Niagara Falls and Palmyra

I can't believe we actually went to New York! I have been wanting to go since forever and I am so excited that we were finally able to make the trip out and see Niagara Falls, Palmyra and New York City. This was Lilah's second flight and once again she did SO well. We hope that she continues to be a fun little traveler so we can take her with us to many more fun places. 

Keeping her entertained while we wait for our plane. We decided to stay in a hotel in Los Angeles so we could just wake up and not have to fight that morning traffic. It was the best decision ever! 

Lilah loves snoozing on the plane.

When we first got to New York City, we got there at midnight. We drove through Time Square just to see the lights and then we drove about an hour to our hotel. We were still in California time so it wasn't too bad driving at night. In the morning though we got up a little late. We woke up and drove straight to Palmyra. I had stumbled across a page that said the Hill Cumorah Peagent. It hadn't been in our itinerary but we quickly changed plans and instead of going to Niagara Falls, we hung out in Palmyra that day. 

We got there really early since I thought seating would be limited. But note to self, there's tons of seating. 

They were selling BBQ and snacks there so we decided to have dinner on the hill and take pictures with the characters who were walking around giving books of Mormon. 

 

Lilah was just sitting there looking cute while people admired her cuteness and told hold how beautiful her eyes are. 

She was cheesing every one up with her cute smile. 

After getting our food we got to dress up and take pictures. How cute is Lilah?!

She was being so cute this trip and giving mom and dad snuggles. 

I loved the show. It was so high tech and the props were amazing!

The set was really high tech. 

After the show we made our way across the street with the rest of the people and met a mob of anti-Mormons who were yelling at us and saying mean things. It really sucked the sweet spirit right out and left me feeling SO yucky! It was like the Lamanites had really come to life. I couldn't believe people would take their time to camp out there and put up tents and yell at people. It really put a damper on the entire night. 

After the show we drove to Niagara Falls. Before we made it to our hotel, I told Mike that I wanted to go see it at night since we wouldn't be able to do this the next day. 

I am so glad we took a little pit stop before calling it a night. The falls at night were so spectacular! 

I loved the different lights and the water almost seemed to ROAR!

I was so scared and kept imagining falling in. Michael kept making fun of me but I've turned into such a scardy cat now that I work at the hospital. 

 

That night we went home and called it a night since it was way late. The next day in the morning we woke up and headed to the Falls again, but this time we went to see them from the Canadian side. 

There was so much beauty on both sides. 

One the American side you could get really close to them and listen to how loud it was, but from Canada you could enjoy the view of the entire horse shoe. 

Lilah was being a great baby even though it was a bit humid. 

Lilah cracks me up in this picture!

We walked all the way to the end. This was the part were you could get the closest to the falls and see the entire horseshoe. 

Lilah picking her nose, haha!

We walked across the street to see the little park that was there before heading back to the USA. 

After Niagara we made the drive back to Palmyra to the Sacred Grove and the Joseph Smith Farm. 

I love imagining the family here and what they would be doing in their every day lives. 

I can't imagine so little people fitting in such a tight space!

Lilah and daddy in front of the garden. 

Lilah was being so cute and giving her daddy snuggles. Michael had to take her on a little walk while I listened to the tour guide because she was talking SO loud that no one could hear anything. 

One of the places where the plates were hidden. 

So beautiful! 

It felt so special to take my little Lilah there. 

Something that the guide pointed out was that Joseph Smith went in the Sacred Grove in the Spring. She said that Spring there is very muggy and there's still a lot of snow around so the movies aren't really accurate. I had never thought of that. It was definitely interesting. 

It was so beautiful. I loved the little rays of sunshine that would sneak in between the leaves. 

I looked over and noticed Michael reading the scriptures. I on the other hand couldn't have a peaceful, quiet, spiritual moment because I was being attacked by mosquitoes. 

Lilah sleeping peacefully. 

I was in love with beautiful Palmyra. I was actually sad to be leaving so soon and going to New York (although I later fell in love with New York once we got there)

Michael suggested going to visit the temple grounds. I always plan our entire trips because he usually says "whatever" so I am always excited when he has any suggestions. 

After the temple we went to the visitors center to learn more about the church's history in Palmyra. I loved how the videos brought everything to life, specially since we had just left the Smith Farm. 

After the visitor's center we called it a night and went to our hotel to catch up on much needed rest. Here's Lilah and daddy the next morning ready to start another fun day. 

The next morning Michael took us to visit the Whitmer farm. I was glad to be going here since we had, had such a great experience the day before. 

The Whitmer Farm replica. 

We loved our sweet tour guide, made me want to be a tour guide on a church historic site when Mike and I are older. 

There we were able to see more videos and made me fall even more in love with the people who worked to hard to make this church possible. It was amazing all of the sacrifices they had to endure and how much they gave up for the building of the church. 

I also loved hearing about all of those miracles that happened and how sister Whitmer was the only woman who was able to see the plates. And how the three witnesses were real people, such sweet men who saw an angel. It was such an insightful, sweet experience being here. 

That night we left feeling happy. That nasty feeling I had felt the day before was starting to slowly go away. I wish I could live on a little island full of kind people who know the true gospel. I know we are supposed to live in the world and teach those around us but it seems like NOBODY goes to church any more and barely even believes in God other than just on Christmas and Easter. I feel like such a minority some times. At times I think it's better to be alone and not have friends who are a bad influence but at the same time I try to be a good friend to be a good example. This trip definitely made me think about where I stand and how I can be a better mom for Lilah. 

Lilah snacking on our way to NYC.