When my Dad turned fifty almost one year ago, his gift was a future family vacation anywhere he wanted to go in the entire world. It only took him a few weeks to decide, and we all waited with baited breath to find out our exotic destination. It turns out, he wanted to go to…Montana. So this June, we all packed our bags and prepared for fly fishing, white water rafting, and so much laughter my abs were sore. My entire family was able to make it, minus my brother-in-law Jeff. It was the first time in a long time that all six siblings, both my parents, Orlando, and both granddaughters were all in one location. We all met in Bozeman before driving out to our cabin in the middle of nowhere for the next nine days. There probably aren’t that many families who would be excited at the prospect of being completely isolated with their relatives for that long, but we were so happy to be together!
One day involved a road trip through Yellowstone. I had been when I was really little, but this was the first time visiting during the summer. We got to see bears, elk, and lots of bison. The only wildlife we missed out on that we were hoping to see was moose. There weren’t any wolves in sight during our trip either, but that was fine by me. 😉
Issa and Cora got lots of quality time with their Nana and Papaw, which was awesome for Orlando and I as well! It’s amazing how much attention they get with so many family members around. By the end of the trip I was starting to miss them!
Yellowstone is so gorgeous, you guys! The views were incredible, and I can’t imagine living with such beauty surrounding you every day. You have to think you would just never get used to it. At least I hope not!
Hiking through the various trails was quite the adventure with Cora, and it also meant that Issa was either sleeping in the van with Nana, or strapped to one of us in our Beachfront Baby wrap. I wish I would have gotten a picture of her being worn by her Aunt Kelsey, it was the cutest thing ever! And gave Mama’s back a break. 🙂
Our cabin in the woods turned out to be perfect for us, and my mom also arranged for a private chef to prepare an extravagant dinner every evening that we stayed there. By the end, even my Dad, who we call the human garbage disposal, was saying he was almost tired of eating so much. Chef Hans truly spoiled us with appetizers, entrees, and desserts worthy of a five star restaurant.
Mother Nature was really showing off while we were visiting, both with the beautiful flora surrounding our cabin and the amazing creations within Yellowstone. I’m admittedly not much of an outdoors girl, but I can appreciate an impressive display of beauty when I see it.
Have you been to Montana? What would you want to experience on your trip?
XO,
A
