Ward Campout

Mr. H really wanted to take C on the ward campout this year.

I was really scared it was going to be FREEZING and miserable with a two month baby, so we decided to just send the two boys up.

It was in Sharon, VT, which is the birthplace of Joseph Smith.

They had a great time!  The first night it was really really cold, but it got more fun the next day.

Oh my little boy and his funny crooked smile. :)

SO EXCITED to roast marshmallows like Georgie! (Curious George)

Throwing rocks in the pond, every little boy's dream. :)

Moving part 2

The second part of our trip was probably deemed a little more 'exciting' in that we got to stop at a bunch of different places.

After South Bend, we arrived in Kirtland, OH for some lunch and then to see the sites.

We had a great tour by some sister missionaries of historic Kirtland.  It was really beautiful.

We then headed down to the Kirtland temple, run by the RLDS church.  It was really cool to see the pioneer temple.

We made it to Niagra Falls that night.  We were able to see the falls all lit up, and we were pretty impressed.  It was fun to check something off my bucket list.  We had another late dinner here at a really good Italian restaurant called "michael's."

The next morning we made it to Palmyra, NY.  We ran up the Hill Cumorah and enjoyed taking pictures of the hill.  We got to the Smith farm and enjoyed an awesome tour of the farm.  (I thought it was awesome...the rest of my party thought that maybe knowing the origin of all the wood slats was a bit overkill. :) )  We ended in the sacred grove, which was beautiful as always.  We ate the best pizza I have ever had in town, and then continued on our way.

Mr. H's happy face during the tour...

These two found some frogs in the bushes...such cute boys. 

We arrived in gorgeous Massachusetts that night, and made it to our apartment safely.  We set up the beds and crashed.

Overall this trip was a blast.  It was so fun having my dad and O come with us.  We had so many great conversations, and C loved playing with them.  I loved seeing so much of the country.  It was a perfect way to start out a new adventure.  

The Grand Move Part 1

We got out the door on Friday, and started our trek eastward! :)  

I loved driving in Wyoming- it was really beautiful.  My dad was the perfect travel companion for this leg, and we listened to John Denver as we watched the sun set on this gorgeous plains.

We ate dinner at 'Su Casa' in Rawlins, which was really good.  (Thanks J!)

That night we slept in Laramie, which reminded me of my best friend K and her infamous Laramie River Ranch. :)  

Saturday we got going and made a stop in North Platte, and then ending up that night in Omaha.  Mr. H and I had a fun stretch in the truck on that day, and we sang his old band's cd mix to our hearts content together.  Nebraska was also really pretty, but it was crazy how much greener it got as soon as we got near to Omaha.

We headed up to Winter's Quarters, and saw the temple as well as some historical Mormon Pioneer sites.  It was cool to see a spot that I had heard talked about so much in person.  

We ate a super late dinner that night...I think it was around 9:30.... Poor C wolfed it down.  The waitress commented that I had such a good eater on my hands, but I kind of think the time was the biggest factor. :)

The next morning we drove about an hour up the road and made it to a small branch in Atlantic, Iowa.  The church was beautiful, and was surrounded by gorgeous corn fields.  It was a good experience to go to a branch that was so small and see the faith of the great members there!  We made it to South Bend that night, and although we dd not see Touch Down Jesus, we were pleasantly surprised at how nice our 2 star hotel was and had a great night.  

Oh, we crossed the Mississippi River.  It was pretty awesome, and sweet Mr. H called to tell me I was the prettiest girl this side of the Mississippi. :)