Too Many To Count 2: Palmyra

Thursday, April 5, 2012

Palmyra

Joseph Smith seeing God the Father and the Son

On Tuesday we drove up to Palmyra. The drive was long but the kids did a good job and it was pleasant. We woke up early and had breakfast and then started off on a full day of sight seeing. Our first stop was the Hill Cumorah. We went to the visitors center and had a very nice time seeing all that they had there. It was a uplifting and touching visit. Then we climbed the hill to the memorial. The kids loved rolling down the hill. The climb was steep but worth it. It was really neat to think about young Joseph meeting with Moroni here and being schooled and prepared by him.

the bricks in Alvin Smith's home where they hid the plates from the mobs

Next we visited the temple, my one disappointment was that it was closed for cleaning so we couldn't take turns going inside like we had planned. None the less it was beautiful and we enjoyed walking around it. After that we went to the Sacred Grove. Again it was so beautiful and peaceful. We were so lucky because the cold windy weather kept the crowds away and everywhere we went we were about the only people there. It was great for the kids because their "reverent" behavior didn't disturb anyone and they could ask lots of questions. All the missionaries that were at the sites were so interesting and told wonderful stories.

A cute sister missionary telling Ethan how David Whitmer, even after he left the church never denied his witness of the Book of Mormon, even when he was at gun point.

Next we went to the Joseph Smith farm and then finally had lunch (it was like 3:00 then!). After lunch we went to the Grandin Building where the Book of Mormon was first published.

We finished our trip with a stop at David Whitmer's farm where the church was organized. Every stop was so awesome. Everyone loved it and learned so much!