Kirtland, Ohio!

We went to Kirtland!!  It was such a WONDERFUL trip; the area is beautiful, the historical sites are incredible, but seeing Britton's family was definitely the best part.

As you all know, we had a slam-packed summer.  When Miles was born on July 6th, Britton was here for almost a week before having to go back to Las Vegas to finish out his summer position at the law firm down there.  His last day was Friday, August 7th and after work he drove straight home.  We were so HAPPY to have him back, but there wasn't much time to rest since we were leaving for Kirtland on Tuesday.

Britton's parents were called as the directors of the Kirtland Ohio Visitors Center and began their mission back in January of 2008.  When they told us the good news, they also asked us to make every effort to visit sometime during the 2 years (recently extended to 3 years), and of course we were only too happy to oblige their request (especially since I have never before visited a church historical site...well, except temple square).  We made plans to visit earlier, but then found out we were expecting Miles, so we decided to wait until he was born.  Although we had been thinking to visit Kirtland during Britton's fall break, we decided to move it up when we found out he would have some "free time" in between the internship and the beginning of the semester.  I am SO glad we took advantage of that opportunity.  Britton's parents were able to meet Miles when he was just 1 month old and we even blessed him while we were there.  It will always be a fun memory for us and hopefully for Miles too.  Here are some pictures from our trip...

Our first little adventure was a drive out to "Amish country" the day after we arrived.  It was interesting to witness their simple culture.  This is a picture of an Amish lawn mower.

We stopped at an Amish lady's quilt shop and Jack loved seeing the goats.

That same night, Britton and his dad went to an Indians baseball game and had a lot of fun.

Britton and I toured the Kirtland Temple (which is owned by the Community of Christ church, previously RLDS)

Jack sitting out on Grandma and Grandpa's porch blowing bubbles.

Grandma and Jack - isn't that face pure joy?!?!

Me, Britton and his dad in Eliza Snow's home.  The gentleman who currently owns the home was so kind to take us on an impromptu tour.

Me with Miles, Britton and Jack on the front porch of the Johnson home.  For those of you who don't remember, but are familiar with church history; this is where the Prophet Joseph Smith and his family were living (in the room directly to the left after walking through this door) when a mob removed him from the home and carried him some distance away to tar and feather him.  This is the door that was left open that night which resulted in the death of Joseph and Emma's adopted son (Joseph Murdock Smith, 11months old).  This is also the porch where Joseph stood to preach the morning directly after being tarred and feathered.  It was an amazing spirit that we felt during the tour of this special home.

Britton's brother Jason was able to make the trip from Chicago to be there for Miles' blessing.  It was SO nice to visit with them too.  This is Jack and his cousin Porter.  They had a lot of fun playing together that weekend.

Miles, me, Britton and Jack after the blessing.

Miles in his blessing outfit.

Jack loves his Aunt Mindi and cousin Ellery, especially since she let him play with her baby doll!  LOL!

Grandma and I took Jack (and Miles) to the mall while Daddy and Grandpa went to play a round of golf.  We found this cute little play place there.

Grandpa "reading" to Jack.  Grandpa's stories are much better than what is actually written in the book...especially when he sings it! :)

Grandma and Miles the night before we left to come home.

These bedtime stories by Grandpa were probably Jack's favorite part of the trip :D

I'm SO sad that I didn't take more pictures of the sites at the visitor's center, especially the Whitney store.  We stayed in the house right beside it (where Britton's parents live).  It also happens to be the same house that DAVID ARCHULETA stayed in just 1 week (or was it 2?) before we got there!!  Yes, he stayed with Britton's parents...crazy, huh?  Just a fun piece of trivia for all you Archuleta fans out there :)

A huge THANK YOU goes to Britton's parents for putting up with us for a week and making it such a great "vacation".  As a parent, one of my favorite things is seeing (my kids) experience what life has to offer - it's like I get to do it all over again.  My kids' relationship with their grandparents is something that is special and important to me because of how I feel about my grandparents.  I am so grateful that Jack and Miles (and any other children that we may be blessed with) have wonderful grandparents who spoil them with love and I hope that I will always have the means to provide them with opportunities to enrich those relationships.