Monday, June 27, 2011
UTAH!!!
We are here and having such a busy blast there is no time for long posts or fantastic pictures, but they are to come soon, I promise. We've had such a great time reconnecting with friends and family! If you are around and want to get together, let me know. We'd love to see you!
Thursday, June 9, 2011
Tuesday, June 7, 2011
Sunday, June 5, 2011
Palmyra, New York
For the full post, click here!
On Sunday we headed to Palmyra, New York which is rich with the history of our church. I was so excited to be there...it's a place I've been envisioning since I was a little girl and I was finally going to see it! What struck me, as we were driving there was how beautiful the area is. I understand why Joseph Smith's family decided to settle there. It truly is a gorgeous piece of our country.
After church, our first stop was the sacred grove, where we believe Joseph Smith saw God and Jesus Christ. As I wandered onto the path, a young boy, about 12, was playing "Joseph Smith's First Prayer" and I was overcome with the spirit. I felt so much gratitude for Joseph Smith and was amazed that at such a young age he was curious enough to ask, righteous enough to obey, and strong enough to withstand cruely beyond imagination. Stepping into that grove felt like a holy place.
Our boys had a nice time in the grove, though I'm not sure they really understood its significance. Mike read Joseph Smith's account to us from the scriptures and we had a family prayer of gratitude. After the few moments of stillness and reverence, our boys felt like it was any other woods to explore and they were fascinated by the large leaves and tiny bugs. As we walked down the path, Mike and I were discussing how being a parent is often about balancing what you need with what your kids need to stay entertained and engaged without bothering others. It's a tricky act, but I hope our kids remember the spirit they felt in Palmyra.
I'm so grateful for Mike's spiritual leadership in our family. I really admire the way he teaches the boys with such sincerity and ease.
Some of the farmland and acreage the Smith family owned. I imagine it looked a lot then like it still does now. It was a fun historical connection to make.
This is our family in the Smith family home. The church has done a fantastic job at its restoration. My favorite thing about this picture is the smiles on everyone's face, and then look at James...the rolled eyes of a 4 year old. After a long day of sightseeing and lots of "being quiet" "being reverent" and "being respectful," I asked the kids with a happy smile, "So, did you enjoy that?" and James' response was..."Well, I kind of enjoyed it, but I kind of didn't. Actually, it wasn't very fun." Probably a fair critique from a 4 year old!
From the Smith family home, you can see the Palmyra temple. How exciting to have a temple where the church was restored!
These are photos of the priting shop where the first Book of Mormon was printed. I had no idea the great lengths it took and all the pieces that had to fall into place in order for the Book of Mormon to be published. What a great miracle! (Oh, and if you go to Palmyra you MUST get a calzone at NEMA's just down the street from the print shop. It looks like a hole, but it's incredible!!!)
This last picture is on the top of Hill Cumorah, where we believe Joseph Smith retrieved the plates. There is a gorgeous view from the top of the hill and it was exiting to be there. It was possibly my boys favorite spot since they got to roll down a gigantic hill and no one asked them to be quiet. All in all, it was a great vacation and we made it home 7 hours later exhausted and in one piece.
On Sunday we headed to Palmyra, New York which is rich with the history of our church. I was so excited to be there...it's a place I've been envisioning since I was a little girl and I was finally going to see it! What struck me, as we were driving there was how beautiful the area is. I understand why Joseph Smith's family decided to settle there. It truly is a gorgeous piece of our country.
After church, our first stop was the sacred grove, where we believe Joseph Smith saw God and Jesus Christ. As I wandered onto the path, a young boy, about 12, was playing "Joseph Smith's First Prayer" and I was overcome with the spirit. I felt so much gratitude for Joseph Smith and was amazed that at such a young age he was curious enough to ask, righteous enough to obey, and strong enough to withstand cruely beyond imagination. Stepping into that grove felt like a holy place.
I'm so grateful for Mike's spiritual leadership in our family. I really admire the way he teaches the boys with such sincerity and ease.
Some of the farmland and acreage the Smith family owned. I imagine it looked a lot then like it still does now. It was a fun historical connection to make.
This is our family in the Smith family home. The church has done a fantastic job at its restoration. My favorite thing about this picture is the smiles on everyone's face, and then look at James...the rolled eyes of a 4 year old. After a long day of sightseeing and lots of "being quiet" "being reverent" and "being respectful," I asked the kids with a happy smile, "So, did you enjoy that?" and James' response was..."Well, I kind of enjoyed it, but I kind of didn't. Actually, it wasn't very fun." Probably a fair critique from a 4 year old!
From the Smith family home, you can see the Palmyra temple. How exciting to have a temple where the church was restored!
These are photos of the priting shop where the first Book of Mormon was printed. I had no idea the great lengths it took and all the pieces that had to fall into place in order for the Book of Mormon to be published. What a great miracle! (Oh, and if you go to Palmyra you MUST get a calzone at NEMA's just down the street from the print shop. It looks like a hole, but it's incredible!!!)
Friday, June 3, 2011
Big Weekend!
To see the full post with pics, click here!
Mike was back for a short visit over Memorial Day weekend and it was HEAVEN. My boys have been good, I've been strong and feeling well, we've had caring and kind friends, and no major breakdowns, but nothing compares to having my amazing husband home. It was like a giant load of bricks lifted off my shoulders the minute he was back.
To make our time count with him, we sure did keep busy! Our first trip was to Niagara Falls, Canada...about a 5 hour drive from here and it was definitely a MUST SEE!
Mike was back for a short visit over Memorial Day weekend and it was HEAVEN. My boys have been good, I've been strong and feeling well, we've had caring and kind friends, and no major breakdowns, but nothing compares to having my amazing husband home. It was like a giant load of bricks lifted off my shoulders the minute he was back.
To make our time count with him, we sure did keep busy! Our first trip was to Niagara Falls, Canada...about a 5 hour drive from here and it was definitely a MUST SEE!
The falls were incredible. We put on these cute, blue ponchos were were extrememly grateful for and took a boat up to the falls.
This is Jace's face before we were completely soaked. He didn't liket that very much, but the rest of us thought it was an absolute blast!!!
Parker trying to shield himself from the monsoon the falls create as you get up close. It was crazy and breathtaking all at the same time!
Pretty incredible.
After we were off the boat and getting dry.
There were also gorgeous gardens to wander through and enjoy.
And a pretty cute family to hang with!
Fun statues on the street.
And, of course, the Hershey's store! My boys were in heaven!!!
How yummy does that look?
After some Midway games and a little more sightseeing, we stopped at Rainforest Cafe for dinner and the kids loved all the cool animals and thunderstorms.
To get them out of the tourist money trap...we lured them to our hotel in Rochester, NY for a little swimming. They were more than happy to go since it meant getting in the water.
The weather was amazing and our hotel was great, so aside from me feeling pretty sick during the day but pushing through it then loosing it all once we were at the hotel, it was the perfect day. Good news was that I felt better the next morning and I was still able to enjoy a great day with my boys!!!
Thursday, June 2, 2011
Preschool Grad
To see the full post, click here
The time has come for my baby to graduate preschool! The scariest thing is that I know in just another blink it will be high school and further. I kind of want to freeze time, just for a bit.
We have been so fortunate in our life to find amazing home preschools with execptional teachers who just love my kids and help them excel. We found it again with Miss Shana who was positively fantastic with James and worked hard to do extra things to keep him challenged. He loved being there and learned so much!
I'm so proud of him and all he knows...he's a great reader and loves books, loves having "spelling words" and catches on to math in a blink. He's completely ready for Pre-K next year. There are definately some advantages to having older brothers! It was a special day to celebrate with him!
The time has come for my baby to graduate preschool! The scariest thing is that I know in just another blink it will be high school and further. I kind of want to freeze time, just for a bit.
We have been so fortunate in our life to find amazing home preschools with execptional teachers who just love my kids and help them excel. We found it again with Miss Shana who was positively fantastic with James and worked hard to do extra things to keep him challenged. He loved being there and learned so much!
I'm so proud of him and all he knows...he's a great reader and loves books, loves having "spelling words" and catches on to math in a blink. He's completely ready for Pre-K next year. There are definately some advantages to having older brothers! It was a special day to celebrate with him!
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