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!