Wednesday, July 15, 2015

More photos with the noldens/random summer happenings


 So I found some random pics from when our family was visiting.  Here's some of the many faces of Andy:




Andy & Gma Shayne










Later last month we went to the museum of curiosity for the first time with our friends the Felts.  It was pretty cool/legit in there.  Jake's favorite parts were def the trains that would drive in and out of the rooms and the virtual landscape/sand table thing.




the building room was pretty cool too






making monsters



the landscape table




















It was way fun!  we'll def have to go back soon :)

Summer of Reunions: Branson Edition

a few weeks later we left for the Richards' Reunion that was being held in Branson, Missouri (not where we're from but just a fun new place).  We drove there in two and a half days.  The first night we stayed at a hotel cause the weather was rainy but the second night we camped in Kansas.  It was fun, but I think we decided that we want to keep camping trips strictly camping trips and road trips strictly road trips- it was a LOT of stuff crammed in the back of our van haha.  It was an adventure tho.

****we interrupt this regularly scheduled blogpost to remember: FATHER'S DAY! I am SO grateful that that my boys get Code for their dad.  I can't think of someone that could better teach them what it means to be a loving husband, father, and worthy priesthood holder.  He's always so fun, upbeat, and happy and I love how much he supports me in my interests/hobbies too.  He cooks and watches the kids like it's no big deal.  I love to go to musicals/plays/sports games/ and soon travel with my sweetheart and best friend! We love you Code! ****



The dad's taking their annual nap ;)


Now back to getting to the reunion....
Andy helping Daddy wash the windshield




the boys were pretty excited to stay in a hotel.



rest stop in Kansas.  They had a play area for the kids near some picnic tables- genious, all rest stops should have a play area.



Jake was very excited by the Gorilla


Camping in Kansas later that night:  (it was pretty warm but the fireflies were cool)

we were on a hill right by a lake:










there were these strange nests with holes in the bottom and we thought it was bats at first but it turned out to be these cool lil birds.



throwing rocks





The next day we went a lil out of our way through Independence Missouri for a quick breather before making it to Branson.  Among other things we swam, we went on a cool nature tram ride where we saw fish, buffalo, and elk, and in some caves, and saw a cool production about Jonah.  Of course it wouldn't be a reunion without some werewolves & other fun group games.






refusing to smile






Andy playing back at the cabin


the vertical cave we went into-pretty cramped but still cool


snuggles with grandma Kathy


miniature golf with Papa



Andrew and Anderson wrestle time



Testing out the selfie stick with Harrison




Jake sportin' our Reunion shirts


We had four generations there which was pretty cool & crazy to think about.  It was fun!