SUMMER CAMPOUT

Summer is not summer without a family Camp Out. So we packed up and drove to the Mississippi Palisades State Park. It was very different from Utah camping, as it was very green and there was grass everywhere instead of dirt. We had the best time. I love getting away.

Mike and the kids made a fire and we enjoyed roasting

hot dogs and marshmellows for Smores.

The Flying Hot Dog

Finally after hours of making the fire we get to eat.

Smores... Our favorite camping treat.

We love playing in the tent. Playing in the puppy door was their favorite part.

Jaden said his favorite part of the trip was Sleeping.

He never likes to sleep at home,

so we clarified that sleeping in the tent was his favorite part.

Yes, those are the roasting sticks they are twirling.
We had fun playing at the camp ground.

We took a great hike to the overlooks of the Mississippi river. It was beautiful. We even made it through all of the poison ivy with none of us getting any itches.

The Caves



Now this is the way to hike!

This way!

Under.......Over.........Jump

Jaden jumped over the logs as fast as he could,

because there were Bugs on the Logs.

M .I. S .S .I .S .S .I. P. P. I

RIVER

We ended the day going to Galena Illinois. This is the oldest town in Illinois. We visited the home of President Ulysses S. Grant and the downtown shopping area. There are streets of shops and resturaunts. The kids loved the fairytale store and the ice cream shop.

YUMMY!

LOOK AT ME!

Jill has an adventurous spirit. She will try anything. She just decided not to ride a bike with training wheels anymore and learned within 15 minutes. She is so fun to watch. She was telling all the neighbors and us. "LOOK AT ME!"

Birthday Time!

Happy Birthday

to the

Best Dad and Husband!

We Love You!

Ya, That's right I'm 35.

Can he do it at age 35? Go Dad!

The cake is falling apart due to no eggs in it and my lack of

real skill, but as you can see Tyler has no problem

with the crumbs.

It is oh so delicious!

NIAGRA FALLS

The Canadian Falls




The American Falls

We enjoyed hiking down to the bottom of the American Falls. We geared up in our garbage sacks and we were off on our adventure. Jaden did not like it because his spider man light up shoes where getting wet. It was amazing, such a beautiful sight.

Yea! Summer Fun!

What a great way to end our summer vacation to the East coast.

The Kirtland Temple

This is the first Temple the Pioneer Saints built.

The Newel K. Whitney Store





The school of the Prophets was above this store, where Joseph Smith received many revelations from God and Jesus Christ for our day. The spirit was very strong in the room of the school. It testified of truth. Even the children felt it; they were very quiet and attentive to the missionaries tour.

PALMYRA, NEW YORK

Our family had the chance to spend two days in Palmyra visiting the historical sites of our church; The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. The children loved seeing all of the places they learn about in our morning scripture study, and Family Home Evenings. I enjoyed having my belief in these teachings strengthened by visiting these sacred places. I am thankful for the pioneers who believed and endured persecution so that I might have the truth.

Joseph Smith Home

Room where the angel Moroni visited Joseph to tell him about the plates of ancient writings.

Original fireplace where Joseph Smith hide the plates from the mob.

The Sacred Grove

In the spring of 1820 Joseph Smith entered this grove to pray to know what church to join. In Answer to his prayer he was visited by God the Father, and Jesus Christ his Son and given an answer to his prayer.

As our family walked through the grove I felt the spirit of God and I continue to know that these events took place. I know God will lead us to truth, and He answers my prayers.
We also played the quiet game with the kids and sang some primary songs to help them to feel the spirit and come to their own knowledge that this took place and is true.

The Hill Cumorah

The site where Joseph visited with the angel Moroni to receive the golden plates for translation. Today these words are found in the Book of Mormon.

The Old Grandin Building

Print shop where the Book of Mormon was published.

Peter Whitmer Farm

Home where The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints was orgainzed on April 6, 1830.

I am so grateful to be a member of this Church and how the teachings of the Savior help me in my life.