B&D Cabin Time

As our time together as a family draws to a close, we couldn't have asked for a better vacation! The weather has been ideal and the surroundings superb! We have taken it easy in the mornings so Jake can get in a good nap which gives us an excuse to lounge around and chill. Sad that we need an excuse! As long as the kids have been allowed to watch movies during our "not-doing-anything" time, they have tolerated hanging out.

And today more than ever, we needed a restful morning as our night was not! At 1:00 AM I heard the squirrel cries and knew we had caught another varmint. After about 15 minutes I started nudging Brandon to get up and move the trap. It had been set right outside our bedroom window, and me in light-sleeping stage could not get back to sleep. Well, Brandon was in his deep-sleeping stage (as is the case always) and has no recollection that I tried to wake him. I dozed in and out until 2:30 when I couldn't take it anymore. In my dreams, the animal was always making noise! I had even turned the thing into a mouse and we were going to keep him as a pet because the kids had learned that mice are the cleanest and require the least amount of care (even over a hamster.) That's when I had enough. In fact, the noise got so loud, I was convinced the squirrel had some friends out there who were trying to help him escape. This time I made sure Brandon got out of bed. I definitely was not about to go move the creature!

Well, there's a reason the squirrel was so loud and never ending. He wasn't a squirrel. He was lively night animal. This nasty little bugger had gotten into the trash and tore it apart before finding the trap. And then because he sleeps during the day, he could cry ALL NIGHT LONG!!! Brandon was a bit nervous moving him because raccoons don't usually travel solo. They are so creepy! And of course the raccoon was scared, but in the morning when the kids were checking him out, he took a very aggresive stance and GROWLED a nasty SNARL!!! I'm told I get to name him since he kept me awake, but I can't come up with anything good...although ROTTEN comes to mind.


This afternoon we went swimming over at Island Park Village. In the past, you have had to own a membership or be staying in a unit at IP village to use the pool. Apparently now you can pay a steep fee of $10 per head if you would like to use their facilities for one day, including the pool, gym, and tennis courts. Lucky for us we qualified for the family rate of $29.

The pool was a bit busy. Can you tell?


Of course the kids didn't mind. The more chaos the better.




On our way out, I got a picture with my boys.


Finally, we were treated to a Moose sighting! Corbin was across the road playing on the zip-line when he saw an animal coming up to the side of him about 20 yards away. The moose crossed the dirt road and passed by the cabin on his way to the river. I'm telling ya...our money was not well-spent at Yellowstone this year. :) --DIXIE

Fish Feeders

Today was a bit slower paced - thank goodness! (Fisher is having a hard time keeping up.) The weather was more overcast and perfect for hiking down to Coffee Pot Rapids, but maybe next year. :) I just didn't think I could hang.

Instead we opted for a shorter hike and visited Johnny Sack's cabin at Big Springs. I don't know that I've ever been there when the cabin has been open to the public. That trail was paved and less than a mile round trip! Our main intent for visiting Big Springs was to feed the fish.



In the past, we have taken old bread. But not anymore! We were tipped off to bring a secret weapon. NIGHT CRAWLERS! I couldn't stand to watch the boys stretch the worms apart until they broke. I know that's the way the "food" lasts longer, but EEEEWWWWW! And to think as a little girl, I did that myself.


We've added two more squirrels to the count. "Biter" because he thought for sure he could chew through the metal bars, and "Fasty" because he ran away super fast when the cage was opened. Notice the new system that has been configured to carry the squirrel cage.


The kids are accustomed to donning their helmets, running out the door, and waiting on the 4-wheeler when dad says, "Who wants to go with me?" If I could only figure out how to get that same response when I say, "I'm doing dishes, who wants to help me?"


The rest of the day we did laundry, movies, more Big Blue Island, canoes, played around at the park in IP Village, and the kids built an obstacle course. Pretty creative. --DIXIE

Animal Adventures

Who knew we would have better animal sightings around the cabin than at Yellowstone Park! The kids have been gun-ho about catching squirrels in the trap grandpa left. They have caught three so far. But we have a different way of disposing of the critters than grandpa. Our method does not involve the river. ☺


Brandon puts the kids on the 4-wheeler, someone holds the cage, and they drive deep into the forest and let them go. Each critter gets a name. So far we have had “Trapper,” “Princess,” and “Prince.” On the release of Prince, Drew was in charge of holding the cage. He fell asleep mid ride, let the cage slip, and the squirrel escaped. But the trip was not in vain. They came across a black bear. Brandon said he bear was about 20 yards from them when they first saw him. He stopped, the bear stopped, and everyone had a stare-down. Fortunately the bear ran the other way as Brandon had little hope of a quick get-away with three kids, Drew asleep on his lap, one hand holding the cage, and one hand steering. Brandon was nervous and the kids were scared, although they acted tough when they got back home.


We also caught a glimpse of a beaver, up close and personal. Sadly he was a dead beaver caught on some debris in the middle of the river. Disgusting!!! Brandon paddled the kids out to the beaver and dislodged him with his oar.


Corbin is not in focus, but this give you an idea of how BIG the critter was!


Audrey and Corbin think they are pretty hot stuff because we are teaching them to drive the 4-wheelers by themselves. Brandon took some short videos on his phone…

Here's Audrey driving


And then Corbin


We also went floating down the river from Bathtub. (Someone needs to enlighten me as to why this particular floating drop off is called "bathtub.") We didn’t dare take the camera on the canoe because with 6 1/2 people we were worried we would tip. After all, four were rowdy children who are not the best listeners or most obedient. But, we must have scared them enough about sinking that they behaved rather well. Audrey, Corbin, and Drew took turns swimming next to the canoe despite the cold water. That is, until we saw the water snake swimming next to our canoe. Then Audrey refused to get in. :) It was 80 degrees outside and no wind. Perfect for a float!!!


The kids also played on the Big Blue Island after Brandon got it patched up.


Jake mostly cruises around, dancing, eating sticks, and screaming because he’s not getting his way (a.k.a. harms way.)


This cute picture was taken about two minutes before he had his first tumble into the river. I was on the deck watching him maneuver his way on when he stepped on a slanted rock and fell right in the muddy water. He landed on his back but the poor fella must have banged his nose somehow because it was bleeding a little. Mostly he was scared and shocked by the cold water!

Tonight we built a fire and made s'mores. IP must be getting busier because the store shelves are getting a little bare. We were fortunate to buy the last box of graham crackers off the shelf at Robin’s Roost after checking the gas station with no luck.


Look at how cool the fire pit is with moose and Pine trees. --DIXIE

Yellowstone Park

Today was designated "park" day. And in these parts, everyone knows that "park" means Yellowstone. Apparently, our kids are not yet part of "everyone" because we had to explain there would be no slides, swings, or merry-go-rounds. Drew finally consented to go when he thought he might see a waterfall or some shooting water.


We headed to Old Faithful first, had some lunch, and then missed the "show" by a few minutes. So, with more time to burn, we took pictures and had some ice cream. Drew kept calling it the "Gooey Giser" from Dora the Explorer. And he would not leave until the "show" was completely over.


We were disappointed with the wildlife showing but managed to catch a couple Elk bedded down. No bears or buffalo this trip.


We took the Firehole Canyon Drive and I got chewed out by all the kids because I did not bring their swimsuits. I told them when getting everyone out the door for a big day trip was not such a hassle and I had children that helped, perhaps we would have swimsuits. They wanted to know what "hassle" meant. :) Really, I can hardly wait to come back when the kids are a bit older and can jumb off the rocks and float down the river and I'm not stressed the whole time about where they all are and are they alive, happy, and well. We did manage to stop and take off our shoes, wade around, and throw rocks. The river was pretty nice with the natural hot springs flowing into it.


On our way back through West Yellowstone, Brandon took the family to re-enact one of his childhood memories and traditions. We stopped at a local t-shirt store and let everyone pick out the Yellowstone design and t-shirt they wanted printed. (I'm convinced the store was off on their sizing. My shirt is a large and is still too small.) Haha! You'll have to zoom in to see the cute and odd selections. :) Jake's shirt says, "Duck, Duck, Moose."


And the trip to West would not be complete without eating at Pete's Pizza before heading back to the cabin. Yum! --DIXIE

Lazy Sunday

Sunday's at the cabin are more than we could ask for! Early morning church, yummy brunch, napping, playing games, watching the water flow by, and enjoying one another's company. Brandon, me, and kids arrived last night to spend some time in Island Park before the big Williams Family reunion next weekend.

The kids love it. We love it, and can hardly wait to see what the week will bring.

Jake had more luck throwing the fish net in the river than he did catching guppies.


Drew hit the wall and had to take a little nap.


Brandon gave the kids short rides on the 4-wheeler.


The flowers by the river are in full-bloom. Audrey was courteous enough to pose for a picture.


Here I am in all my beauty. 33 weeks pregnant. Counting down the days. At least I'm spending my days at the cabin!



The early hours of evening were met with a torrential downpour! It was awesome! The storm didn't last very long before the sun returned. Weather looks like it should be great all week long! --DIXIE