Day 18 was a very busy day. We woke the kids at 6 and threw them in the car in their pjs. Hindsight, it probably wasn't the best decision because we didn't do breakfast or dress right away and we all got hungry and cranky quickly.

Anyway, the point of the early wake up was to get up to Hayden Valley to observe some early risers. We found lots of people on an overlook with telescopes and cameras so we stopped there to ask what was happening. Turns out there's a wolf den with some adults and cubs who come home around 8:30 and also a Grizzly and her two cubs who like to hang out in that area. Cool! So we waited. And this is where the kids fell apart. Who knew hungry, tired kids couldn't wait on a hill to maybe see animals a mile away through a telescope!? A lovely gentleman let us look through his camera to observe the mama and her bear cups, but we had to move on before the wolf and her pups made it home. It was unfortunate, but we've learned from our mistake.

After roadside cereal and milk (bad idea) we then headed over to the Canyon Area to see another beautiful waterfall. Many of the trails were closed for maintenance, but we made-do and were able to check out. Artists Bluff.

We then drove over to the other side of the river and hiked 3/8 of mile down to the lower brink and to stand at the top of another waterfall. It was a STEEP 3/8 mile and there were about 10 switchbacks. The trek uphill was rough, but I'll again share my gratitude that Tom is a pack mule because he carried Griffin and Penny for awhile!

We continued driving through the North Rim and made lots of stops back through Hayden Valley. During one such stop, the boy's were able to observe an Osprey grabbing a fish from the river! We also got stuck behind an ornery bison who blocked the road for quite some time.

By this point, Griffin was enjoying his afternoon nap so when we stopped at the Mud Volcano, Tom and T went to check that out. (Penny is not a fan of the thermal features so she stayed with me and G). Tucker loved the Dragon' Mouth thermal features – but hated the Dragon's breath – think: Rotten Eggs!

Once we were through we headed over to Lewis Lake for a swimming adventure. Again, those glacier Lakes are COLD. Tom again jumped right in, but Tucker and Penny took awhile. The temperature was only about 74 so I don't blame them. The water was cold and the wind was gusty! The beach had really neat black sand.

The swim was quick because we had 5pm dinner reservations at the Old Faithful Inn. We showered up super quick and everyone cleaned up well. Even though we had such an early morning, the kids were well behaved and manners were in-check.

Tucker and Penny both ordered buttered pasta with Meatballs. Tucker said they must have put it on the menu just for him. He was a happy camper. Tom and I snagged the buffet which was delicious. We both had salad and the prime rib. Tom also grabbed a bowl of roasted pepper and Gouda soup. Penny was in love with that soup. She kept eating and eating. Bonus points to whoever can find and perfect a recipe upon our return. She'll be your best friend. Penny also ordered a brownie sundae and Tucker tried Huckleberry Ice Cream! (Huckleberry is apparently a big thing here at Yellowstone!)

After dinner we all headed back and had a lazy evening. Kids worked on their Junior Ranger booklets and Griff and I cuddled for awhile. Then it was time for a pig pile and raspberries on daddy's belly. We needed a good giggle before bed.

Everyone slept well and we were out by 8 to explore Grand Prismatic and West Yellowstone!