Grand Teton - Jenny Lake/Yellowstone (day 1)

On our last day in Jackson we went to Jenny Lake in Grand Teton National Park. I was so happy that it was a sunny day. There was a layer of smoke over the mountain (from wildfires) while we were there so add that in with the clouds, and that does not make for good pictures. 

Jenny Lake was packed! Adam dropped us off at the entrance and went and parked on the road a ways away. I think everyone and their brother is traveling right now. We made good use of out time and took a few pictures.  

Look at those mountains! So beautiful! I seriously love the mountains more than anything. 

Once Adam parked we made our way down the discovered trail. Once the trail ended there were overlook spots, and it was seriously beautiful. We were trying to think of adjectives to describe how awesome the views were. I think the best way to describe it is majestic. 

These pictures don't do Jenny Lake justice. You have to see it in person to truly appreciate how beautiful it is. We went down to the water, and of course Paige had to potty as soon as we got down there. Her and I headed back down the trail to the bathrooms. Thank goodness they had actual restrooms and not outhouses. 

Ella trampled through the water in her shoes and socks. She didn't care. 

There is a boat that you can take across the lake. There were way too many people though, and I honestly just wanted to enjoy the views. If I ever go back I would take the boat across and hike the trails that are across the lake. 

Jenny Lake was one of my favorite things we saw on this trip, and one of the prettiest views I have ever seen in my life. It's a definite must see once in your life. 

The water was so clean and clear. There were plenty of rocks for throwing. Paige loves to be by water and loves to throw rocks. Anytime we went somewhere on this trip Paige asked if there would be rocks to throw. 

One last view of Jenny Lake before we left...

We were starving once we left Jenny Lake. There is a restaurant in the park called "Dornans." They have a chuckwagon type lunch/dinner. Unfortunately, a bus unloaded a ton of people that made the line too long to wait. We ate at the pizza restaurant instead that was actually really good. I was shocked at how good it was being in a national park. It was a great end to our trip to Jenny Lake. 

Paige had to swim one last time before we packed up and headed to West Yellowstone. 

Tuesday morning we headed to West Yellowstone. It was about a two hour drive which we could handle after driving 22 hours there. 

We stopped at this gas station in Idaho called "Stinker". Pretty fitting for Paige. 

We arrived in West Yellowstone around lunchtime. After doing a little research I figured out that a restaurant there was on Diner Drive-ins and Dives. I definitely had to try it. It's called Firehole Bar-B-Que.  It was pretty good. The meat had a strong taste of smoke but still very good. 

Since we could not check into our rental yet, Adam drove into Yellowstone. I think he wanted to pack in as much as he could knowing that if we checked off everything on my list we could go home a day early. Ha! 

Yellowstone is gorgeous. I wasn't sure what to expect, but I didn't expect it to be so grand and beautiful. 

We stopped at this spot for a little bit to throw rocks and enjoy the view. 

Take me back now!!

We headed down Grand Loop Road toward Grand Prismatic Spring. We hit quite a lot of traffic since it was later in the afternoon. Driving down the road we saw smoke and came upon Fountain Paint Pots so we stopped there first. 

Ella was enjoying the nice weather! We rolled down the windows since it was so nice out. 

Everything at Yellowstone was mind blowing. Its definitely nothing I had seen in my life before this. 

I love the blue color in the geysers. 

Paige wasn't sure what she was looking at and had a million questions. 

There is a walkway all around the geysers. I learned there are different types. Those with water are hot springs or geysers, but we also saw ones without water which are mud pots. Those were neat because it was just bubbling mud. 

Someone was nice enough to offer to take our picture. I love those people. :) 

By this time, Paige was struggling. For a kid that has a ton of energy, she definitely struggled with all of the walking. 

Instead of moving on to another stop we decided to call it a day and head to our rental. We had to rest up for the following day at Yellowstone!

Grand Teton National Park -Schwabacher landing

On our second full day in Jackson we finally made it to Grand Teton National Park. I was so excited! My plan was to go to Jenny Lake, but it was a cloudy day. I decided Schwabacher Landing might be a better option for this day. 

We stopped at the visitors center on the way to get our passport book stamped and buy an ornament. I get an ornament everywhere we go. It's so fun at Christmastime to look back and remember these trips. 

I found out about Schwabacher Landing on a youtube video I watched. It would have been prettier on a sunny day, but we still saw some awesome views of the Teton Mountain Range. 

These little ground squirrels were everywhere. We were not prepared with food for them this trip. They sure were not afraid to beg though. 

These two were wrestling, and it was so cute. 

There was a long trail to follow along the water, and we walked pretty far. It was kind of scary at times not knowing what could wander out of the woods. 

We saw a lot of ducks, and this duck had babies. What a great little home they have here. 

 We followed this stream all along the trail. 

Ella was the leader on the trail. She loves nature and loved seeing the little critters along the way. 

It was so majestic! My pictures don't do this place justice. 

This little dude was eating. I seriously wanted to pack him up and take him home. These guys were so cute. 

I was so excited to finally be there. I had watched a lot of videos and read many blogs on this national park. After months of waiting, it was awesome to finally see it all in person. 

Paige did a great job walking, until it was time to head back. She's pretty dramatic and thought her legs were going to give out. Lol! 

That afternoon I promised Paige I would take her over to the village to do the kid activities. Thank goodness it wasn't crazy hot, because we ended up standing in line for awhile. 

After the trampoline she talked me into the rock climbing wall. I didn't think she would do that great climbing the wall, but she surprised me and made it almost to the top. 

After the climbing wall we made our way over to the playground again. There was a nice playground in Teton Village and a splash pad type area for the kids. I couldn't hardly get Paige out of there so we could run to the grocery store. 

When we arrived to the grocery store we saw a group of people looking at something. I immediately knew what it was and pulled over to the side and parked. You will only find a moose at the grocery store in Wyoming. Everyone was gawking and taking pictures. It's just not something you see everyday. 

Moose Paparazzi!! These things can really attract a crowd, and they could care less. 

Just going about it's business....

After we made it back from the grocery and had dinner, I heard a rustling out back. I looked out the bedroom window and was seriously shocked to see ANOTHER moose! I'm pretty sure I had never been so excited in my life. I thought it would be neat to see a moose back there, but never thought it would happen. Paige and I went out back to get some pictures, and then we went out front to watch it. 

This picture kind of gives you an idea of its size. They are very big animals. It stood next to our car eating for quite some time. It was entertaining to watch people come out of their condo and go to their car with no idea that the moose was even standing there. 

Finally finished and moving along. They seriously did not care at all that people and cars were around. The moose just went about its business. 

Thanks moose!! You made my day!