SPOKANE - Investigators announced Tuesday evening that two children and their father, sought as part of an Amber Alert, were spotted in the Missoula, Montana.

Police said the three were seen at a fast food restaurant and that they appear different from photos released when the alert was first issued.

4-year-old Remi Baugher and her 2-year-old brother Lars were taken Friday by their father in Waitsburg, near Walla Walla. He failed to return the children after a weekend visitation, and the Amber Alert was issued Sunday night.

Police say the father, John Baugher, has mental health issues, so they're concerned about the children.

When they were spotted in Missoula police said John had a heavy beard and was wearing a green army button-up shirt.

Lars had his hair cut shorter and darkened, but still appeared blonde. Remi had her hair cut short and darkened as well.

His van turned up Monday morning near Springdale -- about 150 miles from where the family was last seen. Tuesday afternoon, the children's family put out a tearful plea for help.

"They need to be home safe, so, just please keep looking and doing whatever you can to find them," said cousin Maggie Gerling.

Anyone with information is asked to call 911 immediately.