Gundys in Russia

My (Bret's) parents are missionaries in Novosibirsk, Russia. We figured we wouldn't have many other reasons to hang out in Siberia or Moscow, so we decided to visit them this summer.

It turns out that Russia is big. REALLY big. In a 10 day period we spent nearly 40 hours on airplanes, 4-6 hours on trains and subways, and about 15 hours in airports and train stations waiting to board.

However, we met some fantastic people and saw some really big things. Here are a few of them.

St. Basil's Cathedral, which is really 9 churches built on one foundation next to the Kremlin in Moscow.

The Kremlin, where two Vladimirs spend a lot of time. Vladimir Lenin can't leave because his body is in a tomb there, and Valdimir Putin comes and goes. We didn't actually see either of them, which I was kind of disappointed about.

The river next to the Kremlin.

More cool buildings by the Kremlin.

My parents in front of their local church building in Novosibirsk.

Three young single adults and the branch president with a rubber duck. :) My parents are responsible for keeping the Church Education System strong in Russia, so we had a great time meeting the young adults who they spend time with.

A three headed dragon over a king on a throne. I don't remember the story behind it, but it must have been cool.

One of the many churches with a golden dome for a hat.

A canal in St. Petersburg.

More of St. Petersburg.

In a hydrofoil on our way to Peterhof--the summer palace of Peter the Great, Catherine the Great, and Kathleen the Great...or so she wishes.

A fountain at Peterhof. All the fountains are powered by gravity. They have pools in the hills above the palace with pipes that lead to these fountains. It's impressive.

And finally, a church near Peterhof.

Overall, it was an excellent trip. I think our favorite part was spending 10 days together without having to worry about work, soccer practices, feeding kids, or even cleaning up after ourselves.