Noack Reunion

This past week a whirlwind, it was an adventure, it was great and it was exhausting. I found out sometime ago that my family would be having its annual family reunion this year in Spokane, Washington and I really wanted to go. The last reunion I was able to attend was over ten years ago and it was in Newport, Oregon. Our family tries to hold a reunion each year and every year the location tends to change, it's kinda fun that way. Being in college, living in Utah, being poor and having to work has made it difficult for me to attend in the past-- this year though I was determined. With Andy just starting a new job I knew he wouldn't be able to go with me. As I contemplated driving 8 hours by myself each way with Bubba, I knew it wasn't something I could do so I bought myself a plane ticket.

I flew from Eugene to Portland had a short layover and then flew from Portland to Spokane. The first flight was great! I sat next to a girl attending BYU-Idaho she put in her headphones and fell asleep. Bubba sat calmly on my lap the entire flight. And I tried not to puke as we experienced a lot of turbulence.

At the Portland airport Bubba decided it was go time and made a few attempts to run away from me, it wasn't super fun trying to chase him down with our bags in hand.

The second flight I sat next to a larger man and he took up a good portion of my seat, his arm hair kept rubbing up against my arm, it was kinda gross. Bubba decided to wanted to move around a lot this flight, it was hard to keep him in my lap. The plane was really warm and the turbulence this flight made my nausea come on even stronger, thankfully I was able to keep everything down. I was incredibly grateful when this plane landed.

My cousin met me in the airport and helped me get all of our stuff (car seat, stroller and two suitcases) to the car and then drove me out to his parents house.

The next day (the day before the reunion started) I was able to spend some time with my grandparents (on my Mom's side of the family). It had been several years since I had seen them and it was good to catch up. Bubba loved playing my Grandma Sandy's birdbath and picking all of her raspberries.

Grandma & Grandpa -- Bubba didn't want his picture taken, we tried.

My cousin and I were able to swing my the Distribution Center and I exchanged some shirts for Andy and picked up a new temple dress for myself, I am so excited to wear it!

We also stopped by to visit our Nana, she is currently living in an assisted living home. It was a quick visit but I am glad we were able to see her!

The first day of the reunion we met at a pavilion at one of the church buildings, it was so good to see everyone. We had a potluck and everyone sat around visiting with each other. Not surprisingly a water fight broke out and Bubba ended up soaked, he didn't mind but I didn't have any spare clothes with me to change him into so he ran around in sandals and a diaper.

Some of the family.

Cousins.

I just love this sweet photo of Amy & Nana.

Bubba rocking the diaper and sandals look.

The second day of the reunion we went to the splash pad (the same one I took Russell to when he was about a year older than Bubba). Bubba enjoyed bouncing on the trampoline, opening and closing a gate, and taking his blankie in the water.

So tired.

Throwback of Russell at the fish.

That evening we met at my aunt and uncle's house for tacos. I was tasked with picking up Nana along with one of my cousins. We got Nana to my aunt and uncle's house and my cousin helped her out of the car. As I was parking the car on the side of the road (we have a big family and there were a lot cars) a fancy sports car pulled up along side me and rolled down their windows, there were two guys in the car who looked to not be much older than me. They wanted to know "what kind of party we were having." I told them it was a family reunion. They didn't seem convinced. I proceeded to say, this is my grandma's car, I just dropped her off. The told me I should go do burnouts with it, I declined. They asked if I had ever been in trouble before and I told them no. They still didn't believe me. Finally I said, "I'm a Mormon and I have a baby in the backseat." That made them chuckle and they drove off. It was such an awkward situation, but I am glad they left. About that same time one of my cousins came out to check on me. I am so glad that Bubba and I were kept safe.

We very much enjoyed eating tacos and visiting with family. Bubba even had his first taste of ice cream, he loved it! Must be his Daddy's boy. My Dad and uncles made rockets out of cardboard and paper and launched them off, the kids played lawn games and we took family photos-- it made for a great evening!

Visiting with Nana.

Building rockets.

As I was talking with one of my aunt's about life and the trials I have experienced she seemed impressed by the things I had learned, she could relate to some of the things I have gone through. She told me to "remember that (I) am important." I was so touched by her comments, it was something I think I definitely needed to hear that night.

The last day of the reunion the family did a photo scavenger hunt, Bubba and I sat that one out. We joined in the festivities later in the day though with a barbecue and pool party at my cousin's house. Bubba wasn't interested in the swimming pool, he wanted to play in all of the fountains and ponds, I was continually chasing him down. I am grateful to my cousin's who helped me keep tabs on him and chase him down, this pregnant mama was worn out! I tied a bunch of balloon animals for the kids, they loved it!

The next day Bubba and I were scheduled to fly out. My Dad picked us up and took us to their hotel so we could say goodbye to my sister and her husband (they were all staying at the same hotel), they stopped at the reunion for one day to say hi and bye to everyone as they drive across the country(they are moving to Connecticut). As they pulled out of the hotel parking lot and drove away tears streamed down my face, I am not much of a crier but I hate goodbyes. I am not sure when I will see my sister again but wish them the best in this new adventure.

Julie became really ill the night before and my Dad ended up taking her to the Emergency Room to get an I.V., we hope she gets feeling better soon! Being sick is never fun!

My uncle was kind enough to run Bubba and I to the airport. As I was talking with my uncle about a trial I am currently going through, he reassured me that I am doing the right things.

It was so good to spend time with my family and I am grateful to have Noack blood in my veins. I know that my family is far from perfect (no family is perfect) but we are a family of strength, we love each other deeply and we are always there for one another. We make the most of difficult situations and trust that the Lord will help us through and I love that about my family.

On flight from Spokane to Portland Bubba was super wiggly. Part way though our flight there was a medical emergency and the flight attendants asked for any doctors or nurses on the flight to come help-- they didn't tell us what was going on. You could feel the stress and tension in the air. The plane seemed to pick up speed. We encountered some pretty intense turbulence and made a fast and hard landing (we landed early). We were met on the ground by ambulances and firetrucks. The paramedics hauled and gentleman off supposedly he was having trouble breathing.

I looked at my boarding pass to double check what time our next flight would be boarding and decided to use the bathroom and order a late lunch. As Bubba and I were stuffing our faces I heard someone say "This is the final call for passengers so and so, so and so and me." Not sure how I misread by boarding pass or how I didn't hear the first boarding call, the terminal we were sitting in wasn't very big. I scooped by Bubba and shoved our box of food into the stroller a kind stranger sitting next to me offered to push the stroller to the gate for me and we all booked it to the gate. They closed the gate right behind me, I am so glad we made our connecting flight. Bubba passed out in my lap just before we landed and some kind strangers helped me gather all of our stuff up off the plane. Andy met us out front and helped us get all of our bags, it was so good to see him! It was nice to spend time with my family, but it was also nice to be home. 

Bubba's First Roadtrip & Russell's Baptism

This week started out pretty rough, you cried for four days straight. On day four, I decided it was time to take you to the doctor (don't worry, we saw a new doctor at a new clinic). You cried the entire way to the doctor and you cried while we waited for the doctor. A little boy in the next room over could hear you crying and was concerned for you. As soon as the doctor walked in you stopped crying. The doctor could tell you didn't feel well, but couldn't figure out why. We suspect you might be teething.

Wednesday night you were up every hour during the night. Early Thursday morning Mommy lost it and started crying. She was so tired, she didn't know what else to do to help you and we were supposed to be driving Thursday night to Hermiston, Oregon. I wasn't sure how we were going to make the drive with such little sleep.

I text my friend Kirsten and she came to the rescue. She picked you up so Mommy could get some much needed sleep. You had so much fun with Kirsten! I don't know what she did, but when you got home you were all smiles!

Thanks to Kirsten we were able to make the drive to Hermiston. It was a late night, but we did it.

One tired Bubba.

Friday we hopped back into the car and drove to Spokane. Great Aunt Renee and Great Uncle Todd were kind enough to let us stay with them. Not only did they let us stay with them, they watched you for a few hours so Mommy and Daddy could do a session at the temple.

Andy &  I.

I love the peace I feel every time I enter these sacred walls.

When Mommy walked into the temple and sat down a woman turned around and looked at her. Mommy instantly recognized the woman and went up and gave her a hug. It was your Great Grandma Charlene (Mommy's Step-Grandma).

Great Grandma and Great Grandpa had wanted to do two back to back sessions at the temple but were unable to get into the second session. Great Grandpa suggested that they go outside and walk around and wait until the next session. Great Grandma was frustrated by the wait, but you can imagine the surprise on her face when she saw Mommy walk in. Great Grandma said it totally made her night going through the temple with Mommy and Daddy.

Great Grandma Charlene & Great Grandpa Keith.

Later that evening we hung out at Aunt Renee and Uncle Todd's house with Mommy's cousins. It as good to catch up with everyone. Just before we were going to get up and get ready for bed the cat came in. It wasn't too long before Uncle Todd said, "The cat has a mouse." Next thing you know the cat dropped the mouse on the floor and Uncle Todd said, "And it's alive!"

The mouse took off running. Aunt Renee freaked out and woke Rischel up (she was sleeping on the couch). She started screaming, "Rischel! The cat brought a mouse in and it's alive!" About this time you woke up Bubba, you had been asleep in the bedroom.

The cat caught the mouse and Daddy picked the cat up to take him outside and the cat decided to drop the mouse again. The mouse took off running for a second time.

Aunt Renee stomped around the living room with her hands in fists saying, "In thirty years, I've never had a mouse in my house!" A swear word slipped out somewhere in the dialogue. Daddy was laughing so hard because of Aunt Renee's reaction- she is normally a very calm individual. She told Daddy to stop laughing. The whole thing was really funny! We spent a good amount of time tearing the living room apart looking for that mouse, but we never found it.

On Saturday your Uncle Russell was baptized by Papa. His baptism was wonderful! A lot of family traveled a long way to be there for his big day. Mommy's cousin Casey gave a talk on baptism and Great Grandma Charlene gave a talk on the Holy Ghost. Mommy really enjoyed both talks. We are so proud of Uncle Russell for making the decision to be baptized. Afterwards we took some family pictures and had a lunch/birthday celebration. You were also able to finally meet your Great Nana (Mommy's Nana).

Cousin Hazel.

Papa & cousin Hazel.

Four Generation Photo: Me, Bubba, Papa & Great Nana.

Most of my family!

Great Nana with most of her kids.

Nana, Papa & Uncle Russell.

After the baptism we went to the cemetery. We left pine cones (it's a family tradition) on Great Great Grandma Hazel, Great Great Grandpa Joseph, Great Uncle Mark, Great Uncle Greg, and Great Papa's graves. It felt as though our ancestors were there with us at the cemetery that day.

Our next stop was your Great Nana's house, we visited with her for a couple hours. Nana is getting up there in age and we aren't sure how long she will be with us. It meant a lot to Mommy to get to spend some time with her.

Great Nana & I.

Then we headed over to Great Uncle Aaron and Great Aunt Theresa's house to say good bye to the rest of the family and then we drove until late at night back to Hermiston to stay the night with Daddy's Aunt Ilene and Uncle Randy.

The next morning we met Daddy's cousins (Aaron, Lynn, Joey and Cassie) and their kids (Ethan, Brodie and Cora). It was so good to meet and visit with all of them!

Cousin Cora.

Great Aunt Ilene & Bubba.

Daddy's extended family.

Then we hit the road and headed for home. On our way back we stopped at the Bonneville Dam to watch the salmon go up the fish ladder.

Fish ladder.

Me & Bubba.

Bubba.

We also stopped to see Multnomah Falls. There were so many people at the falls that day, we didn't stay very long.

We are so glad that we were able to make the trip to Spokane to support Uncle Russell and see everyone else. We are grateful to those who fed us and let us stay with them- we couldn't have done it without them.

Puberty

I love sharing stories about my younger brothers, they say some of the funniest things! This was a recent conversation that took place.

Nathan- Was proud that he had 13 hairs under his armpits. Yes, he counted each hair.
Brendan- Made a comment that Nathan was going through puberty.
Background- Each winter my Dad grows out a beard.
Russell- Having heard Brendan and Nathan talking about puberty remarks, "Dad, you have puberty on your face."

A Russell Story

Julie, came up for my baby shower. When you got back home Russell (age 7) asked to see pictures of the baby. She said that she didn't have any pictures of the baby because it hadn't been born yet. Russell was confused and wanted to see the pictures. He was sure the baby had been born because Julie came to help give the baby a shower. Wrong kind of shower buddy!

A Tall Onion

This story is too good not to share.

The other day my Dad called. He was driving in the truck and had me on the blue tooth. The conversation with my six year old brother who was in the truck went something like this...

Russell: Guess what I'm going to be for Halloween?
Me: A cow?
Russell: Nooo.
Me: A football player?
Russell: Noooo.
Me: Jacob?
Russell: Noooo.
Me: What are you going to be?
Russell: A vampire! (said with some sass)
Me: Cool! I'm going as Paul Bunyan.
Russell: A tall onion? (said with some confusion)
Me: No, I'm going as Paul Bunyan.
Russell: A tall onion? (said with even more confusion)
Dad: He said "A tall onion?" (you could hear my Dad smiling through the phone)

I then proceeded to tell Russell who Paul Bunyan was to which he replied, "You're going as the blue cow?" I couldn't help but laugh and laugh I did. I laughed for days about this one.