Island Park Adventure 2021

 Notice that 2021 in the title? That's because this was so fun that I REALLY want to do it again!  

This spring I suggested to Derek that we rent a cabin near Yellowstone before we headed to Utah for the 4th of July.  He suggested we invite my family.  I jumped right on that! We found and rented a HUGE cabin that slept 28.  It was so fun to have almost everyone together (of course one family got COVID that week--so couldn't come).  

It was right on the reservoir.  So we rode the wave runner, floated in tubes, splashed in the water--and enjoyed good food and good company.  We ended the evening with a talent show of sorts.

Day 2 we went into Yellowstone (which gets it's own post).

Day 3 was pack up and head home.  Just the right amount of time! 

We made the drive to Island Park in 2 days.  I booked a hotel that looked nice and ended up being SEEDY in Spokane. But the kids and Derek got to swim when we arrived, so that was a highlight for them since it was 105 degrees outside.  I started to get worried that I might have also missed on the cabin rental.  But that was a bullseye, grand slam.  It was perfect.  See the cabin HERE. 

Libby's favorite thing was the wave runners.  By far.  She drove one every chance she got.  She had a little trouble parking at the dock (almost running aground and having to jump out and walk it to the dock--as well as chewing some gravel into the engine once or twice.) But it was her jam! 

Ben also loved it. He got to drive several times, but always with a grown up to assist.  Next year he'll be ready on his own. 

Sarah's favorite thing was swimming.  She was mostly a passenger on the wave runner, but maybe did drive--I'm not sure. 

Emily was her swimming companion for almost the whole time. 

Derek loved that Reagan loved him!  He was her favorite dance partner during the after talent show dance party.  She let him read to her, play with her, etc.  She wanted nothing to do with me.  Haha. 

The girls

The whole family on a trip together.  Wow.  Who knew this could happen!

Libby also loved the beautiful surroundings for photo ops.  She got Sarah in on the fun. 

Ben and Derek on the wave runner. 

Proof that even I got (at least part of my body) in the water. I'm in the tube with the stylish hat on. 

Derek doing pushups with Devin on his back. 

Derek swimming. He got the worst pool nose ever.  Snore city.  Ugh. 

The boys.  Ruger got really into his Pretty Pretty Princess crown after they played the game.  Adorable. 

Full group picture to come (hopefully). 

It was definitely time to go home, as all the younger kids were melting down. But it was an amazing trip!