Tradition

June 8th - 12th we enjoyed good family, good food and good scenery. We took our traditional trip to Yellowstone National Park with our dear Uncle Shirl, Aunt Toni and family. 

This year we decided to try our longest hike to date.  We tried to hike to Shoshone Geyser basin, a 17 mile round-trip hike.  The weather was a little chilly be bearable.  Unfortunately, there was still deep snow for the vast majority of the hike in the back country.  We made it close to the basin but came to an impasse.  There was a fast running, 3-4 foot deep stream (fed by the melting snow) and we knew stripping down to pass it would not be wise when we were hiking through snow the rest of the day without opportunity to dry.  We chose to eat lunch and turn back around.

In the end, we ended up with a total of 15 miles and sore aching feet, joints, etc.  We were quite disappointed that we didn't make our planned destination and goal but we enjoyed the journey and would do it again.  At 15 miles, it's still our longest family hike to date! 

I recently went to a parent-teacher conference at Jake's school.  All the students had to do a "the most important thing about me" page.  They were all hanging in the school hallway.  Jake's was about Yellowstone.  I think it says it all!  So cute.  Thank you Uncle Shirl and Aunt Toni for allowing us these fun memories and priceless opportunities.