Baby Patterson: West Yellowstone, Montana

It was an amazing trip. Kaitlyn was fantastic on the flights and officially became an outdoorsy girl! She loves flowers, finding rocks, watching the water of the rivers, the fresh air...and no mosquitoes bit her (quite the contrary for me)! As a family we headed to West Yellowstone to spend time with Jonathan (my brother), and his wife, Sarah as it was a trip that has been well overdue. Since they just built their new home in Yellowstone Village, it was an appropriate time to pay a visit! Lovely scenery, breathtaking actually. It's God's country for certain.

Part of the trip we were joined by Cousin Krissy and her husband, Marcus-a jolly couple with great stories and entertaining personalities! On the way to West Yellowstone we stopped for a couple of hours at Barb and Tom Kempton's home in Bozeman to rest up-Barb and her daughter, Meg, are dear friends of mine from my college days in Flagstaff! Tom and her moved to Bozeman from Alaska a year ago-I hadn't seen them in six years. We also had a visit with Aunt Collette and Larry on our trip back through Bozeman which included a delightfully animated stop at the Bozeman Home Depot to visit Cousin Jeremy! He was filled with life as usual and in his Jeremy charm, showed us all the departments of Home Depot while introducing us to not only co-workers but even shoppers!

Steve was introduced to the world of fly fishing by one of the best guides out there...Jonathan! He's been doing this for 16 years and is truly an 'educator' according to Steve. Apparently he has some way of seeing the fish before they see him! Both Sarah and Jon had time off to embrace sweet Kaitlyn's joy, take a break from their usual non-stop work life, and ultimately kick back for some late night laughter and memorable conversation. While I wasn't found on any bike, canoe, or strenuous hike-I would love to return someday when the children are older so we can all do the adventurous activities together! I was typically found out of breath (when going up the stairs in Jon & Sarah's home), relaxing, eating something yummy and of course, occupied with Kaitlyn!

Overall, Steve and I have been blessed once again to embark upon a wonderful journey through some of the most gorgeous landscape of our time. Sadly, this trip marks my last one for some time as being pregnant and flying has some challenges, not too mention taking care of a 14 1/2 month old! While Kaitlyn continues to reveal her animated personality, continues to expand her animal sounds, as well as her vocabulary, we sit back in amazement. She's a pure joy-even when she bites, or unplugs something from our walls, sticks remotes in her mouth and dials unknown numbers on our phones....her ability to steal your heart is contagious!

Wolf at the Grizzly & Wolf Discovery Center.

Looks a little hungry.

At the Discovery Center, Kaitlyln couldn't keep out of this Teepee!

Chillin with her flower.

Stoke (518 lbs) and Spirit (343 lbs) residents of the Discovery Center.

(West Yellowstone)

Kaitlyn couldn't keep her eyes off them!

Hmmm. Glad I'm behind a major barrier-far enough away!

Morning stroll along the Madison river joining Lake Hebgen and Quake Lake.

Sarphen was along for the ride-active as ever!

Enjoying some patio time with Cousin Krissy at Henry Fork's Lodge where Auntie Sarah works! Gorgeous!

Looking at the patio. Inviting-if only one of those wines were mine!

Cousin Krissy, Auntie Sarah and Kaitlyn.

Kaitlyn would put my hat on and talk to herself in the mirror, sometimes dance while watching herself and even kiss herself! This would go on no matter the time of day or night!