Tummy Time Talk

Where do you think she learned dolphin-speak?

Beavers and Wildcats, oh my!

While we were in Yellowstone, we saw bison, elk, geese, moose, swans, etc. But, apparently, we needed some more wildlife action so we headed south to Corvallis over the weekend to see the very rare Oregon State Beaver and ever elusive Arizona Wildcat.

Kate is obviously not impressed with the Pride of all Oregon, the Oregon State Marching Band.

We were cheering for Arizona so the game didn't go our way, but a good time was had by all. Kate loves football games!

Jellystone!

After "surviving the Beartooth Highway", we headed into Yellowstone and spent Sunday and Monday checking out the sights in the park. I've been to Yellowstone twice--once when I was 9 years old and then again when I was in high school--so it was interesting for me to experience the park as an adult because everything seemed so different that it was like it was new again.

We didn't have enough time to stop everywhere, but we made it to Mammoth Hot Springs, the Norris Geyser Basin, the Grand Canyon of the Yellowstone River and of-course, Old Faithful. On Monday afternoon, we headed south along Jackson Lake and the Teton Range toward Jackson and our hotel for the night. Stunning fall color!

Kate won't remember it, but she had a great time.

The Great Traveling Kate!

When we told people we were going to take Kate on a week long road trip, we were met with many skeptical looks. I'm not sure anyone really thought it was a good idea. Well, my friends, she got along fantastically.

It is a little different traveling with an infant, I'll admit that for sure. Instead of driving to Red Lodge in one day like we probably would have, we took two days there and two days home. We quickly learned that when Kate was done being in the car seat, she was DONE. But we also learned that she loves being hiked around in the Baby Bjorn, doesn't mind having an entire queen-size bed to herself and absolutely LOVES the new stuffed moose we got her in Red Lodge.

Sometimes, traveling requires two pacifiers.

Showing Mom on the map where we need to go. Idaho!

Kate and her new fuzzy friend, Reggie the Moose.

This is what happens when I tell B that Kate needs her diaper changed and that we should pull over at the next convenient place. He takes the very next exit and we end up here...

Big Sky Country

B was recently presented with the awesome opportunity to shoot a wedding in Montana. Of-course we took advantage and turned this business trip into our first official road trip as a family of three.

We left on Thursday, spent the night in Coeur d'Alene and then arrived in Red Lodge, Montana on Friday evening. What a great little mountain town! Lots of shops, galleries, restaurants and great views. Kate and I spent the Saturday cruising the sights in town, while B shot a gorgeous wedding in the countryside near Joliet.

Downtown historic and scenic Red Lodge, MT.

On Sunday morning, we got up early and prepared ourselves for the Beartooth Highway, the highest pass in North America which tops out at 10,947 ft. The Highway connects Red Lodge, MT with the Northeast gate of Yellowstone National Park. It's the craziest series of switchbacks that take you up above the tree line, past alpine lakes and over a high plateau into Wyoming. An absolutely stunning drive.

A brand-new Olson

With all of the excitement surrounding Kate's arrival, I fear she has stolen a little bit of thunder from the newest Olson family addition. Bridget and Craig tied the knot on September 3rd on a gorgeous sunny day in Oregon City.

Congrats C & B! Bridget, welcome to the family!