Day Two In New York City

Day 16
Lady Liberty—Ellis Island—Ground Zero

We thought we’d get an earlier start this morning but found ourselves leaving the hotel closer to 9:30 again—I tell the boys school is starting again in just a few weeks and Jacob has early morning seminary this year—they may both have a hard adjustment with early mornings classes. Anyway, we stood in long lines again as we waited to get on the ferry to Liberty and Ellis Island. At least the lines were fast today and the day was beautiful—not to hot and with a slight breeze—nice because NYC doesn’t always smell great. The Liberty Lady is glorious and I felt proud to know she stands for all the freedoms we have here. Ellis Island processed 12 million emigrants and so has quite a history. Both the Cole’s on my mother’s side and the Bergloff’s on my father’s side probably spent some time on Ellis Island. It was interesting to hear stories from so long ago that had such hope and promise. I left the dock with a lingering good feeling , glad that we had made the time to visit both islands. It was just a short 10 minute walk to ground zero. The actual site has a chain link fence with green plastic tarps blocking almost any view at all. There’s new construction going on although it’s still the early stages. I was amazed to see how close the towers had been to so many other large buildings—that were just across the street and yet there wasn’t more more catastrophic damage. We were fortunate to walk down Liberty Street to find the WTC Memorial Museum—It was a solemn reminder of a very dark day for our country. I remember well the morning of 9/11—Lacey called early that morning to tell us to turn on the TV. I remember watching the unbelievable happen right before my eyes and knowing that the world would be forever changed. Today, as I looked at the wall that had the list of names of those that died I wondered—if it happened once—can it happen again? --sadly I think it can. Isaac seemed moved by the quotes from survivors and both boys seemed taken by the bits of plane and torn building that were on display. I hope this is something they both remember for a long, long time. On a more positive note we have all been pleasantly surprised to find New Yorkers, polite , helpful and happy to share their city sights with visiting outsiders. Tomorrow is our last day in New York and then we’re off to DC.

A Day In the City--New York City That Is

Day 15
New York City
Because our hotel is in New Jersey, we took the train into Penn Station and Madison Square Garden. It was just a short walk to the Empire State Building—but a very long line to first buy a ticket and then an even longer line to get into an elevator to ride to the 86 floor. It was a beautiful day in spite of what looks like smog in the picture. They said visibility was 5 miles. We could see the Statue of Liberty on Ellis Island—but she looked very small in comparison to all the sky scrapers. From the Empire State Building we took the subway to China town. I have very fond memories of visiting China town in SF so I was disappointed to find China town in New York—crowded and dirty with lots of only junk stores. I am glad we came but don’t think I’d ever need to visit again. We got back on the subway and stopped on 34th street to visit the biggest Macy’s store ever. I understand it is the biggest department store in the world. We had a late lunch and I wondered what it would be like to be here for the Macy’s parade—too crowded I am sure. A 10 minute train ride back to New Jersey and we’ll regroup for tomorrow—my feet were killing me--we’ll visit ground zero and then catch the ferry to Ellis Island and the Liberty Lady. It was a good day with a bonus because we didn’t get lost once and didn’t lose each other either. Shopping isn’t nearly as fun with 3 boys but it’s been a very positive experience for all of us to share this time together. This is such a beautiful land we live in—I will never be ungrateful again for what we have—it is bar none simply the BEST.

The Hill Cumorah--A Lasting Image

Day 14
300 miles
As we left Palmyra this morning we made a visit to the Hill Cumorah. It was a beautiful morning and you could hear the birds and the view from the top of the hill was breathtaking. We had driven up the hill to the Angel Moroni Monument— the one picture I had of all of us and the monument –taken by another visitor wasn’t focused—so sorry. The boys walked down the hill on a trail and we picked them up at the bottom. I was glad we stopped –it was such a nice image to leave Palmyra with—I was surprised at how far it was from the Smith home—probably 5 miles and I know they call it a hill—but it’s a very big, steep hill. Then we headed through New York and Pennsylvania and into New Jersey—listening to Harry Potter and being wowed by the beautiful landscape. Miles of green rolling hills—forested and meadow. We saw farms with red barns flanked by silos and still more green. We saw several steeples peaking out above tree tops—all picture perfect—again who would have guessed New York would be so beautiful?

More Pics Of Palmyra

In the sacred grove
The Smith Home 85% original
Room where Moroni visited Joseph Smith

Palmyra--Where The Story Begins

Day 13—100 miles
We left Canada this morning and then waited at least an hour to make it across the bridge through US border agents. I am glad I brought our passports although the agent still had me turn off the car and please remove your sunglasses—go figure. We listened to Harry Potter and are now about half way through the 3rd book. We got to Palmyra about 2:00 checked into our room and then drove the short distance to the Palmyra Temple—it reminds me of the Louisville Temple— it’s about the same size and there are lots of very green rolling hills with very dense forest areas. We were able to take the tour of the Smith log house and also the other home the Smith family built—just up the road from the log house. For a house built in 1820’s Lucy Smith had an awesome house—I was vey impressed with the soapstone wet sink she had in her kitchen—it even drained to the outside. From there we walked through the sacred grove about ¾ of a mile through very dense green underbrush and trees. The pictures of Joseph in the grove you’ve seen come alive walking through the grove. It was very peaceful—I think my testimony has grown in ways I can’t even put into words—What I’ve seen and just as importantly felt has changed some abstract concepts into very real defined thoughts and images. Nauvoo and Kirtland tell the story of what all started here in Palmyra. From the spit rail fence in front of the Smith log house you can see the Palmyra Temple—I wonder what Joseph would feel seeing that view now. Tomorrow we head for New York City and will stop on the way to visit the hill Cumorah
This hotel in Palmyra is very family friendly—we played ping pong and air hockey after dinner—Ernie can barely beat me at ping pong and I can beat him back at air hockey—the boys are both terrible at ping pong—it must be a learned talent. Signing off :)

Niagara--Can You Feel The Mist?

Friday Day 12
Niagara Falls-Canada
We woke up this morning to rain. The boys went to the Ripley’s Believe It or Not Museum—Jacob has a collection of the Ripley’s Believe It or Not Books—it must be a boy thing. The rain stopped and blue skies came out behind the clouds—all the flowerbeds are beautiful and manicured. It was a short walk to the Maid of the Mist boat dock and a few minutes later—sporting thin blue plastic rain parkas we loaded on the boat with about 200 other blue plastic rain parkas and headed off the short distance to the falls. The boys had decided they wanted to ride on the top level of our floating shower. I had no idea they were so massive—amazing again. A half hour later we were back at the dock— wet in spite of the parkas. The boys left to go to the wax museum—Ernie and I walked back to our hotel and grab a few postcards—me looking like I was having a bad hair day. I put a load in the coin laundry and returned to our room with a fire going in the fireplace. I could do this another day or two but tomorrow we off to Palmyra, New York. I am loving the camera Ernie bought me just before we launched. I still don’t know half the tricks it can do—I am hoping to become more skilled as time goes on.

Kirtland, Ohio--An Unexpected Pleasure!

Day 11
190 miles

Our drive today started in Kirtland, Ohio. I wasn't sure of what there would be there for us to see--so we were pleasantly surprised to find Kirtland beautiful, with green rolling hills--Kirtland itself was charming with hanging baskets overflowing with flowers, wide streets lined with large trees and character homes. We started with a visit to the Kirtland Temple. The early saints living in Kirtland were wonderful, faithful people devoted to their God and their living Prophet.
It's reflected in what they left for us to see today. The Church has dedicated some of the original buildings and offer tours to share with us some of the past that lingers on. Most of the D&C revelations were received in Kirtland, the Church took some giant steps with organization there, they built a temple there--some of the technology they used with AMAZING. We left Kirtland about 1:00 for a drive through Pennsylvania, into New York, and crossed the bridge into Ontario, Canada. We could see the falls on the drive to our Hotel. WOW--we walked down to see them lighted once it got dark and tomorrow will take the boat tour that allows you to get closer to them--I think that means you get wet! The town Niagra Falls, Canada is a busy tourist town with crowds of people. They upgraded our room again, the boys are swimming again and I am still smiling.

Illinois, Indiana and Ohio

Day 10
450 miles

We left Champaign, Ill. this morning and crossed into Indiana--lots of corn--I wonder what they do with all the corn we've seen. It seems there should be enough to run your car and wipe out all world hunger! We stopped for fuel--diesel that is--it will be awhile for Ernie to live down his plunder. Ohio is pretty--lots of rolling hills. It rained some today and we ran into quite a bit of highway road work. Spirits are high though-Isaac as told me several times how glad he is that we're on this trip. The boys are swimming again and Ernie is watching Fox News--no surprise there. We visit the Kirtland Temple tomorrow and then drive to Niagara Falls. We're staying the next two nights at the Marriott. I didn't realize until now that it's the Marriott in Canada--good thing I brought our passports.

The Grove of Monuments to Women-Beautiful!

Riding Through Nauvoo Cowboy Style

Joseph Smith Grave--Nauvoo

Day 8 and 9
Nauvoo to Champaign, ILL—220 miles
We spent Monday exploring the sights of Nauvoo—it began at the Visitors Center and a horse drawn wagon ride and ended Monday evening with a walk down the Trail of Hope. It was a “do over” day—I loved being there, walking the streets and feeling the powerful spirit that can be felt from a city that holds such a rich history. Ernie said he felt sad—at the way fate unfolded and the early saints bore such trials and hardships. They also claimed their faith and bore such a powerful testimony of courage—it’s amazing that they accomplished all they did. I hope I think twice or three times the next time I start to whine. Tuesday Ernie and I were able to attend a temple session—Wow. It was such a treat to see and share in what those early Saints also loved and sacrificed so much for. We left Nauvoo about 1:00 driving to Champaign, Ill—about 3 ½ hours. The drive was uneventful—we had plenty of fuel and didn’t need to fill up. Our hotel upgraded our room to a king and it has a big jetted tub—the boys are swimming, they serve warm cookies, and I have laundry in the coin machine—life is good.
Tomorrow we’re off to Kirtland, Ohio

Jacob in the upper room in jail at Carthage

Isaac outside jail window--Carthage

A dream come true--A Visit To Nauvoo

Day7
Sunday in Nauvoo

We went to church at a local chapel here in Nauvoo--us and 600 other members. The grounds all around Nauvoo's church sites are BREATHTAKING! I want my house to someday have beautiful flower beds! We also drove to Carthage Jail-it was pretty crowded--I think that all 600 members followed us from church. Visiting the jail and walking the grounds was a very moving and almost reverent experience. Being there put a very clear picture in my mind of what it was like for Joseph and I can only imagine the heart ache Emma felt--she was pregnant too! We drove along the Mississippi River--can you even try to imagine crossing that river in the dead of winter? Nauvoo puts on a temple pageant--but only Tuesday nights through Saturday. With our gas mishap we missed it--however on 2 Sunday nights in July they perform a Sunday Sociable--an awesome show that was not only entertaining but pretty professional too. We were lucky to get seats in the first 2 rows near the piano and so could see this very talented guy on the piano--WOW-- and see all the cast members.
Tomorrow we'll visit the sights here in Nauvoo and maybe visit the temple or venture off to Hauns Mill. I have felt on the edge of a very tender emotion I can't quite describe because I can't stop smiling either. I think this will be a high light of our road trip. I am so glad to be here with some of my favorite people.

Iowa--Everything We Wanted It To Be & More

Day6
498 miles plus 4 hour delay
We left Sioux Falls and stopped about an hour outside of Nauvoo for an Isaac break and to fill up the truck. Ernie was not thinking clearly and accidently filled our diesel truck up with gasoline—not good. We hadn’t started the engine but still had to have the truck that is now full with contaminated fuel pumped out and then refueled with diesel. To make a long story shorter than the 4 hours we waited, first to try and get AAA to arrange a tow and then to have the mechanic pump out the gas—good grief. I am absolutely positive that Ernie will never make that mistake again. The up side of the story is that people with the exception of the AAA agent that seemed to be even more confused than Ernie had been—were all so nice and helpful. We found a local guy to tow us to the mechanics house—remember its now about 6:00 on a Saturday night—who pumped out the bad stuff and changed out the fuel pump filters and sent us off with 10 gallons of the good stuff. We missed the Pageant in Nauvoo but saw some really beautiful landscape and learned all about soy beans—the mechanic's house was in the middle of 109 acres of the beans and I saw fireflies for the first time. The boys caught them to watch them up close and then let them go. A day to remember –it could have much much worse—like we could have driven the car without realizing the mistake. We arrived in Nauvoo around midnight-grateful for arriving safe, sound and tired. I am tired but still smiling.

Mitchell Corn Palace

Day 5
355 miles

We left Keystone this morning and drove east on interstate 90 through miles and miles of corn fields dotted with silos. It's no wonder that we stopped at the corn palace in Mitchell. The palace has been around since 1931 and is redecorated each year. You can't tell from the picture but the whole building is completely covered in corn and straw and seeds. The inside had huge murals also done completely in corn cobs--welcome to South Dakota. It was a little corny but pretty amazing too. There are lots of RV's, and even more bikers on the road. South Dakota is beautiful--who would know. It was much, much prettier than driving up the 5 between LA and the Bay Area--a nice surprise. We're almost through the first book of Harry Potter. The boys have spread out in the back--life is good for them--I keep reminding them. The people we've met have all been nice, helpful and polite--another nice surprise--kinda the way you have always thought people should be. We leave for Nauvoo tomorrow.

Mt. Rushmore and the boys on the tram

Mount Rushmore, South Dakota

Day 4
We'll spend 2 nights in Keystone, South Dakota. It's a small tourist town at the base of Mt. Rushmore. The Memorial was AMAZING! Ernie said being here and seeing it, is like seeing a donut vs. smelling and eating a donut. I hope the boys remember even half of what they've seen and heard. Later the boys took a ride on a tram up a mountain and rode a sled on a slide down it--kinda like a huge water slide without the water. Tomorrow morning we leave for Sioux Falls. I am still smiling.

Yellowstone and Wyoming

Day 2 and 3
533 miles
Yellowstone Park was amazing-some bison, moose, eagles and their nest--no bears, but lots of traffic. It rained some of the day, but most of the day was beautiful. We drove through Wyoming with miles of wide open space-- there are less than 500,000 people in the whole state. The drive was beautiful. Wyoming in a nutshell--tepees, windy, we crossed the Great Divide, Buffalo Bill's Erma Hotel, the early Mormon settlement mural-wow, firework factory outlet--Jacob could have spent the whole day there. He settled for 30 minutes and left with a stash. The hotel upgraded our room, so not only was it clean, but new everything. The boys swam in the pool and went to sleep talking about a great day.

We're Off

Day 1 --411 miles
With just a slight delay we left loaded and smiling in this big, bad boy. We drove through Idaho Falls and stopped to see the Idaho Falls Temple. It sits right on the Snake River where there are some natural falls--Wow! My Mom and Dad were married in this temple. Next we drove through Rexburg and around the BYU Idaho campus and were able to see the almost finished Rexburg Temple. We drove into West Yellowstone about 5:00 and were able to see the IMAX movie on Yellowstone. Tomorrow we drive through the park and will land in Cody, WY. I am still smiling.

Fireworks Anyone?

Jacob turned 14 on July 4th. He also starts high school this fall, recently got a cell phone, is a hair away from being an eagle scout and I am pretty sure his next trick might be learning to drive a car on the street. He spent his birthday in Newport Beach with his Aunt Brandy, Uncle Arnold and some favorite cousins. When Jacob was little he used to think everybody was celebrating his birthday because of all the fireworks. He was 8 when he finally “got” that he shares his birthday with our country—he still loves fireworks—any kind, any time of year. This is a big year for Jacob but the real celebration happened today when Jacob was ordained a teacher by his Dad, Ernie. I told him how proud I was of him for choices he is making and for the example he is setting for Isaac and for his nephews—fireworks anyone?

Almost Ready

I have always had a dream of a cross country road trip. A trip where you start with a plan and some destination points and then you add lots of adventure and spontaneity—a little by the seat of your pants and lots of flexibility. Last year Ernie suggested that we make that dream come true for me. Hours on the computer with navigating programs and with a stack of travel books we are ready to launch. We leave our home in Eagle, Idaho on Monday, July 16th and travel a not so straight line to explore and see our country. We’ll be in New York through the first of August before we visit Washington DC and start our journey home. Five weeks on the road with Jacob and Isaac may not sound all fun, but I have to say, I am so excited I can hardly wait—like the excited I felt when we got Jacob and Isaac up at 5:00 in the morning one Friday and told them we had to drive from San Diego to Los Angeles to sign papers on our house before we moved to Eagle and instead we took them to Disneyland for 2 days with cousins and Lacey and Ryan came too. The look of surprise and wonder was my favorite part of the whole weekend. I am excited to see Yellowstone Park, Mt Rushmore, Nauvoo, Niagara Falls, Amish country, the Atlantic Ocean, and the Statue of Liberty. I am just as excited to see Jacob and Isaac experience this country that we have been so blessed to live in. We’ve added a few stops along the way home to visit with Lacey and Ryan and then to be able to share in the blessing of our newest little Izabelle in Colorado before our last leg home. Oh, the stories we’ll be able to tell –I suspect to never be quite the same—dreams really do come true.

Over the river and through the woods . .

Most of the family remembers my parents home in the Bay Area of California as Grandma’s house. They moved to Nampa, Idaho almost 8 years ago. They love their home --
I love these pictures of my Mom. I look through the lens of the camera and see my Mom and some of what she loves most—her garden. She spends long summer mornings before it gets too hot tending to her garden. –weeding, transplanting, watering, talking to her bany chicks that wander through her flowers looking for shade, a worm or maybe a piece of bread she throws to them. My Dad also has a love of his own—his shop, home to his art studio, his cat, and lots of misc. stuff. –including a bedroom with a bath—there’s always enough room for a visit at grandma’s house.

Lifetime memories with cousins at Camp

This is our Isaac and his cousin Brit from California, at a camp near Fresno. They've been at camp for 2 weeks. Next year I told them they had to come to Idaho for Camp Diane. I wonder how that will go over? I remember sweet memories from my own childhood of family get togethers with Grandparents, favorite Aunts and Uncles and all those cousins. We made memories camping, at the beach, in the snow, at the lake--a lifetime strung together with happy moments. Can you ever have enough cousins?

We've Arrived

In the fall of 2005, after almost 6 years in San Diego we sold our home and moved to make our new home Eagle, Idaho. True to form we bought another fixer up—will we ever learn--. I tell Ernie I am too old and so is he to ever “do “another house. Ernie came out of retirement to head the demolition crews and to help keep all the construction crews on task. Diane began the long process again of designing and furnishing their home—long hours with paint samples, tile and carpet samples and too many lighting catalogs to count all in addition to lots of shopping—Diane’s true talent and calling in life according to Ernie. Both Jacob and Isaac enrolled at Eagle Middle School. Their biggest adjustment to school was getting used to it still being dark at 7:00 in the morning. Life can’t be too tough though because the bus picks them up right at our front door. Our home transformation is complete and now Ernie’s efforts have turned to our yard –just under 2 acres. We added an additional 3 car garage and the tennis court had a major face lift. The pool and pool bath will be next on the list along with all the maintenance of all those sprinklers. We love it here in Idaho. We love floating the river, Sunday dinners, learning to snow board, being only 2o minutes from the Boise temple, long summer days –it doesn’t get dark until after 10pm, and mostly being closer to Family.

You're a blogger now!

Hi Mom-

I added a couple things on your blog. Tell me again some subject matters you were thinking of? It would be nice to have a family picture like talked about.

I'll talk to you soon.

Lacey