Our trip to North Dakota

At the end of August we went to North Dakota for my sister's wedding. I will post pictures of that next time, but here are some pictures of the fun we had visiting with my family in ND.

Here are the kids in front of the state capitol.

We visited the Heritage Museum.

I think one of Nick's favorite parts was going inside this Mandan Indian Earth Lodge. Now he wants to build on in our back yard! "But not until we move into the country." Well, at least he has thought this through!

We visited Fort Mandan, where Lewis and Clark stayed. It was actually pretty cool to see things at the beginning of their trail (or at least the beginning of their journey after picking up Sakakawea), since we now live at the end of their trail. Kind of a neat connection there.

The kids love acting out things. Here they are being Lewis and Clark at the museum.

We also had a lot of time to spend at my parents house. It is not the house I grew up in. They have moved out in the country to a nice place with a beautiful view of the Missouri river.

Andrew and his cousin Makella love each other very much!

Here Makella is trying to give Andrew kisses!

Andrew also played with his other cousin, Carter. Because I am so much older than my sisters, they are just starting to have kids. So Andrew will be the only one with cousins his age on my side. But that is okay, because I think the older ones liked being the "cool, older cousins" and played very nicely with everyone.

Andrew and Carter took a bath and had fun splashing around.

We hung out in the yard and enjoyed the nice weather.

This is "Bear" their dog. He is such a sweet gentle dog. Ben really liked him, all the kids did.

My dad let the kids all take turns running the front loader. Here is Tatiana's turn. We don't have "big toys" like this at home!

And here is Ben driving the tractor. Happy boy!

Ben found my brother's old Tonka Trucks. He was on a mission!

Mission accomplished! Just look at how dirty those boys are! Grandpa and Grandma had a great dirt pile to play in and we let them. You're only young once and boys will be boys!

Andrew had fun with my brother's Tonka trucks too!

This is my very favorite picture!!! There is my sweet youngest, Andrew, standing in front of his Great Grandpa Bud. I love my Grandpa Bud! He's the best! Aren't they the cutest together!!! Oh, I can't stand it!

More coming soon...