Yellowstone-Goodman Family Reunion

Over Labor Day weekend, we went to Yellowstone for our first annual Goodman Family Reunion.  It was so much fun.  (It was especially relaxing to get to leave the world and all that comes with it if only for a weekend) I'm so excited to start getting together every year. 

As usual, we left earlier than planned, so the house was a disaster and we had to pack in a rush, but in the end I'm so glad we did.  We decided to stay in Cody, Wy over night, then go the rest of the way in the morning.  It made the trip much more relaxing.  The east entrance to Yellowstone isn't too far from Cody, so we drove through the park to get to the west entrance.  It made our trip exciting.  We got to see a lot of the park at the end of the weekend. 

We all met up at Grizzly Rv Park in West Yellowstone.  It was the perfect set up for our families.  Three cabins and two tent spots.  One cabin had a kitchen in it, so food and everything went smooth.  Thanks to Ty and Rachel for picking out the spot and pretty much doing everything.  The cousins all had a great time playing with each other and we made it the whole weekend without anyone getting hurt, amazing! 

 Yeah Buffalo/Bison!  In the end, old news:) 

On Saturday, we went all together to see Old Faithful.  It was cool to go see, and to learn how it works.  It was especially fun to see it with everyone:)

  

The Dart Wars!

Grandma got the all the grandkids some cool dart guns.  They had so much fun!  I was impressed with how well all the kids could shoot. It was the funnest thing they did.

The Blue Team

The Red Team

TWO guns, and still could shoot good!



Ty and Rachel pretty much slaved away all weekend doing all the cooking.  Thank you!

 



After Old Faithful, we all went to the Bear and Wolves Habitat place down the street.  The first day we went, I forgot my camera:( Luckily it was good for 2 days.  We went back a second day to see their biggest bears come out.  They were huge!  Over 1,000 pounds. It was well worth going.  We also got to see the wolves there as well.  They are way scarier than I would have guessed.  It was fun for the kids to get to see animals a little more up close.  We also got to see the wolves get fed.  I was expecting them to throw in some elk carcass and see them go at it, but no.  Just some slabs of meat hidden for them to find.  Not as cool, but fun to learn about them:) 





 

These two girls are just so cute together:)

All the grandkids!

They loved getting to attack Grandpa!





Happy birthday to Brittyn (it was a week after our reunion)

Mike's birthday was Sunday while we were camping.  We had delicious cheesecake for him and got to sing.  If only I could have gotten a picture of him like Brittyn eating cake;)

I love you Michael, Happy 32:)

On Sunday, Mike's birthday, everyone went out to Mammoth Caves, except for me, the kids, Kim and Brittyn.  I opted out this one.  I was so tired from all the busy, I wanted to just relax and enjoy sitting and reading my book.  It was still kind of crazy with the kids, but by now, I'm used to them:)  I figured since it was Mike's day, he could go explore without children for the day.  I heard it was really pretty at the caves.

Hanging out playing games and making bracelets for Grandma's class.

I had to get another picture of Baby Auri:)



On our way home, we stopped at Mud Volcano.  It was a pretty cool place.



This was half the drive toward the east side.  Sad, I don't know how long ago the fire was, but there was a lot burned.  We actually passed a small fire they were putting out during our drive.  The west side was definitely the place to go.

We have no idea what this place was/is, but it was super cool and spooky. (Close to Cody)