This summer, we had the wonderful opportunity to visit upstate New York and attend the Hill Cumorah Pageant! We had a WONDERFUL time!
We left as soon as the Mr. got off work, and drove as quickly as we could to get there and snag some good seats! First stop: The Hill Cumorah
We didn't waste any time - we climbed to the top of the hill as soon as we arrived! :)
Next Stop: The Palmyra Temple
Then on to the Smith Homestead.
The Frame Home
The Sacred Grove.
After our little sight-seeing adventures, we checked into our Bed and Breakfast, then headed back to our (front row!) seats at the Hill and enjoyed a picnic dinner while we waited for the pageant to start.
The kids all got a thrill out of shaking hands with "Joseph Smith"
And my children were in awe of the kids who were in the Pageant! They kept begging for us to apply for next year!
We got a LOT of comments about our trusty U of U blanket! :)
Just as the sun set, a big storm blew in. Torrential downpours accompanied by thunder and lightning made for a wet wait - and they delayed the pageant in an effort to wait out the weather. Unfortunately, the storm grew worse, so the pageant was cancelled that evening. We felt SO blessed that we didn't have to rush back the next morning, but were able to stay another night and see the pageant the following night - the final performance for the year!
The next day, we visited some museums and nearby parks. Our favorite was a park overlooking the Eerie Canal. It was so beautiful!
It was such a hot day, and the canal so inviting, that, before I knew it, clothes were coming off....
Of course, the Mr. had to join in...
And soon, everyone was in the water except me! (I don't have any modest pictures of Wiggles, but here are her clothes as evidence:)
Wiggles got cold quickly, so she entertained herself (and me!) by doing a little dance on the bridge. (She didn't know I was watching...this is my 'telefoto' lens. )
Here is the Locks of the Canal where we were. And a few drowned rats I found there. :)
We stayed at the Beckwith Mansion - an incredibly beautiful, historic Bed & Breakfast in Palmyra. WE LOVED IT!!!! The Innkeepers were so warm and welcoming, and treated us as if we were their own children and grandchildren!
The Mr. and I fell in love with history of the house, it's architecture, etc, but the children were most impressed with the basement playroom!
The basement houses an underground bar, complete with a secret entrance, which was utilized during the Prohibition.
The original doors, hardware, walls, etc - amazing!
This spiral staircase coming up from the basement was used by the servants!
Photo bomb by Angel!
Another hidden staircase up to the servants quarters.
Our room. So beautiful and spacious! (The kids slept in sleeping bags on the floor because 1) we are
cheap frugal and 2) they end up in our bedroom nearly every night anyway, even at home.)
One of the owners/innkeepers is an incredibly gifted photographer. He took our photo in front of the house just before we left. If only we had cleaned up a bit first... :)
(I love how much taller the Mr. seems than me here....)
What a wonderful trip we had! We are SO blessed to live in such a wonderful part of the country, so rich with history, and within driving distance of so many interesting things to see!
