july 13th

Despite numerous applications of sun screen, my skin is determined to develop freckles everywhere and turn as brown as it possibly can. The last few days have passed in a blur, we did pull and all-nighter two nights ago. Hung around a starbucks in Helena Montana, saw Toy Story 3 and drove to Bozeman; destination a 24 hour Perkins. Dismay and panic, Perkins is closed 12-6 am. Relief, there is a 24 hour Ihop down the road where we seek refuge and breakfast (at 2:30 am). Absorbed in Capote (and alternatley Bridget Jones' Diary) I didn't think much of the door bell sounding and a group of 3 boys walking in, until they were seated at the booth adjoining ours ( no, there were no other people in the restaurant besides the waitress and cook). Throughout their stay I learned invaluable life tips like, if serving alcohol to a minor make sure they are at least 18, you'll still get a ticket but it won't be as severe as for serving alcohol to "children". If you are scheduled to appear in court multiple times, for multiple tickets; it is possible to combine your court dates if the person on the phone is nice enough. good to know.

The reward of our all-nighter was driving into Yellowstone at 5 am was watching the sunrise and the steam lift off the lake without a soul around, it was breathtakingly beautiful and haunting. We followed the signs to Mammoth Hot Springs campground and realized the road we needed was closed 10pm-8am.... we drove near the road block and camped out and around 7:00 pulled into line behind a subaru, a line which by 8:00 included over 20 cars. Upon successfully securing a campground I SHOWERED!!!! (it had been four days) and we drove to Tower Falls. Not going to lie, a bit of a let-down. It was a simple, small, short waterfall and a (gorgeously green colored) lake. We survived our first night camping in the park just fine, though there are large rocks in our tent to keep it form blowing it away, it is incredibly windy here.

Now we are sitting in a quaint coffee and souvenir shop outside of yellowstone sipping lattes and I am eating a chocolate muffin that leaves alot to be desired. We're seated next to a colorful pair of old men, one wearing a Chicago Cubs shirt, so they must be good people. On their way out, the non-Cubs adorned one says to his friend " stop looking at those shirts, remember you are already married so you don't have to spend as much money on her now." once again, more invaluable life tips.

While waiting for my computer and phone to charge I opened my "birthday bag", I am now officially 22 years old. My mom and wrapped little gifts for me to open and given them to Hannah before we left. a GLEE CD!!!! so happy!! (thank you dad) a mini book reading light, peanut mnm's ( hope i'm not forgetting anything...) Hannah contributed with some candy, more peanut mnm's!!! I love how predictable I can be... a really, really cute pair of silver, glittery heart shaped earrings... a daffodil pin, a purple beaded necklace, a pink hairbow and red, glittered, heart shaped sunglasses. (i've been searching for a pair for weeks). So thank you Hannah and Mom and Dad! I love everything!

The joy of opening presents (and a second latte from Hannah) has softened the pain of weariness, mosquito bites, slight sun burn, back ache, sore throat/cold/ losing my voice, and general ready to be home-ness. Yellowstone is gorgeous, but so large it is a bit intimidating. Today we are going to the hot springs, we will find them, and old faithful. And hopefully there will be a good campfire lecture tonight! Last night was the "secret life of predators" but I was too tired to go.

The excessive use of exclamation points in this post is due to my current state of caffination. -A