Older but Faithful

When my father was young, his family took a trip to Yellowstone National Park but they left him behind.  When I was young, my father would say, someday I would like to see Yellowstone since I never saw it as a child.  A month ago we made it happen.  We traveled to West Yellowstone together and spent 4 nights and four days together in a cabin in Big Sky, Montana.  We visited Yellowstone, saw bison, bald eagles, Old Faithful, elk and simply had an enjoyable time in this magnificent part of the world.  Here are some photos to prove we were there.

Mother is such an amazing story teller.  She loves to talk with you.  She is here with H talking to him about the wild things one can find in nature.  Prior to this moment she was surrounded by our children and their cousins, asking them questions and engaging them in delightful conversations.  She has a way of making you feel like there is no one more important than you when you are around her.

Dad, sporting a new cane.  He was such a trooper.  In spite of how slow he may now walk, he trekked with us into the depths of forest.  I was most impressed with his hike to the hot springs.  Each of us took a turn as his companion so he could perceived the differences in the terrain.  You see he suffers from a neuropathy of unclear origin that prevents him from feeling differences in the ground below.  On top of that he wears a shoe that has added height to compensate for a shorter leg compared to other.  What a treacherous combination but he pressed on.

 Dad always brings toys for the young ones.  Boon Doggle is the most popular item but here he is also sporting his famous balloon animals.  The children love this about him.

 Mother and one of her grandchildren.  Again, one of those moments captured when she is engaging these young ones in conversation, making them feel like they are number one.  Every time I would walk out the door as a child my mother would ask, "Who are you?"  "A Smith", I would reply.  This was her way of reminding me that I was not a quitter and that I was a go getter.

What a handsome couple.  Mom and Dad thank you for making the Yellowstone trip so special!  You are truly a remarkable couple.  You brighten the days of so many.  We always look forward to seeing you.  We love you and cannot wait until the next time we meet.