Palmyra

Jason and I had been to Palmyra, NY to see the church history sites before, but our kids had never had the opportunity.  We decided to take advantage of living so close and take them before we move. The Hill Cumorah was the first stop.

 On the way back down.

 The Hill Cumorah, where Joseph Smith received the gold plates.

 This was the printing press where the first 5000 copies of the Book of Mormon were miraculously published.   Melissa and Rachel got to learn how to fold the first 16 pages as they appeared when first published.

The view of the Sacred Grove from the Palmyra Temple.

This is what's left of the fence on the eastern border of the Smith farm.  It's on the grounds of he Palmyra temple.

 In the Sacred Grove, my favorite place in the world. 

Emily was so done with the 90 degree, 90% humid day.

The view of the entrance to the Sacred Grove from the Smith family home replica.

For more information about the church, visit mormon.org.

Graduation, Again

Jason graduated--again.  I think this was his 8th, but by far the best one.  Short and simple.  I would say it's his last, but he still entertains the idea of MFM (high risk pregnancy) in his future, so we'll see.  He's a real doctor now!!  This is him with the other two from his graduating year of OB/GYN residents. 

Melissa says that friends at her school told her that doctors are rich.  She asked me if we aren't rich because we have so many kids.  Then when her dad graduated, she asked if we are going to be rich now.  If only it was that simple!!  We are truly rich with blessings, though, and will always be grateful for that. 

I can't communicate how glad we are to have all of this schooling and training behind us.  This has been a LONG, hard road and I couldn't be more proud of my incredible, hard-working husband for what he has accomplished.  Congratulations, Jason!!

Rachel's 9th Birthday

Rachel had a great birthday.  We went to the park and played, then came home for her favorite pizza dinner and some fun presents.

 She decided on the oreo cake again this year.  I tried a different filling this time and it was wonderful!  Happy birthday, Rachel!