This was 2021’s big vacation with the Crawford family. An opportunity to spend some quality time together and tour the grand Yellowstone National Park. I had never been to Yellowstone or the Tetons, and Kaylyn didn’t remember much from when she visited when she was little – so we were both really excited. And, Kaylyn’s parents hadn’t visited in years. By the week’s end, we all agreed that we saw all that the park could offer!
Grand Tetons & Jenny Lake
First, Kaylyn and I spent a few days in Grand Teton National Park and camped in the coveted Jenny Lake campground. After we found our way around those mountain trails, we connected back with the Crawfords to stay together in a cabin in Island Park, just outside of the park boundaries. The next 5 days were all dedicated to the sprawling hills and valleys of Yellowstone.
Even though we were staying in the wild, our cabin was LUXURIOUS. 6 bedrooms, a massive hot tub to fit everyone, a home theater, and a game room! Each day in Yellowstone we split up into different cars and caravanned, setting off to see all of the park during our stay.
Sunrise at Grand Prismatic Springs
One morning, Kaylyn and I got up before the sunrise to be at the Grand Prismatic Springs for the sun to come up. Sunrise was pretty, but no crowds was a nice touch 😉
Old Faithful
Its worth the crowds, we waited around for the geyser to blow and it lived up to its name – right on time! We also learned that under the geyser is a massive cavern that is filled with heated water. That heated water steams from the massive cavern into a smaller cavern close to the surface, and once the pressure is too much it bursts!
Yellowstone Falls
I was hoping to go here during sunset to get some low lighting, but because of the location you would have to be spending the night by the falls. The park is MASSIVE. You really need at least 4 full days to see the whole thing, not necessarily to see all the sights, but because of the driving time from corner to corner.
Wildlife!
We hit the jackpot here, throughout our days in Yellowstone we saw bears, wolves, elk, deer, moose, and buffalo of course. Each moment had its certain funny or exciting moment, whether it was frantically moving within the car to see the wolf or watching two bears play fighting with each other.
We had a good mix of ‘vacation mode’ with games and exploring the park. We also sparked the conversation for the next Crawford-Wright vacation for 2023, somewhere Kaylyn’s folks have always wanted to see… Alaska!
Where were we…?
Wright Around the Bend 
I loved this trip! We saw so much wildlife and beautiful sights!!
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