what's new with the Noldens

We got a minivan!  Saturday we became proud owners of a 2015 odyssey touring elite.  I'm in love, that is all.  It's so pretty-never thought it'd feel classy to drive a minivan but it does :)  At first we were curious how Jake would react cause for some reason he loved daddy's old elantra or, "the blue car"  as he called it.  When we told him it was gone he didn't seem to get it, but then he saw the new car.  He climbed on in and Code thought he'd show him how cool it was by closing the door all by itself while Jake was in and we were out.  He didn't like that very much......but after the tears subsided and he actually rode in the van he LOVED it!  Every time we get home and get out he asks, "again!"  I guess it's a good thing cause we have some road trips planned this summer.  

I didn't want to open the garage/disturb Andy's nap so I just snapped a few pics from inside the garage.

(I love the color we got: smoky topaz- kind of a grey/silver/bronze color that changes depending on the light it's in)

My favorite features are probably: the darker/leather seats, all of the safety notifications like if you are drifting out of your lane or a car is in your blindspot and the backup camera, the touch screen/bluetooth system, the cool box-if you put something cold in it and push the button it can apparently keep the cold thing cold if the car is on (I mean, who honestly needs that?? but I think it's hilarious), the hdmi plug and electrical outlet, and the built-in vacuum in the back.  And of course, all the extra room!  I can go to Costco AND Walmart all in the same trip!  Not to mention now we'll have room for all of our camping gear, and will be able to campout along the way on our road trip to Branson this summer.  I'm sure the Jake's fav feature will be the tv/headphones come road trip time.

oh yeah, and every window in the back comes with a built-in sun screen which is awesome since I never like those things that suction cup to the window but never really stick good etc.

Speaking of camping and enjoying the outdoors, we went on our first family hike (or bear hunt as Jake called it) since Andy was born!  We went to the grotto trail up in Payson Canyon.  It's super easy but feels adventurous with all of the logs/makeshift bridges you cross over on your way to the grotto.  Jake loved it and once he realized he wasn't going to fall into the water loved it even more.  He threw rocks into the water and kept looking for a bear.  Andy seemed pretty into it too :)

Needless to say we are very excited to go hiking now that the beautiful weather is back!