Make it Happen!

2007:

"A 20th anniversary trip in 5 years? How will we ever make that happen?"

Niagara Falls: June, 2011

We made it happen!!!

Part of raising Stick-to-it Kids is getting away once in a while to focus on the relationship between husband and wife. What a blessing it was for us to go on an early 20th anniversary trip to the East Coast. Four years ago, I didn't think it could happen. However, if you really want to do something, you CAN do it with planning, preparation and patience as your best friends. 

For four years we saved up our American Express points. We allowed them to accumulate,  not touching them for anything else. We were able to go on our trip at zero cost to us. Yes, waiting four years was difficult, but with eight children and a tight budget, it was very satisfying to have a plan, "stick" to the plan, and reap the benefits of being patient. 

Boston Area:

The North Bridge - Concord, MA - Where the "Shot Heard Round the World" Occured

Orchard House - Louisa May Alcott Home "Little Women"

Battle Green - Lexington, MA

Boston, MA LDS Temple

Love the Steeple!

The Timer on our Camera came in VERY Handy!

Plymouth, MA - The Mayflower II

Our Pilgrim Friend

Our REAL friend and Neighbor across the Street - we had to run into each other in Boston to see her!

Plymouth Rock is in Here. So cool!

We visited a good friend from high school and her sweet family!

Taking the Ferry to Martha's Vineyard!

Falmouth, MA - Breakfast on the Veranda at the Captain's Manor

The Beginning of our walk on the Freedom Trail

Love Benjamin Franklin!

Awesome night at the Boston Pops - in Honor of my Daddy!

New York City Area:

We LOVED Mary Poppins!

We had to ride the Toys R Us Ferris Wheel - we got the Mystery Machine car!!

Sam took my picture with Scooby. Didn't he do a good job?

Manhattan, NY LDS Temple

My Sister met us here!!!

Wicked was so awesome!! This is the only picture we took.

The Apple Store - a definite stop for Sam!

New York City Skyline - View from Liberty Island

Lady Liberty - Gorgeous! We took the audio tour which was fabulous...

...and the Audio Tour at Ellis Island, too.

Sam found his Panzerotti at an authentic Italian Restaurant in the City.

We stayed with my sister's family while in New York City. We had such a great time with them!!

 

 

 

Walking on the Brooklyn Bridge

Palmyra, NY:

The Erie Canal - Palmyra Port

Joseph Smith Log Cabin on the Smith Family Farm

Par for Sam's personality, he climbed down into the cellar where no man (visitor) had gone before.

The Palymra, NY LDS Temple - on the Smith Family Farm

The Smith Family Frame Home

Original Bricks in the Frame Home where the Plates were Hidden under

We attended a session at the Palmyra, NY LDS Temple

We really enjoyed our tour of the Peter Whitmer Home and Visitor's Center

The Moroni Statue at the top of the Hill Cumorah

The view from the top was amazing!

Not an official tour site but very awesome to visit.

We woke up early one morning to enjoy the Sacred Grove

One of the very BEST parts of the trip!

Inside the Grandin Print Shop

Our last stop in Palmyra

Niagara Falls, NY:

Simply Breathtaking!

Cave of the Winds - below the Falls

Sam on the Hurricane Deck

Horseshoe Falls - View from Maid of the Mist

Enjoying the Maid of the Mist Tour

The Niagara River above the Falls

So, that is our trip. Now, we're planning, preparing and being patient for the next one. Yes, several years down the road, but we can make it happen, again!

More to Come...but until then, Stick-to-it!