Niagra and Cooperstown

While we were in Palmyra we found out that Niagra Falls was only an hour and a half's drive away. We knew that would make for a long drive later in the day because we had to go 3 hours in the opposite direction to get to Cooperstown, but how often will we be an hour and a half away from Niagra. We decided to go and we are glad that we did. It was fun.

On the train.

We went on the Cave of Wind tour where you get to walk right to the falls and get soaked. The yellow poncho's don't really help but it was so hot that it actually felt great.

At horse shoe falls.

Horse Shoe Falls again. This is the one I remember seeing as a child.

After the Hurricane Deck.

Later in the day we made the drive to Cooperstown. It wasn't too bad because Nate and Mikaela slept most of the time, but we didn't get to the dreams park where we were supposed to check Nate into the dorm where he would be spending the week with his team mates. It turns out that we just avoided several hours of waiting in long lines so I was okay with it. The place that the rest of us stayed was a little modular home that we shared with two other couples (Melissa Argyle and her son Colin and the Hales). It was a great price for the week and the kids LOVED the little pond with the paddle boat. Nate was there as much as he could sneak out. Mikaela probably caught a hundred fish. She and Colin spent most of their time fishing and would catch one each time they threw their line in. Nate loved catching the frogs. There were also five rabbits that roamed the property. The kids had a great time. Nate's team won 6 out of their 7 games. They did really well and had a lot of fun playing at the dreams park.

Nate and his friend Beano (Braiden).

On the pond.

The opening ceremony was canceled due to heavy rain. This was, of course, after we had sat in it for quite awhile.

After one of the games, the boys just hanging out.

Outside the Baseball Hall of Fame. Mikaela wasn't a fan. I wouldn't feel too bad if I missed it next time. If there ever is a next time....shh don't tell Justin. He loved it.

Walking into the dreams park for the opening ceremony.

I didn't get a picture of the downtown area of Cooperstown, but Justin described it as Disneyland for baseball fans. Overall a great trip.

Palmyra

We just returned from a trip to Cooperstown, NY where Nate participated in a baseball tournament. We flew into Syracuse and then drove into Palmyra. We stayed in the Palmyra Inn which is right by the temple, sacred grove, and Joseph Smith home. Most of the kids were home with Grandma, but Nate and Mikaela were with us and I was really looking forward to taking them to these places because I still remember going there when I was young and the impact it had on my testimony. We drove to Palmyra Thursday night and then woke early to walk through the grove. Nate was a bit grumpy because...
He didn't exactly end up with the haircut he had in mind. I think that he was wanting a faux-hawk which is what several of his team-mates were sporting for the tournament. He told the lady mohawk however and he got one. Justin and I were busy renting a car (Justin) and watching the luggage (me) and so when I walked in and saw this, I wanted to throw up at first. I then decided that wouldn't help anyone and that it was only hair and that hair grows back and all that good stuff we tell ourselves. Nate wanted to cry I think. Anyway, it didn't exactly put him in the right frame of mind for the Sacred Grove.
By the time we got to the Joseph Smith house however, he was doing better. I think that by that time the spirit was able to get to him and he wasn't so worried about it anymore. He gave an audible sigh of relief however, when 11 days later we were able to cut off the mohawk and he was left with a summer buzz cut.

To get back to Palmyra. Here are a few pictures of the great things we saw. I think my favorite place was in the upstairs bedroom of the Smith log house where the angel Moroni appeared to Joseph. Well, the spirit in the Sacred Grove really can't be beat actually. I was amazed at the feelings that place can bring to the surface. It truly is a sacred place.Sacred Grove

Nate looking so happy.

A little bit of a smile creeping out.

Upstairs bedroom of Smith log home.

Lucy's big kitchen in the frame home.

Grandma Lunds Birthday

Grandma Lund just had another birthday. On the day that they had her party, I was home sick with shingles, so I wasn't even there. Justin took some pictures though, so I thought I would post them.

Kate snuggling with Grandma Lund.

Ella and Kate with Grandpa Lund. Kate just snuggled up to Grandpa, not usual for her.

Guy and Judy working hard in the kitchen. I do know the food was good cause Justin brought me a plate home.

Grandpa Lund

Mikaela and Nate LOVE this four wheeler!

Uncle Big Dog (I can't get myself to spell it Dawg. Sorry) aka Clay.

Kate 2nd Birthday

Kate just turned two! Her birthday is on June 4th. I was gone to girls camp until noon on her actual birthday so we decided to have her party on Monday the 7th. She received a little swimming pool for her present so we decided to have a swimming party. She had a lot of little friends there and I think they all had a good time. Although toward the end she had a bad diaper and we had to empty the pool so in the pictures her pool is upside down.

Kate showing me her new baby doll that Laurie gave her.

Emily

Jacelynn

Logan LOVED this camera that Ryan and Jen gave Kate. He kept "taking" everyone's pictures.

Logan taking Kate's picture.

Alexa

Gracie and Ama.

Faith or "Faify" as Kate calls her.

Kate modeling the darling hat that Leslie made her for her birthday.

Hershey Track Meet

Every spring Spanish Fork holds Hershey Track Meets for the third through the sixth grades. This year was Alexa's first and Nathan's last. Unfortunately, I only had the camera for Nates. At least I captured his last.

Nate and his buddies.

Ella running in the lollipop race. This is a race for all the preschool children. She LOVES this race and was thrilled that she was able to run it three times this year.

Kate "running" the lollipop race :). They had to hold up the next race to wait for her.

Nate running his 100 meter.

Next year Nate moves up to the Jr. High. A little scary for me. He has good friends so I am sure he will be fine. Love that boy!