UPDATE:
First and Foremost, thank you to everyone who provided input, I really appreciate all the suggestions and input. I definitely referred back to this thread a few times as cell reception allowed, so it was definitely helpful. Glad to be part of this community. And now the update:
Crowds: Going into this, especially after all the talk about the crowds on this thread and prior research, we definitely expected a lot of people, and there definitely was a lot of people, but, I think I actually expected more than there was. All the major attractions were crowded, but it wasn't shoulder to shoulder. Parking was an issue at some places like the Midway Geyser Basin and we had to park far away at Old Faithful, but we never got caught in a two hour line to get somewhere. We did hit some wildlife traffic jams, but it was manageable. So overall, we were pleasantly surprised as far as the number of people we encountered and the time it took to get to and view what we did. Now we did leave camp early each morning. We were staying in Mammoth and were on the road by 6:30 ish each morning, and I will say, the big crowds really didn't start showing up till after 10am. So yes there were people, but it was better than we thought it would be.
On the drive up, and I will note we were driving up from north side of Houston, we left a day early to stay with friends in Kerrville, then woke up and drove to Trinidad Lake State Park in CO. Really nice place there, but it there was a light rain so just got in a quick hike around the camp and lake before we had to turn in. Saw a lot of elk tracks.
Next day woke up and drove through CO into WY and up to Greybull where we stayed at the Antler Motel. They have some really nice little cabins that we booked through Airbnb. Only about $90 for the night. Parking was limited as we had our 16' trailer, but was able to park in front of one of the cabins by the road. There are 4 bunks in the cabins, no blankets or pillows provided unless you want to rent some from them. But we knew this going into it and we had our camping stuff so it worked our perfect. They do have AC, a window unit, and separate bathroom. If you just need a place for the night this is a great option.
Woke up and headed to Red Lodge and hit the Bearthooth Scenic Highway, and wow! Amazing views and awesome drive. We even encountered a group of Mountain Goats at the top at one of the pull offs. We were literally about 25 yds from about 7 goats. Also got to hike a little trail and the kids got to make a few snow balls. On the way down I stopped at a fast flowing stream to fill up my befree filter bottle and everyone got to drink some fresh cold mountain water.
In Yellowstone, came in through the NE entrance and saw one lone Mountain Goat on Barronette peak, but couldn't get the scope out to video in time before he disappeared. I think we hit all the major attractions throughout the stay; Mammoth hot springs, the petrified tree, old faithful, the falls at the grand canyon of Yellowstone, artist paint pots, roaring mountain, Grand Prismatic, and a bunch of other stuff. I will say, regarding the petrified tree, yes it is just a tree, but man the girth of that thing puts into perspective how old it was at the time it got buried and how puny all the other trees there now would look if that thing was still alive. We did this one early in the morning so there were only two other people that were leaving when we got there. Didn't get to do the Norris geyser basin and a couple of other things but overall, very satisfied with what we saw. Got lots of great pictures, and I will be posting some here as a get them sorted out. Basically drove all over the park and came in or out of all the entrances. Saw all the major animals except Grizzly bears, didn't see any of them. But saw, mountain goat, wolves at Lamar valley, got some great video of them through the scope, two sow black bears, one black with one black cub, the other cinnamon with two black cubs, saw Elk, Moose, and hundreds of Bison and a coyote, plus numerous other small varmints and birds.
On the third day we went into Bozeman through Emigrant, didn't see any Elk in those fields but it was a nice drive. Didn't do too much in Bozeman, just drove around a bit, ate lunch, stopped at Schnees and gave them a little more money. This was on Saturday so some places were closed. Really nice town there. On the way back we did take the long way back through Quake Lake and Hebgen lake. Stopped by the visitors center and glad we did. There was a I believe NPS, with a rep that had some black bears and a grizzly, stuffed of course, that were taken illegally or were donated. The kids got to ask questions and feel the hide, got some activity books and stickers and pamphlets on bear safety, so that was great. And man the history on Quake lake was amazing, as were the views. Left there and came into the west entrance and looked around there a bit. Had Elk in camp that morning also, so the kids got to see some cow elk close up.
As far as my favorite part of the trip, other than seeing the kids wide-eyed at all the animals and features of Yellowstone, it had to be the Wolves at Lamar valley. There are 5 pups I believe, two black and three grey. I think the mamma is the Black wolf and the papa is grey. Got to see the pups running and playing so that was awesome.
For the drive home, came out the south entrance and drove through the Tetons, then headed to Glade Park CO, where we stayed at another Airbnb. Woke up drove to Amarillo, stayed at a hotel there. We were going to stay at Palo Duro but heavy rains cancelled that. Would have been setting up and tearing down in the rain. Then Finally got home yesterday. What a trip.
We didn't get to do much hiking but we did see a lot. We definitely want to go back, and next time, since we have seen most of the major attractions, I think we will see what we didn't see this time, then focus on hiking and fishing. Overall though, this has been the best family vacation we have been on, minus the 10/11 hour drives with fighting screaming kids lol. Everyone loved it and we are only left with a greater appreciation for the animals and mother nature. Yellowstone is something everyone should experience at least once. It really puts into perspective how vast, wild and beautiful nature really is. And to top it off, I found out that Drew a cow tag in the CO secondary draw I put in for, so that's just icing on the cake. Now it's back to eating clean, probably will be doing a whole 30 to cleanse out all the smores and processed junk food we ate on the trip, and get back into working out and getting in shape for second rifle. Thank you again everyone!
warning..... it's cold. 
