One More Yellowstone Day

          On Friday, July 2, we loaded up the vans and trekked into Yellowstone again.  Since the park is just so massive, it was easy to explore areas we had not seen on our trip earlier in the week.  We stayed on the north side of the park, visiting the breathtaking Lamar Valley, and avoiding the overcrowded geyser basin (no Old Faithful for us on this trip).
          Lamar Valley is most well-known for its wolf packs, so we kept our eyes open.  I mean, you never know, right?  Stuart did see what he thought might be a wolf, but retrospectively, he's pretty sure it was just a massive coyote!  The buffalo herds were meandering through the valley as well.  We found a great picnic spot for lunch, sitting along side Soda Butte Creek.  We ate lunch, spread a blanket by the river, and relaxed while part of our group did some fly fishing.  Audrey enjoyed seeing the ground squirrels running around (begging for food).  We also were fortunate enough to see a black bear.  He was across the river near a tree, and another traveler let each of us look through his viewing scope for a closer look.  One of my favorite moments, though, was watching Audrey play with her aunts and uncles on the blanket near the river.  I saw her enjoying special moments with Aunt Meg and Uncle Garrett (and Beckett).  She also had story and cuddle time with Aunt Lara.  After fishing, Aunt Courtney, Uncle Stuart, and Uncle Spencer also spent some time playing with Audrey.  It may sound cliche, but I really am more and more thankful for the love that all of our family lavishes upon my children!  
          The afternoon crept on and it was soon time to head back to our house.  This was our last full day together in Paradise Valley, so once we returned to our house, we enjoyed a big meal and began the process of packing.  On Saturday, July 3, my siblings left for their homes.  The girls and I stayed in Montana with my parents for a great week of exploration!  (I'll post about our second week in Montana in my next entry).  I must say the week in Paradise Valley was incredible!  Thanks to my parents for making it ALL happen, and I'm so glad my siblings and their families made the trek west for the fun!!  If only Matt could have joined us...