ROCHESTER AND PALMYRA, NEW YORK

Sunday morning we changed our plans and decided to drive to Rochester early, instead of in the evening.  The drive from Pittsburgh to Rochester is at least 5 hours, so we arrived about 5:00 p.m.  We were staying with our niece, Whitney, her husband, Steve, and their adorable son, Jasper.  Steve is working on his Physical Therapy graduate degree at Nazareth College.  It is a beautiful campus just 2 miles from Steve and Whitney's 100 year old home.  We loved their home.  It was completely remodeled just before they bought it and it wonderful.  After visiting awhile, we drove to see Richie, Whitney's brother, and our nephew.  It is amazing that these two siblings ended up living in the same town clear across the country.  Richie is completing an orthopedic residency.  

One of the beautiful buildings on the Nazareth College campus.

Whitney and Veronica 

After visiting awhile, we drove to see Richie, Whitney's brother, and our nephew.  It is amazing that these two siblings ended up living in the same town clear across the country.  We know that Heavenly Father made this possible.  Richie is completing an orthopedic residency.  Richie and Julie have two darling little girls, Ruby and Frannie.  It was fun to see these two families in their homes in New York.  Ruby helped her mom make homemade Oreos and we all enjoyed them.  

Paisley and Ruby had fun together

Early the next morning, Laurel and  headed to the Palmyra Temple while Whitney and Jocelyn stayed with the children.  We were so happy that we could reserve a place in a session there.  The temple is small and requires that you bring your own clothes and make and appointment.  The temple is incredibly beautiful and serene.  The temple sits on a hill that overlooks the Sacred Grove.  There is a clear glass window inside of the foyer that allows you to view the Sacred Grove.  What a humbling and spiritual feeling occurs.  The temple workers were all visibly pleasant and happy serving.   

A view from the front of temple

Whitney, Jocelyn, Paisley and Jasper met us as we were finished.  We walked around the temple grounds and then headed to the town of Palmyra to eat lunch and visit the Grandin Building where the first Books of Mormon were printed.  

Whitney volunteered to entertain the kids so that we could go on the tour.

The books on the left behind Jocelyn are similar to the first ones printed.

The printing press

Sister Egan is explaining how the book was printed on two sides and then folded.  Jocelyn and Laurel made the intricate folds so that we each had a copy of the first 16 pages of the Book of Mormon the way it was originally printed.  The print shop tour gives me a small insight into the extreme patience and expert ability that was necessary for the Book of Mormon to be printed.  I was in awe at the delicate work a printer had to do for anything to be printed in those days.  This is a place you do not want to miss when visiting Palmyra.    I will never forget the spiritual feast we had on this special day.

Elder and Sister Lenker

As we arrived at the Joseph Smith home/Sacred Grove Visitor's Center, we spoke with a missionary.  He asked me if I had always lived in Utah.  I told him I had also lived in Denver, Colorado and Columbia, South Carolina.  He said, "I live in Blythewood."  I said, "You know the Fergusons and the Branhams." He smiled and said, "My oldest son is married to W. C.'s daughter."  I laughed, "Tami!" I knew immediately who he was then.  My tears started flowing as I talked about our dear friends from South Carolina and caught up on all the southern news.  What a small world it becomes in the church.  What a blessing to visit with Elder and Sister Lenker.

This is the path you walk to tour a replica of The Smith home.

I got the chills as our sister missionary told us these are the authentic bricks that Joseph Smith pulled up to hide the gold plates under when the mobs were hunting for the plates.

This is the original wall from the home.

The floor boards are the Smith family's, but the kitchen is a replica of the one they would have in the early 1800's.

Similar to the elder Smith's bedroom.

I should probably write a separate blog about the Sacred Grove.  It was truly one of the highlights of my life to walk the paths of the grove.  We were fortunate that the day was not crowded with tourists.  The only other people present with us were two missionary groundsmen.  The entire grove was peaceful.  We sang "How Lovely Was the Morning" as we walked.  I kept thinking that Joseph walked here and that God the Father and Jesus Christ appeared there.  I had already known that truth in my heart.  But the spirit shouted to me deep inside and  I KNEW once again it was true.  My testimony was strengthened by the spirit, witnessing these truths.  I treasure this spiritual experience that I was allowed to have in the Grove.   

It is difficult to see in the picture.  But there is an almost perfect circle of light in the middle of the trees.  I could almost think that it could be a Heavenly light.  

We left the Sacred Grove and drove to Hill Cumorah.  The picture below shows the open space looking down from the Hill Cumorah where they have the pageant each July.  Thousands of people attend the pageant and sit on the grass.  

This is the Hill Cumorah statue which sits at the top of the hill.

We had a long but amazing day with 97 degree weather and 90% humidity.  We were ready to go back to Whitney's home for a little cooling down.  

This is the funniest picture of Paisley, Jasper and puppy Cleopatra.  Look how they are all concentrating on something different.

We were going to meet Richie, Julie and the girls to eat a an old Firehouse that has been converted into a restaurant to celebrate Richie's birthday the next day.  Unfortunately, the Firehouse was closed on Mondays.  Fortunately, Cheesecake Factory wasn't too far away and we ended up eating there.  We ate outside and we were next to a grassy area so that Paisley and Ruby could play.  

Ruby posed adorably for this picture.  

Julie and baby, Frannie.  Look at the smile!

Frannie, Julie, Ruby, and Richie

Look at these 4 great-grandchildren of Bart and Ellen's.  

Whitney is such an amazing mother.

We all sang Happy Birthday to Richie

This little granddaughter makes me smile

The next morning came quickly and we knew we would be leaving Whitney.  Jasper is honestly one of the best babies ever.  I never did hear him cry or fuss.  He is happy and so smart.  

I couldn't believe that I didn't get a picture of the Whitney family---yes---Whitney's last name is Whitney.  I got this little gem just before Steve left for school.  Whitney has friends that she walks with a few times a week.  Sometimes they walk along the Eerie Canal.  So Whitney took us to the canal to feed the ducks.  Of course, Paisley was enthralled with the ducks and throwing in a duck food you could buy at a local store.  

This boat takes visitors on tours up and down the canal

Jasper was ready for his long walk after we said goodbye

I wanted to catch a picture of one of the many bridges that cross the canal.  Love my model in front.

Whitney was the best hostess and so welcoming and kind to us.

Paisley was tracking the MANY pigeons that were flying around

We were very sad to tell Whitney goodbye.  We had such a grand time in Rochester and Palmyra.  I am so thankful for this sweet niece and her family.  We were so glad to be able to visit both Richie and Whitney.   

We started the long drive home to Pittsburgh.  Paisley ended up sleeping in the car for awhile along with Laurel and Jocelyn while I drove.  We stopped at a rest stop to stretch our legs and let Paisley run around for a bit.  We played hide-and-seek and I couldn't resist taking these pictures of Paisley hiding behind trees.  

Jocelyn playing with Paisley at the rest stop.

We arrived home and spent most of the evening with Brady.  We took a walk to Laurel's friend's house and she wasn't there.  But her husband and son were there.  When we asked Paul if he wanted to go and play basketball with Brady and that we would babysit....zoom......

Jocelyn definitely knows how to take care of children....Andrew and Paisley are in the stroller.  Our trip was quickly coming to a close.