Spring Breakin' 2011 (Part 4)

Day 2 of our New York trip was very eventful.  We left Rochester and drove a half hour west to Palmyra, NY to see all the church sights and give our children a chance to see where it all began.  Our first stop was Hill Cumorah.  We drove up to the top of the hill and took the short walk to the monument at the top.  Since it was so cold outside we didn't spend too much time running around but the kids were just greatful to get out of the car.  Afterwards we went to the vistor center and were guided on a tour and learned more about this sacred place.  From here we went to downtown Palmyra to the Grandin Print Shop.

This picture here is pretty amazing.  While we were in the visitors center, the sweet elderly sister missionary brought us over to the fabulous photographs that were taken from the Hubble Telescope.  She brought us over to this particular one and said, "Now if you are looking at this photo, you're probably thinking that it looks like a bunch of stars.  But it's not.  It's actually different galaxies."  Amazing.  I got chills as she told us. 

It was so amazing to go see all these wonderful sights that helped bring the gospel to pass.  All the wonderful people who contributed their time and talents to help.  Here is where Martin Harris' home was, as well as part of his farming land.  He sold a good portion to help the publishing of the Book of Mormon.

Here is the Grandin Print Shop in downtown Palmyra.  What a neat tour.  I would highly recommend going.

Here is the home where Joseph Smith grew up.  It's amazing how many people they fit into this cute little home.  I can admire that!

Here is a view of the Palmyra temple from the Smith home.  I love how the trees scoop down so you can see the temple clearly. 

Here is the 2nd home of the Smiths. 

Here are the girls in the Sacred Grove.  What a neat experience to be able to walk through the grove and talk to the girls about what a sacred place this is (Charlie was zonked out in the stroller).  It was neat to hear how the girls girls felt about the experience and to hear their little testimonies.

Here is Peter Whitmer Sr. log house.  This is a replica that was built to show where The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints was organized on April 6, 1830.

It was pretty chilly while we were in New York for those 2 days (it was the middle of March).  Each night we would come back to our hotel, turn the fireplace on, take a hot bath, order some food and watch a movie together.  It was so much fun.  I love, love, love family vacations!!!