About us

Finn
He's the new guy. He was born at home on Aug. 19, 2008 (11 days late, but who's counting?) Finn has the biggest smile around and when he grins at you, it's an honor. He also has the biggest temper.

Finny loves mimicking his brother, knocking down Lego and Lincoln log structures, being read to, putting things away (especially trash), digging in the sandbox and dipping his toes in creeks.

Nickname: Finnzilla

Anders
He's the big brother. He was born at home on Jan. 30, 2007 (11 days late, but who's counting?)
Anders has a sweet disposition and so much love. That's not to say he can't rock a whine with the best of them.

Anders loves building with Legos and Lincoln logs, puzzles, reading, digging in the sandbox, riding his balance bike and playing in the woods. He loves to talk, talk, talk.

Nickname: Potpie

Diesel
This full of energy and full of love black lab joined the family with Henry. He enjoys attention, having his tummy rubbed, chasing balls, chasing sticks and swimming in the river while chasing balls and sticks.

Nickname: D-Dog

Rigby
Pretty much the cutest and sweetest creature around, this handsome Malamute joined the family with Melynda. Love me, love my Rigby. He enjoys hiking, cross-country skiing, walking, having his eyes rubbed and eating carcass.

Nickname: Riggy Roo Roo

Melynda
She's the one who writes this blog (and is now writing in third person.) She is pretty even-keeled but known to have fits of crankiness, especially since she hasn't slept since Jan. 30, 2007.

Melynda is a writer, naturalist, wife, mom, cross-country ski enthusiast, hiker, reader, knitter, jungle gym, napkin, Malamute lover, kid hauler and head over heels about being outside with her family.

Nickname: Mel or mommy. AKA MaMa.

Henry
He's the husband and dad. Henry is a clear thinker, all around smart guy and swimmingly handsome. He doesn't get as cranky as the rest of us, but he's just as exhausted.

Henry is a filmmaker, computer whiz, baby/kid carrier, lab lover, cross-country skier, hiker, angler, reader, spilled milk mopper, dreamer and crazy about his family.

Nickname: H or daddy. AKA DaDa

The Family
The first thing you notice about us is that we are all tall. Even the temporarily short dudes are tall. The dogs are tall, especially Rigby. That's just how we roll.

We love to joke around, get outside, read books and hug and kiss each other. Even the dogs (except he reading part.)

These things are important to us

* Getting our nature and recreation fix!
* Trying new things and visiting new places.
* Eating healthy food
* Supporting each other

Traveling Mel is Melynda, a freelance writer residing in Livingston, Montana—the “Original Gateway to Yellowstone National Park”. I started this blog to provide information about traveling in Montana and Yellowstone—and wherever else I happen to go. But, then I switched gears and decided to make it a personal blog of things happening in my life.

I have worked as a natural history guide in Yellowstone National Park and around Montana for a couple different tour agencies. Additionally, I get out and hike, explore and join in on all the crazy things that take place around here, as often as I can.

Briefly, my resume includes:
• Writer
• Natural History Guide
• Environmental Educator
• Cross-Country Ski Instructor
• Adventure Guide
• Caving Specialist
• …and more

You can check out my full resume and clips from published work here.

TravelingMel, her handsome husband and first son (in utero) in front of Pearl Geyser in Yellowstone National Park