Spring Break: Palmyra, NY and Niagara Falls

Saturday, March 27: We crammed all eight of us in the minivan and made the 11 hour drive to Palmyra in one day. We also all slept in one hotel room with a king and two twins. I'd be lying if I said the trip wasn't challenging at times. BUT, we did make some amazing memories and those are what I want to remember so here are the best parts:

Sunday, March 28: We attended the Palmyra Ward for Sacrament Meeting.


Then we went to the Sacred Grove.






After that we ate lunch in the basement of the Hill Cumorah Visitor's Center.
Climbed the Hill Cumorah and ran/rolled down.
Then we had the chance to tour the Joseph Smith Sr. Farm, the Joseph Smith Log House, and the Joseph Smith Frame House.

After that we drove to Fayette and toured the Peter Whitmer Sr. Farm where the church was organized.




Monday we drove to Niagara Falls. It was amazing! We loved seeing the falls but the river was almost as impressive. It was huge and very active. It was still early in the season so some parts were covered in snow and blocked off. Also the Maid of the Mist boat ride and Cave Tours were still closed for the season. But we walked around Goat Island looking at the falls, viewed them from the observation tower, crossed over three bridges to see see the Three Sisters Islands, saw a large screen movie about the history of the Falls, and went to the Niagara Aquarium. We had dinner at a roadside buffet. Kids loved it cause of the all you eat factor and the ice cream bar- that's about all the nice things I can say about that buffet so I'll leave it at that.

Tuesday, March 30.
Visited the Grandin Press. M decided it would be a fun time to test her screaming vocals. The press was interesting though. Unbelievable the type setting process and what was sacrificed to publish that book.
Drove to the Erie Canal and Martin Harris' farm. We spent the afternoon at the Seneca, Rochester Zoo. We were starving after and ate at Panara Bread-I don't think a single crumb was left on anyone's plate.
We visited the Sacred Grove one last time and then walked the beautiful temple grounds.

That night was American Idol and pizza in the hotel room.

Wednesday: Another 11 hour drive and we were home.