Vermont, Upstate New York - DONE!!

Sunday, June 6

Sharon, Vermont

We kind of drove out of our way to go to Joseph Smith's Birthplace..

It was worth the drive!!

The road to turn on..

At the Visitor's Center..

I'll warn you right now.. These missionaries in the East like to put you on the spot..

Unfortunately, we have one of those easily remembered Mormon last names, 

and they liked to call on us A LOT..

Here in Vermont, especially Chelsea.. They had her reading quotes and defining Apostasy, 

to name a few..

They also asked Savannah to tell the story of Joseph Smith's leg infection..

Now, my kids are like me, and don't so much like being randomly called on - if we have something to say, we'll raise our hand and say it!

Otherwise, we don't love being called on..

They did a great job in their assignments!!

(as we were heading to Palmyra, they started asking questions on what they might be asked.. I think they were nervous and wanting to be ready for more questions)

A rocking chair built by Joseph Smith..

The monument..

Have I mentioned that Adeline has turned into quite the poser?

The doorstep in its exact place where the cabin would have been..

The area where the Smith cabin was..

I can't remember what that plaque says..

It was an absolutely beautiful drive -

and we passed signs saying "Moose Crossing" and "Bear Crossing"

I was extremely disappointed to see neither..

After Sharon, it was a 6 hour drive to Palmyra..

We bought the "Shrek the Musical" soundtrack and listened to it over and over..

As it got late, somehow Chelsea started using Adi's baby to dance to each of the songs..

Apparently, this was HILARIOUS!!

Really, this went on for at least a half an hour, and Adi laughed SO HARD the WHOLE TIME!!

{thanks Chelsea, for being so darn entertaining!!!}

____________________________________________________

Monday, June 8

Palmyra, New York

This is us after hiking to the top of Hill Cumorah..

It was quite a hike!!

They had a road to drive up, but thought, "its not that far!"

Lets just say, its very steep and we were tired!

The view from the top

The Angel Moroni Monument at the top!!

Heading back down, this time on the back side..

The girlies frolicking at the base of the Hill

The Smith Family Cabin

A re-creation of how it would have looked - on the actual site

As you walk between the log cabin and the frame home you pass the Palmyra Temple peeking through the trees.. it overlooks the Sacred Grove

This is the Smith's frame home, just down the road..

It is the actual home, and much of it is original - 

The Sacred Grove

I had no idea how HUGE the Sacred Grove is..

Of course, they don't know actually where it occurred, and there are MANY paths to take and explore - I truly loved this place!! It was so peaceful, and we pretty much had the whole grove to ourselves.. 

WONDERFUL

Fayette, New York

This is the actual room where the Church was organized..

The Whitmer Cabin

We had a wonderful missionary here.. 

It was just our family, and he was just darling, I want him to be another grandpa!!

Back in Palmyra..

The 4 churches on each corner..

{Lo here! Lo there!}

Martin Harris' Home

They don't do tours here.. In fact, someone lives here, but it has a parking lot and the 2 large plaques in the front yard..

{I have always had a soft spot for this man, he made some big mistakes, had a very unsupportive wife, and look at the huge help he was to the early church..}

Tuesday, June 9

Palmyra Temple

This is the view from the temple over the Sacred Grove

::sigh:: Davy mauling me in front of the Temple

Niagra Falls (the US side)

I have to say, beautiful, but very freaky..

Lots of water, lots of height, lots of power

Wow! Is that it?

Well, mostly.. I do have some loose ends to pick up..

but that's it!!

Yay me!!