Kirtland, Ohio

We were thrilled to have mom come and visit the first week in October for the kid's Fall Break. 

Because Brad loves to drive so much, we decided to take mom to Kirtland, Ohio, 

to see the church history sites.

Even though it was drizzling, and the weather was a little chilly, the air was so fresh and crisp, with a picturesque backdrop of green foliage, and radiant fall colors just beginning to show. 

Since my kids were tired of posing for me, mom was a good sport and let me photograph her in front of the beautiful landscape. Because of a mini-drought Kentucky has been experiencing the last several months, I almost forgot that green, instead of brown, is the real color of grass, as well as most trees and shrubbery.

In Seminary this year, we are learning about church history and it was fun for the kids to visit the Newel K. Whitney store in person, and see how it looked in the early 1800's.

I always find the Sawmill and Ashery to be two of my most favorite parts of historic Kirtland.

Last but not least was the Kirtland Temple. As you can see it was under restoration at the front of the building, but luckily we were still able to take a tour inside.

Even though we have visited Kirtland quite frequently in the last few years, this visit was our favorite for three reasons: 1) Because my mom was able to come with us. 2) Because the Community of Christ has done such a great job updating the Temple's visitor center. And 3) Because our tour guide was extremely gracious in spending so much time with us, and in explaining every detail of the Temple (we even got sit and talk in the top level, something we have never done), as well as interesting facts about church history we had not heard before. On the way home we ate at a great local restaurant without realizing is was "free slice of pie night." The succulent pie was just the cherry on top of a fabulous trip! We want to thank mom for taking time out of her busy schedule to come and visit--Thanks Mom!

Horsey 5K

Since Brad sprained his ankle a few weeks ago, at the last minute I had to recruit a new partner to run our town's 5K with me.

Even though Breck didn't  really  have an opportunity to train, he still got third place out of his age-division. Way to go Breck, we are proud of you!

We had fun running the race with other families from church like the Barbers who metaled in every race,

and Kevin Johnson who took first place overall, way to go Kevin!

That same weekend we enjoyed visiting with friends after watching General Conference.

Merinda's Field Trip

Merinda's first field trip of the year was to Fort Boonesborough, located in North-Eastern KY. Fort Boonesborough has been reconstructed as a working fort complete with cabins, blockhouses, and all the furnishings. Resident artisans perform craft demonstrations and give modern-day visitors a true sense of what life was like for pioneers in Kentucky.

The Fort is a fun place to visit because it is truly like stepping back into time. Here, Merinda is looking at dolls, and playing with wooden toys that were popular in the late 1700's.

Merinda also learned about dipping candles, old-time medicine and herbs, things that are made at a blacksmith's shop, how thread was spun from cotton or wool using a spinning wheel, and how looms were used in weaving rugs and clothing.

But the highlight was a reenactment of the battle at Fort Boonesborough. Fort Boonesborough is now a State Park but many years ago Daniel Boone and his men reached the Kentucky River April 1, 1775, hoping to establish Kentucky's second settlement.

 

In the autumn of 1778 a large force of Indians attacked and laid siege to Boonesborough. For nine days and nights the Indians surrounded the fort.

The defenders held out and the Indians abandoned the siege. Soon Boonesborough became a center of pioneer life on the Kentucky frontier.