2014 Family Summer Vacation Part 5: Mammoth Hot Springs- Yellowstone National Park- Wyoming

The first picture doesn't really tell much how beautiful and breathtaking the view is, but it is in real life. We just had to stop and look around. Plus, we needed some time to rest our aching butts from a long drive. We Love Yellowstone National Park!

I know it is kind of crazy to be sharing photos of our vacation this summer when it is already November and it is freezing outside, but it is such a beautiful and magical place that I just had to share it with you. Just in case you haven't been to Yellowstone yet, this will just give you some insights of what it is like out there. Although my photos aren't that great, but hopefully it does excite you to visit the park someday. 

These photos I am sharing with you today are from our visit to Mammoth Hot Springs where we saw a herd of elk up close and personal. I think this was one of our highlights during that afternoon while exploring the gorgeous Mammoth Hot Springs in Yellowstone National Park. Have a safe and warm one! 

Approaching Mammoth Hot Springs

Family Time: Mother Nature's (Inedible) Cotton Candy- Cattail

Yesterday's hike was a windy one, but it was nice and warm. We didn't go far this time and we went back to the Glendo Dam Wetlands Interpretive Trail. This trail is an easy 2-mile hike along the river, just below the dam, with a bike trail on the other side (not for beginners), and with another wide trail on the other that is stroller accessible. There are benches along the river, a couple of observation piers and fishing access. 

Because it was windy yesterday, the air was filled with cattail particles flying everywhere. It was sure beautiful though every time the wind blows and all the cotton-y cattail blows up into the air. I know my kids had a great time playing with them. And to me, they kind of look like Mother Nature's (Inedible) white cotton-candy. Don't you think? 

You know how sometimes I can be so weird. I mean, I look at some things differently. Like this one, for instance. I look at it and I see a face and I see shapes. You know what I mean? Sure, I have to prove my weirdness. 

While on our way back to the Jeep, I was walking with my little girl and suddenly I became so frustrated. I became frustrated because I was in a hurry to get back. I was ready to get back to the Jeep and head back home, but my little girl was so slow. She didn't want me to carry her because she wanted to stop to pick up rocks along the way and play with the sand. I got so impatient waiting for her and I got a bit irritated. Then I realized something. She is just a child with short little legs and here I was making her walk fast so she can keep up with me. I thought to myself, why am I frustrated? We are out here on the trail enjoying some outdoor time with the family and I am frustrated and in a hurry to get back home. That is not right! I shouldn't be and I should enjoy this moment with my little girl. 

Whether it is a big bridge or a small bridge, kids will always find it interesting. Even adults, sometimes. 

Something reminded me that she is just a child and she sees the world differently. She is a child who pays attention to the little things in life that otherwise we as adults tend to ignore. Like spotting all those pretty little sparkly rocks on the trail that she collected and wanted to take them home. And the sand that seems so interesting for an almost 3-year old child because of the footprints she sees in the sand. She is a child who gets excited at a sight of a bug, an ant, and even the animal poop on the road, etc. She pays attention to things like that because she is a curious child who is learning about the big world around her. And I should not be frustrated about that. I finally calmed myself down and I let her be. I stood beside her with a smile on my face watching my child while she was exploring, learning and enjoying life. 

(I think in life sometimes we have to apply the purpose of why an Observation Pier or Deck is there. The purpose is that it is there for people to Stop. Look. And Listen. To stop and observe the life that surrounds us. Look and appreciate the Life that you have. And, Listen to the people that truly love and care for us. Enjoy Life To The Fullest.)

A hike like this with my family helps remind me that I should see the world the way a child sees it. To take things easy, stop, relax, pay attention to the world around you, and enjoy life. That I should not be frustrated and in a hurry to get back home, but instead enjoy the moment. Soak it in. That I should enjoy my kids while they are little because someday, they will all be grown up and on their own. I had no reason to be in a hurry to get back home and I had no reason to be frustrated. Sure, we would make it back home a bit early and then what? I figured if I don't calm myself down and enjoy this moment that I would get home feeling bad and guilty instead. So I stopped and I let her be. I let her explore, play in the sand and collect all the pretty little sparkly rocks (as she calls it) till her heart's content. Patience is another key to a successful parenting, and I need lots of it. It is amazing what a little child can teach you about the world. Don't you agree?

Next on the destination is the Muddy Bay Wetlands Interpretive Nature Trail, which is located on the east side of Muddy Bay. I don't think I have been there, so I am interested on a new hiking location not farm from home. Have a great one! 

Location: 

Glendo State Park, 

Glendo Lake, 

Glendo, Wyoming