A Wedding Week to Remember

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Wow, what a trip! It was probably the shortest I've taken in recent history (Tuesday-Saturday), but boy was it packed! My plane was late arriving at my connection, New York's JFK airport, and after a miserable fiasco and 3 hour delay, I was finally on my way to Boston. Word to the wise: never fly into JFK! Even if you have to make a connection in Anchorage.

Jordan and Melissa were married at 3:00 in the afternoon on July 4th of last week, and I was incredibly blessed to be included in the wedding party. It was truly a God-honoring celebration, and one I'd love to model someday. God bless you Jordan and Melissa Niednagel!

I took most of these photos, but HUGE thanks to Brian Fournier (the official photographer) for the pics of the actual ceremony, since I of course was disposed at the time, and to Michael Thomas for allowing me to snag 'em from his blog. Also thanks to Jeremy Niednagel and Tai Polczynski for a couple other photos that I wasn't able to capture.

Ok enough boring banter, on to the visuals.

I have to say, for all the trouble I experienced with Delta, their in-flight entertainment is first-class. There were like 20 free channels of TV, as well as for-pay movies.

New York sunset, just after takeoff.

I arrived in Boston late, and the ever-enthusiastic Thomas family greeted me and took me to their home. The next day Jonathan Drake arrived. It was so neat, the three of us together again after 2 years.

Chow time!

Trying on costumes for the first time. Ok, if this is your expression 2 days before your wedding, you might want to make sure you correctly grasp the English usage of "marriage".

Time for rehearsal. The guys strap on their swords. The girls grab their....selves.

Jeff Flynn was pretty much the guy who pulled most of the wedding details together. What an amazing guy, with an amazing family.

The groomsmen line up.

"You may now kiss......hey! Break it up you two! This is only a rehearsal"

New England weather is wierd. Everyone was outside prepping under a bright, clear sky, and a major torrent rolls in within 3 minutes. Thankfully only lasted about 10 minutes.

Back outside, Jeff experiments with the cauldron, a medieval alternative to the unity candle.

And we have blast-off!

Jordan and Melissa test lighting it together later that night.

Another success!

Michael, Jeff and Jon break to do a little jam to the blues.

The cake arrives! What a beauty. Now to transport it to the fridge.

"Hey guys, I just heard the funniest joke...."

Wow, look at that baby, it's like the leaning tower of.....cake-za. (Yeah, I do all my own writing.)

"THE" day arrives. Jordan gets his medieval extreme makeover. Hey who's the dummy photographer who didn't realize he was taking a picture of a mirror....which reflects things...like the photographer.

The lovely bride-to-be.

Ah the man of the hour! Jeremy (Jordan's brother) almost didn't make it! His wife Danielle has been due for about 2 weeks now, and could have delivered any minute. At the last minute Jeremy decided to come, hours later the baby came! Unbelievable. But in the end he was glad to not have missed his brother's wedding, and I'm sure Jordan was also. Keoni Niednagel, their new son, was waiting for him upon return.

All the guys meet downstairs for prayer and a final moment alone with Jordan.

"Guys, do we drop the head or feet first?"

Both parents of the happy couple confer as the ceremony begins.

The groom leads his valiant men towards the altar first.

We then split off from Jordan and headed down to line the aisle as the rest of the wedding party comes through us.

The bridesmaids come out of the forest. Those dresses are amazing, well done to everyone involved!

Jordan's bride walks down the aisle towards him as we kneel.

"I give you my daughters hand, and the key to her heart."

Wide shot.

The flower girls watch on in innocent wonder.

Lighting the "unity torch".

"You may now kiss the bride."

Amazing.

We line the aisles once again to hail the new Mr. and Mrs. Niednagel!

God bless you my friend!

The first group shot, the bride and groom kiss as we gaze on.

The flower girls and bride. Adorable.

The queen and her maidens.

I love this shot. Amazing job Brian!

Jor, Jeff, Jon and I share a moment of conversation between picture-taking.

Ah the traditional cake cutting, with a twist!

Jordan: "I hope this thing is sharp enough"

Melissa: "I hope he washed that thing"

Melissa: "I hope somebody is getting this on camera."

Jordan: "I hope she washed her hands."

After eating and mingling, it was time for some sword battles. Here the moderators explain the rules.

Some of the guys REALLY got into it, like alot.

Doing "follow the leader" late into the night.

Jordan and Tai doing the patty-cake polka. I know how this looks, but in this dance you switch partners, he started out with Melissa. Honest!!!

The time for goodbyes is now at hand. The happy couple make their way through their crowd to the car.

Tears of joy and sadness. Maybe I should rephrase the statement above, is there a singular form of "couple"?

The next morning I flew out early, connecting in Las Vegas. Wait! Don't jump to conclusions!

Well this doesn't look good

What a great trip! I met some incredible new friends, and met in person for the first time people I had already known online. Thank you Thomas family for your loving hospitality! And thank you so much to the Yokels as well, Jon and I stayed at their lovely home for 2 nights and they really went out of their way to make us feel comfortable. I regret not taking any pictures with them!

Thanks for visiting!

Better Late Than Never / Disneyland / Fair

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Well, three weeks after I return home from Missouri I'm finally posting pictures of my last week there. That's kind of like receiving a declaration of war.... a week after you've already been attacked. So, that being the case, I'm just going to skim over a select few pictures and move on to more recent activities. Since many of you probably already saw Jordan's update, I'll try to include a few that he didn't.

Ironic, but I'm finally getting to blog just long enough to turn around and leave for another week. Most of you know that Jordan was engaged to Melissa Thomas back in October, and will be married this coming Friday, July 4th. Yeah, I know, if he ever forgets that date, there's a problem. So, as I've been graciously invited to be a part of their wedding party, I'll be flying up to Boston this coming Tuesday. Stay tuned for pictures that following week, since Jordan will be on his honeymoon I'll have 'em up at least a week before his. Yes, nerd blogging wars are real.

For those of you who haven't seen the new comedic short we worked on while in Missouri, you can click the image above to see it on youtube. This was initially a project we worked on for Melissa's wedding shower, but then expounded heavily upon it. Enjoy!

"Hey Nate, does this look natural?" Jordy behind the camera filming my part of the short.

Doing the "pond" scene.

The day before I left we drove up to Springfield to hang out with Jon Courville again. Had a total blast bowling, golfing, and go-karting, as well as enjoying some good ol' Braums frozen yogurt. 500 grams of sugar? Who cares! Healthy functioning organs are overrated anyway.

This guy was apparently anticipating a looooong day shopping with his wife. Either that or he just raided somebody's recycle bin. As we came out of Braums I saw this car in the parking lot, a pretty nice, new Porsche to boot.

Getting wild and crazy, down and dirty, fast and furious....and uh.......wow, all that build up for go-karts that go about 9 mph.

There were 2 doors at the go-kart place. You have a 50/50 chance of going in the right one if you're not paying attention. Better stay away from poker with those odds Jor.

And so we end the trip as it began, with me sleeping in between flights. Yes, FYI, I set the camer up on a 15 minute delay so I'd actually be sleeping when it went off. (Does anyone believe that?) Thanks so much  Niednagels for a wonderful trip as always! I look forward to seeing everyone next week!

Went to Disneyland 2 weekends ago with the whole fam, it was kind of on a whim, which is very unusual for something like this.

Grampa and Bevvy. Look at those blue eyes

.

And the every-increasing-in- adorableness Adaleigh, took these while she was in her stroller. She smiled when she first saw me.

First stop, the best ride at Disneyland: Indiana Jones and the.... man that's a long name, sorry I can't type it all out. I mean, if you knew how long the ride title was, you wouldn't blame me for not wanting to spend the time to type it, because that would take a really long time to sit here and type that all out.

And I thought my camera was nice. Last month Abe got a Nikon D80, and boy does that have some cool features. That's so great though, because otherwise we couldn't go to Disneyland and take "taking pictures" pictures like this.

Ever look back at pictures of your family in a crowded place and notice some stranger who's mysteriously wandered into your group? (Perspective is everything. If you were to look at this picture from the side, you'd see several feet in front and back of everyone)

The Jungle Cruise. The guy driving and narrating on the boat was hilarious.

Taking a nice swig from a sterilized drinking receptacle.

Buzz Lightyear: Star Command. This is actually really fun, there's electronic targets all over the ride and you have to shoot 'em for points.

At the end of the ride you can email yourself the on-ride photo with your score. Not to brag, but I beat Abe, and not that I'm counting, but it was by 10,100 points.

"Pirates of the Carribbean: The Ride!.......that inspired the movie......that was based on the ride........."

Took Bevvy on her first roller coaster. We're clearly along only for the ride, no fun being had here by us.

Final shot of Grams with Bevvy.

And final event of this post, the 2008 San Diego County Fair. We love going every year, at least 2-3 times during it's run.

Tell me folks, is there anything that hasn't been deep fried? If there is, it's because it can't be deep fried, as you can see by this food stand.

And I made the horrendous mistake of contributing to such cardio suicide by trying...of all things... a deep fried White Castle burger!!! Let me tell you, it was, by far, one of the worst things I've ever put in my mouth, and that includes when I was a baby! Try this, take a sponge and soak it in trans-fat frying grease. Put the sponge in your mouth and masticate. Repeat three times. 

And we take a break from eating to...uh eat. In front is my plate of "Australian Battered Potatoes". You'd think the word "battered" would denote them being fried wouldn't you? Oh, well that's because they are.

One of the many traditional fair events is the "collections" building, which showcases collections people have submitted, like bottle caps, post cards, etc.. Here's one particular colelction of chess-set pieces, pretty....random.

What fair would be complete without contests? How about a jalapeno eating contest? I know, my tongue burns just thinking about it. Imagine these people.

And they're off!

Oh...that doesn't look good. Man, please just stay within camera view if you pass out.

The winner ate 31 jalapenos. 31!!!

Aww, dog races.

And yet they cry in horrific terror when you try to get them to hug Goofy at Disneyland. I'll never understand kids.

Thanks so much for reading! See everyone after the wedding.

Missouri: Nearing the End

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Week 5 here in the woods, and things are starting to slowly wrap up.

Some good news, the house footers and foundation gravel were poured yesterday! By the time it dries I don't know that we'll even get in very much work before I leave. I'm disappointed that things weren't as productive as I anticipated, but God controls the weather and must have some reason for this. And of course it wasn't a complete waste, we'll have come away from this with "something".

Heading to Branson last weekend with everyone to visit Silver Dollar City. Just so you know, I fought tooth and nail NOT to sit in the front seat, but they (graciously) made me. Clearly unanimous with the decision, Jordan can be seen celebrating in the cargo section of the van.

Stopped in Springfield on the way to see Prince Caspian. Loved it! Not quite as much as the first movie, and they took a few more liberties with this one, but only one of them was significant. If you've seen it you know what I'm talking about. Otherwise an incredible, epic film.

My brother Abram is a member of a timeshare with locations nationwide, and one just happened to be in Branson, so we were blessed enough to be able to use it for a night.

Kalea called shotgun on the master bedroom.

Danielle: "No wonder! The thermostat is set to celsius!"

Before heading to Silver we again stopped at Cracker Barrel for breakfast.

Heading in!

Ok, so practically as soon as we enter the park, Jordan has this itch to get wet. So we get in line for this ride, not realizing until we actually get to this point that it's actually one of those rides where you're on a TUBE going down a WATER SLIDE and get COMPLETELY DRENCHED!

This was taken a few minutes after we got off, so the dripping has stopped. And yes, Jer and I are wearing the same shirt. Yes it was an accident. No it's not cute. Hey let's focus on Jordan! Who wears jeans to a theme park?

It's futile. Those denims ain't gonna be dry for a looong time

I would have joined, but you know what they say. "Three's company........."

Probably one of the most interesting parts of the day was visiting the massive cave Silver Dollar City was originally built around. It's called "Marvel Cave", and it's unbelievable. Here everyone waits for the tour.

Going down into the cave......

.....and down, and down.

Finally reaching the bottom.

Looking back where we just came down. Like I said, it's massive.

"Nathan this cave makes me feel so insignificant. "

"Yeah whatever. Take my picture will you?"

......

Kalea. Need I say more?

Why ask why?

Back at the ol' Harlin House restaurant in gainesville.

Someone get the guy a Whole Foods gift card. This is sad.

Heading to the license bureau to take care of some title business.

The place was packed like nobody's business, 4 people were in the waiting room. Including us. And the employee.

We found out the title couldn't be transferred until the car received an inspection at the nearby dealership.

*sigh* No good magazines here.

All I did was ask if we could stop for some ice cream.

Ah, what's this? Finally! The concrete footers are poured, and now we're just waiting.

The guys were out there digging the well also.

Well that's all from middle America. Next week I'll be rounding out the trip from home, and posting our new video (at least one of them). Thanks for reading!

The Missouri Chronicles: Chapter IV

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Yet another span of 7 days has passed here in the ozarks. I'm not used to updating this much! There's so much going on that it'll just pile up if I don't stay on top.

Tomorrow we head to Branson to visit Silver Dollar City, a country/bluegrass-themed amusement park with some pretty fun attractions too. Oh yeah, and Prince Caspian opens this weekend! We'll be catching that as well if it's not too insanely crowded.

Shorter update this time, I decided to give my shutter finger a few days off.

For Mother's Day last Sunday, Mrs. Niednagel's request was to go a round of Scrabble. Don't think too intensely there, Jordie.

For the love of Mike, will somebody give this poor lady a consanent? It's Mother's Day!!

Hmm if only there was a Y on the board (which of course there wasn't. )

Mother's Day lunch at Jeremy's.

An absolutely unbelievable cajun-chicken Ceaser salad was prepared by Jer and Danni for the occasion. Oh yeah, the green bottle is exactly what you think it is. Ginger Ale. Wait, what did you think it was? That's terrible.

One of Jer's horned lizards, I think this is Enrico.

So I'm getting a low shot of one of Jer and Danni's garden beds when this little lady pokes into my viewfinder. She must have radar hearing for the sound of a camera turning on.

Ok I usually try to avoid posting two similar pictures, but this one was just unavoidable.

Hmm, this looks suspicious.

 This, however, is Jordan on a typical day. Just kidding. Stay tuned

Jer's 32nd birthday was also this week, followed by another great meal and a delicious carrot cake by Danielle.

As always, Jordan makes every attempt to help people feel better about their age. The guy can draw landscapes like nobody's business, you have to at least give him that.

Friday was co-op in Ava, so we stopped by Sonic for some.....uh....sprouted barley wraps. At least that's what I ordered. Jordan's clearly hostile to photographs (aka evidence).

At co-op, sorting and distributing everyone's order.

"Soothing anti-fungal foot cream? Extra strength? HEY JORDAN! IS THIS PART OF YOUR ORDER?!"

Everyone please show a little understanding here. It was late in the afternoon, no lunch, and this truck full of feed  was just parked there.

If only we'd known Taco Bell was just around the corner. Hey better safe than sorry though, right?

Thanks for reading! See you next week!

Missouri Part III: The Reckoning

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Another week in Missouri, at about the halfway mark now. Unfortunetly, still no progress on Jordan's house. The cement guy was out last week to give an estimate, but it's rained twice this week, so that's kind of the main holdup. Work starting late this week is looking good.

A gnarled tree in the woods during a cloudy day. Looks like something from Middle Earth huh?

Poor guy can't even open his eyes. Bob and Betty's (Jordan's neighbors) bull got in a jealous head-butting altercation with his special lady's ex.

"So Bob, I noticed you're wearing a red hat."

Betty holds one of a litter of probably a dozen kitties two cats had simultaneously on their property.

Cute.

Jer and Danni have had us over countless times since I've been here. This time it was fish tacos. Delicious! Thanks guys!

Kalea eagerly devouring camera time as she tries on a dress I brought from my mom as a gift.

Rook! This game is so addicting. Probably should have waited for a decent hand before taking this picture though.

Since Jordan's dad works for the Celtics, we've been catching most of the games this season. So far they're doing great, but the wins haven't been by a very big margin.

What trip would be complete without a meal at the Harlin House? (You don't have to answer that)

Flipping through Jordan's wallet while waiting for the food. Please don't ask me why he has that picture in there. I've known Jordan for 6 years and am just now myself starting to figure this guy out.

The same explanation above applies to me in reference to why I took this picture. Of Jordan. Coming out of the bathroom.

Apparently the spinich dip appetizer didn't have enough cheese for this photo.

So while driving back the air conditioner fan starts making an extremely loud noise. Once at home we took a look-see.

Thanks to Jer the day again is saved. He took the fan apart and....

A mother mouse (already maimed and dead by the aforementioned fan, and not presented here for obvious reasons) had a complete nest up there with around 4 babies, like this one.

Man these little guys were so cute! Unfortunetly Jer had to humanely "take care" of them, otherwise they would have just suffered slowly of starvation without a mom.

And on that lovely note I bring the week to a close. Thanks for reading!