Sunday, July 16, 2017

Diamonds Are Forever - or at least 60 years of marriage

I celebrated, with many of my family members, my parents 60th wedding anniversary in Yellowstone National Park.  Yes, 60 years!  Yellowstone was fitting because my parents not only went their for their honeymoon but they go just about every year.  It was certainly the genesis for my love of the outdoors.  While there was more silver (or grey hair) than diamonds it was a lot of fun.

Our most dependable yearly activity is taking a family picture at Artist Point with the Lower Yellowstone Falls in the background.  Here's the whole passel of family that came (4 generations represented) - and we even all had our eyes opened and smiles sparkling like diamonds!
That's Us!

Of course we needed to do some fishing.  Our fish ranged from over 100 little gems to some big lunkers:
Little Brookie
My brother with a big cutthroat

Animals are always abundant and even though the weather was hot for early July we did manage to see a wide variety of animals, even a coy grizzly bear - all looking stronger than ever.
Grizzly
Fox
Okay, this mountain goat may not look strong but she is - she's just shedding!

I took my nieces and nephews up Mt. Washburn which showed just how durable they all were.  It was fun to see baby mountain goats and a fox walking right beside us!
On Top Of Yellowstone
View of Grand Canyon and Hayden Valley
And, I had the chance to stop and take some pictures of a few sparkling waterfalls:
 Gibbon Falls
Big Falls (now Upper Mesa Falls)

All in all it was an amazing trip and I'm so thankful to both my family for helping celebrate this major milestone to my parents for creating such a good example for me.  I'm not sure there will be 60 more (eek!) but, Mom and Dad, may the rest of your years continue to be happy and adventurous!
Great Fountain Geyser
Mom and Dad watching Old Faithful

You can view additional pictures in my Public Gallery. All pictures are available for purchase.