Yellowstone 2011

As mentioned previously, last weekend we made our way up for the annual gathering of Larsens in Yellowstone National Park.  As time progresses, family members grow older, and families expand, our Yellowstone vacation shifts.  This year was no different.

About a month before the Fourth, Grandma Larsen had major surgery.  While the surgery went well, none of us were sure what her recovery was going to be like and whether or not she would be able to make it to Yellowstone this year.  Then, just a week before the expected departure, Grandpa Larsen ended up in the hospital and was diagnosed with pneumonia and was put on antibiotics and oxygen.  They are both troopers though and wouldn't even consider not going to Yellowstone.  They did at least consent to get hotel rooms instead of camping though.

Two of the newest family members--Michelle and Abigail

My brother, drum major extraordinaire

Other family members were having other issues.  One family had a wedding the week before.  Another was trying to gather up all of its members from across three different states.  One didn't know how many would actually be coming until the day before they left.  My own family of 9 ended up having to take 4 cars to get everyone up there and back as needed.  Through it all though, we had everyone up there for a time except for one cousin who is currently serving a mission for The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints.  Needless to say, we make up quite the clan these days.

Fourth Festivities Spectators

The youngest Cherry Pit Spitters

Our time in the park was spent mostly with individual families, meeting up with extended family as plans and timing would permit.  Much of the time was spent driving for Jason and I, since I wasn't exactly up for any long hikes being 6 months pregnant.  Being in Yellowstone is a very therapeutic experience for me.  It is a time to escape from the world and be surrounded by the pure beauty of the park as well as beloved family members.  I have no qualms about turning my cell phone off once we enter the park and leaving it off until we leave (not that I use it all that much anyway).  Other stresses and worries seem to melt away. We are able to make memories as individuals, families, and extended family.

Getting ready for lunch at the Old Faithful Inn

Feeling more and more pregnant each day

Some of the highlights from this year include: driving up with my cousin Alicia and her two little girls, my cousin Derek getting engaged, meeting the newest member of the Larsen clan--Abigail Dawn Larsen, enjoying lunch as a complete family at the Old Faithful Inn in honor of Grandma Larsen's 80th birthday, and having a wonderful baby shower with my supportive aunts, cousins, sisters, mother, and grandmother.

Enjoying the Mickey Mouse cupcakes at the baby shower

Grandma Larsen participating in the Baby Food Faceoff

No one is sure what the future of this tradition will be down the road, but I hope that my children will be able to go often enough with family to appreciate the beauty and serenity found there.