For the Love of Words: Montana!

So crazy to see my new name all official,
before our (2nd) wedding!

Almost a year ago, Tyler and I started toying with the idea of a trip together to the lower 48... We could spend a week or so in Montana, and a week or so in Tennessee and Atlanta... Honestly, I thought this trip would be the soonest he MIGHT propose... Funny how things work out. :)

In October, after saying our vows on a beach in Anchorage, being married for almost 2 months, and dealing with a [mis]diagnosis of cancer... we made it south! Tyler and I first flew down to Montana. After the past crazy couple of months, it was really wonderful to be surrounded by his family. While in MT, Ty took me to Glacier National Park. It was gorgeous! We see tons of beauty here in Alaska, but this was different and special.

Hidden Lake in Glacier National Park

Quick Stop along the road at a cool lake formed by a creek

Another view of the creek/river we stopped at.

Wouldn't these rocks make an awesome hearth??
They were all over GNP.

After GNP, we traveled to Helena to visit my new brother-in-law and his family; and, there we added little Willow to our family! What a joy…and challenge…she has been. We spent a day with Jonathan and Emily, and many of her family members, who were in town visiting. We checked out the fall festival in town (all their kiddos loved it!) and I got to cuddle my new puppy. :)

Hanging out with a sleepy Willow at the festival

Willow LOVED Emily's pumpkins

Willow settling in at the Weavers' in Whitefish

View from the Weavers' house- GORGEOUS!

After a couple more days in Whitefish, and getting Willow some meds for her UTI (poor pup!) we traveled to Idaho and hiked to some amazing hot springs. Then, back to Whitefish for another short visit with family and friends before traveling further south. It was pretty amazing and eye-opening to see where Ty (mostly) grew up, meet many of his high school friends, and get to know ~~his~~ my (new) family a bit better. I have been so fortunate to have a great family, and feel beyond blessed to have married into a wonderful one as well.