Olympic National Park: Bird Watching

Ah, so many birds and so little time to sketch them poorly in my nature journal! While we did not see too many big animals on our trip to Olympic -- not like going to Yellowstone where you're practically tripping on elk and bison the whole time -- we did get to see a lot …

Olympic National Park Ecosystems: Pacific Coast

  We spent our last couple of days in Olympic on the Pacific Coast, staying at Kalaloch Lodge and visiting Ruby Beach.  Prior to our trip, we had prepped with several books about wildlife in the Pacific Northwest and Native American legends from the region, but the book that really paid dividends was this little …

Olympic National Park Ecosystems: Temperate Rainforest

The word "rainforest" conjures images of brightly-colored macaws, 15-foot anacondas, and jaguars creeping along tree branches; however, rainforests are designated simply by the amount of precipitation they receive each year.  Their flora, fauna, and climates vary in every other way.  If you're interested in the temperate rainforests of the Olympic Penninsula, set aside your visions …

Olympic National Park Ecosystems: Forests, Rivers, and Waterfalls

Our hunt for more waterfalls led us to explore the Elwha River, Barnes Creek, Falls Creek, and the Sol Duc River.  Hiking to Marymere Falls gave us our first good look at an old growth forest. Immense, moss-covered trees towered over us, and the incredible assortment of wildflowers varied with each change in altitude, sunlight, …

Olympic National Park Nature Study

The American National Parks are a dream come true for families seeking an opportunity to explore wildlife and wilderness.  This summer we made our first visit to Olympic National Park.  Located on the Olympic peninsula of Washington state, this park offers a uniquely diverse experience.  Moisture from the Pacific hits the western side of the …

Travelling with Littles: Fostering Independence

We've recently returned from our first major trip with our kids, and now that we're home, I can safely call it a success.  There is plenty of advice out there on how to entertain your kids on an airplane.  Some of the typical ideas worked for us, like loosening up your normal screen time restrictions …

Math Everywhere: Division

While preparing for our first family trip involving an airplane, we got to do a little hands-on math.  Our kids' pediatrician suggested we bring gummy bears along for the flight to help avoid painful ear pressure during take-offs and landings.  We bought a big bag and divided them up into four groups -- two for …

The Wild Blue Yonder

We have committed to something that might be a bit crazy.  Come next June, we are taking both of our boys -- ages 1 and 3 -- to Olympic National Park for a week. My husband and I love hiking and exploring in the National Parks, but since having kids, we have not been bold …