Ohio, Pennsylvania, and New York
We had the privilege of flying back east and staying with my Grandpa in Meadville, PA while visiting some special LDS church sites. The main purpose in going was to see my little sister Taryn perform in the Hill Cumorah Pageant.
First we flew into Cleveland, OH- the closest airport to my Grandpa's house in PA. Zella loved the airplane ride, and traveled like a champ! We spent sometime visiting the area, picking blueberries eating good food, playing on Lake Erie, and eating lots of Perry Ice Cream!
We drove over to Kirtland, OH to see the Kirtland Temple, and surrounding church sites. The Temple had such a special spirit, and learning more about the early saints in Ohio strengthened my testimony.
Then we packed up and prepared for a 4hr drive from my Grandpa's to Palmyra, NY. This is where the Pageant is performed right on Cumorah Hill. We camped at the fairgrounds, and Zella did really well sleeping in a tent with Mom and Dad. The first night we went to the Pageant, it was so neat. Zella loved it, and shouted, "Jesus Jesus" when He came down from the Heavens. It was a magical performance. I am so grateful my sister got the special opportunity to be apart of it!
The next day Jon and I celebrated our 5th year anniversary. We got up first thing and went to the Palmyra Temple together. It was a very small but special temple. It marked our 22nd Temple together. Inside it had a special clear window where you could look out and see the Sacred Grove, it gave me chills.
Afterwords we visited Church History Sites in the area. Such as the Grandin Building where the first copies of the Book of Mormon were published, and Joseph Smith's Log Home and Sacred Grove. The Sacred Grove was my favorite place by far. The feeling there is indescribable. Even Zella hushed her voice, it was just like being in the Temple, hallowed ground for sure!
On our way back to Grandpa's we stopped in Buffalo, NY to try the original buffalo wings. They were tasty! Zella thought her bowl made a good hat... Then we decided to go up to Niagara Falls while we were so close. Zella slept the whole time we were there...
After we had a day to relax before a full day of traveling home. Zella had such a good time with the family. We had 3 sets of Bamma's and Bampa's with us and she adored them all. She also had a blast with her Aunties and Uncle. They were so good to her. We all loved the trip, but we sure missed home and Mini. And to say Mini missed us is an understatement! Thanks to everyone who took care of her while we were gone:)
