Andrew and I were extremely indecisive about whether or not we should take our family to the Playmill Theater in West Yellowstone. Eventually, we decided to go for it and by then we had to pick a different showtime because it was a popular idea. When planning our mini trip, there were 4 things I had in mind for us to do. 1) See Tarzan! 2) Play in the hotel pool 3) Hike Mesa Falls 4) Eat at Big Juds. Traveling with kids is a wild ride. At times throughout our mini vacay, I felt like my heart was going to burst and that this trip was exactly what my soul needed. During other moments, I wondered if we were crazy when we had this idea.
Tarzan: Friday, September 2, 2022, at 5:30pm at the Playmill Theater
We arrived at our hotel with time to spare, so we could grab a bite to eat before the play. We had mouth-watering brisket at "Firehole Bar B Que." We noticed a park across the street and let the kids run free after sitting for 5 hours in the car. Minutes before the show started, we took the youngsters to the bathroom for one final time. We were surprised to find that our 5-year-old had pooped his pants. What on earth? I can't think of the last time this happened. Andrew and James dashed to the hotel to shower (once wasn't sufficient, so twice it was) and met Izzy and me at the play. They made it to their seats 1 minute before Tarzan began. Whew!
The Playmill Theater is an intimate theater. There isn't a ton of seating and the stage is small. That didn't stop the performers from going all out. I was amazed by how well the actors portrayed gorillas. What a fun atmosphere it was! I was surprised that there were pre-show performers and unfortunately James and Andrew missed those. We sat in the front row. It felt like we were onstage. The actors were so close to us and I had to move my long legs more than once. It was a very family-friendly place. I loved that there were showtimes before bedtime! During intermission, the treats were plentiful. The dole whip was incredible. Izzy did not want to share hers with me and licked every last drop. The root beer float was a bit "spicy" for James.
After intermission, the kids were a little antsy. We got asked when Tarzan was going to end more than once, but overall they sat still and did well. Everyone working at the theater was so friendly. It felt like the cast treated us like family. They chatted with us throughout the evening. 2 things were a little disappointing-- 1: I'm pretty sure we had the Tarzan understudy. 2: The microphones should have been louder. It was hard to hear sometimes and we couldn't have been sitting any closer. I have since heard Izzy singing Tarzan songs. It makes me giggle because she doesn't remember the words quite right and repeats the one line she knows. Since our return, we've watched "Tarzan," "Tarzan 2", and a "Tarzan and Jane" show. I have yet to tire of the fantastic music. Izzy has declared she wants to grow up and be like Tarzan and live in a jungle. Quite different than her typical princess ball dreams.
Pool
Finding a place to stay was tricky. We ended up paying a little more to have a pool and be within walking distance of the theater. Not only did we book a hotel with a pool, but it also had a giant waterslide. That waterslide was used nonstop. We splashed in the pool after the play, as well as on Saturday morning. Saturday, we had the whole pool to ourselves. It was priceless to watch our kids swim and their swimming lessons are really paying off. (Their floaties stayed in the trunk!) Andrew continues to point out the fact that I got stuck on the waterslide not once, but twice on the same run. I don't know what I did wrong, but one ride was enough for me. In return, I've been able to tease Andrew about forgetting many important items-- his glasses, a hat, and (almost) his swim trunks. I spent the bulk of my time in one of the 2 hot tubs. Ahhhh. Someday, we'll get a jacuzzi. The kids liked the bubbles/jets. Another perk of hotel living was having cable. Saturday morning cartoons were a treat.
Mesa Falls
I lived fairly close to Mesa Falls for 4 years and never went. Boy did I miss out. I made sure to fit in the Mesa Falls hike this trip, even if it added some driving time. It wasn't much of a hike (mostly walking down some stairs), but I don't think we did the entire loop. We went strait to the falls. There was a lot of whining. The falls were huge. There was even a rainbow. What a stunning place. Andrew commented on how surprised he was that the topography changed so drastically so quickly. We were surrounded by a forest at Mesa Falls and suddenly endless farmland.
Big Juds in Archer, Idaho on Saturday, September 3, 2022
We ended the trip back where it all began at Big Juds. Andrew and I went on our first date to Big Juds in 2012. We wanted to take the kids there. While there, I spotted the table we sat at over a decade ago. Driving through the farmland and open spaces brought back memories and made me sentimental. I even turned on "Take Me Home, Country Roads" By: John Denver and "Brown Eyed Girl" By: Van Morrison. Country music is not my jam, but it was fitting and I was belting the words. Big Juds wasn't quite as good as either of us remembered, but the Huckleberry shake was top-notch. I heard Andrew explaining to the kids that Rexburg is a special place for our family because it's where mom and dad fell in love. Awww.
Let me gloat about the kids' behavior in the car. They were superb. We read library books, played with sticker books, and got to watch shows. I read a 5-star book (more on that next post!) and ate Pringles. I even napped which is rare/hard for me in the car. None of us got a restful night of sleep in the hotel, especially since the kids woke up in the middle of the night. I had a grumpy moment while on the drive when I realized my tablet didn't charge. Thankfully, my phone saved the day and I was able to download shows. We didn't stop once on our drive to W. Yellowstone. On our way back to UT, about an hour from home, Izzy frantically cried that she had to use the bathroom. We exited the freeway stat and got stuck at the longest red light ever. Isabelle barely made it to the potty. Phew!
I think next time, it will be easier to decide whether or not we should go to the Playmill Theater. James is already talking about going back next summer. There's never a dull moment when traveling with children, and boy am I grateful for the spice they add to my would be boring life.
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