mya being really good sports, even despite all the wind and the smell of sulfur.

Our little scientist getting down for a closer look.

One of Ty's favorite views, a mudpot.

The car ride back to Island Park was very peaceful for Grandma and me.

Back at the Cabin

A lovely morning walk with our hostess, Di.

Ty, Easter, and Mesa.

Nicus loved roaming free and leashless.

You can't separate a boy from his bugs!  A giant ant hill made of pine needles.

Close up of those big ants.

Hamming it up and dancing away as Grandma sings.

Grandma mid-song.

 And Back Home Again

After a wonderful three days, we packed up and headed back home.  On our way, we stopped by Bear World.  I'd never really liked the idea of driving through a bunch of bears, but Ty seemed interested, so we checked it out.  It was a lot like going to the zoo, except that the animals weren't caged, and you must stay in your car, windows rolled up (which is why the pictures are so poor).  They have turkeys, deer, bison, elk, mooses, wolves, grizzlies, and black bears.