Day 3 Part 2 - Yellowstone

After our exciting rafting trip we split up and most of the family went back to the cabin to await Jill, Jared & Maya's arrival and get dinner ready. Ali stayed with us as we explored some more of Yellowstone National Park. We drove back through the Roosevelt Arch at the North Entrance of YNP on our way to the Mammoth Hot Springs Visitor Center.

There were many, many elk hanging out near the visitors center so we got some great close-up shots. 

Cara at the Minerva Terrace.

Jordyn getting another free ride. She spent a lot of time hitching a ride from her sister, aunt or parents...

The hike to the top of Mammoth Hot Springs was the longest we'd been on so far in Yellowstone. It was switchbacks and steep climbs up the boardwalks. By the time we got to the top we were exhausted!

After such a long trip to the top we were kind of let down by the Main Terrace view. I've learned that when it is active the sight is spectacular. The disappointment was probably in part from being so tired from our rafting trip earlier that afternoon... 

A mother elk and her babies crossed the road right in front of us!

Before we headed back to the cabin we decided to go check out the Grand Canyon of Yellowstone at Canyon Village. It was spectacular! Look at Jordyn peeking out from underneath the sign. :)

We could see the water fall had a trail down to it but after rafting and Mammoth Hot Springs we didn't have enough energy in the tank and resolved to come back the next day. Here's a random bison we saw on our way out of the park.

Even though the rest of the family left hours before us for the cabin we got home about a half an hour after them. Apparently there was a huge wreck on the West Entrance Road. Super glad we missed that!

After dinner we watched the fireworks in Island Park and did some sparklers together. It was a 4th of July to remember!!