the gathering place: November 2008

Tuesday, November 25, 2008

We're Sailing Soon~

Looking back through our Platinum cruise pictures from last year is making me excited for this years cruise that we'll be going on in just a few days!!! I guess I'd better start packing..

Wednesday, November 19, 2008

Kansas Trip: Carthage Jail - Winter Quarters

Going to Carthage was quite a moving experience to end our trip with. Being there in person and trying to imagine what it must have been like the day that the mobs came in and martyred Joseph and Hyrum is very overwhelming. It's hard to fight back the tears that so naturally fill your eyes. I remember when running my hand along the actual banister leading up the stairs that Joseph more than likely ran his hand along this very same banister not long before his death.

I've always wanted to see and visit all of these church historical sites and now that we have, you'd think that I'd feel a sense of fulfillment, but instead I feel a deep yearning to visit them again, and even again.. if I can. I really miss them and I'm so grateful for how they strengthened my testimony and broadened my understanding of Joseph Smith and the Saints during the time that they established all of these places of significance. If you haven't been... you REALLY should plan a trip around it. You'll LOVE it!

Kansas Trip: Nauvoo, IL with the GarNeRs

Saturday, November 1st we left from visiting my sister & her family in Kansas and headed for Nauvoo, IL. We got there in the evening and the beauty of the temple was amazing. We stayed overnight and met up with our really good friends, the Garners on Sunday. They moved to Iowa the same time my sister moved to Kansas three years ago. They live only 2 hours from Nauvoo, so they were so nice to come and show us around and spend the day with us. We also went to Carthage Jail together and then had dinner at the local Dairy Queen before we headed out for a 7 hour drive to Omaha, NB where we we stayed the night. We drove by the Winter Quarters Temple Monday morning and then headed home from there.

This REALLY was a great trip for our family. We were able to see some of the neatest places and visit with some of our most favorite friends & family in the whole world!!!

Monday, November 17, 2008

Kansas Trip: Good Times to Remember!!!

Kansas Trip: Deanna Rose Farm

The Deanna Rose Farm was one of my favorite places and it's right up the street from my sister's house. We went there & had a picnic during the day on Halloween and it was OH SO GRITTY, I must say! The kids LOVED it, there were so many fun things to see and do.. and every time I turned around there was another scene I just couldn't pass up without taking a picture. Sherry says that it's absolutely gorgeous in the Spring too, with all the blossoming trees and flowers. Hmm.. I guess I'll have to come visit in the spring too! = )

Kansas Trip: Kansas City, MO ScIeNcE CitY at UnIoN StaTiOn - HaRvEy'S DiNeR - & ShoPPinG

Kansas Trip: Farr West - Adam-ondi-Ohman

I'm so glad we had the opportunity to visit these places as a family, it made such a lasting impression.

Kansas Trip: Football Game - The Park - & Adam-ondi-Ohman

Kansas Trip: On the way - Random Moments - Independence, MO - Liberty Jail

We left for Kansas on Thurs. the 23rd of October around 9:30 a.m. and arrived at about 5:00 a.m. on Friday. We drove straight through. We were so surprised.. the kids handled the long drive really well, especially McKynlee.. she didn't complain once until about an hour before we got there and then she fell asleep.

This was a trip to go visit my sister and her family but in addition we were able to visit ALL the church history sites in that area as well. It was such a neat experience to walk in the very same place that certain things of great significance once took place and will again take place.