Tim and Rita's visit

We love having family come to visit as each time they do, we get to learn more about our Nation and the freedom that we have inherited.

  I got to see the Dogwoods  in bloom at Old Swedes church, This is the first church in Philadelphia, way before William Penn came and settled. 

We are at the Delaware River enjoying the fresh air and light rain.

At the top of the Art Museum we look out over central Philadelphia.

Amor in Spanish , Amour in French. all the same, we are loving our chance to show our visitors our city of Brotherly Love, Philadelphia.

Much of our scanning at the Historical Society of Pennsylvania has been records from cemeteries. We are happy to be at Old Swedes church knowing that the freedom of religion which started in America and especially in Pennsylvania, paved the way for Joseph Smith and the Restoration of the Gospel of Jesus Christ in the Latter Days. 

Mother Nature/Spring has sprung

The beauty of Spring is all around us. The trees are blooming, flowers are blossoming and the creeks are flowing freely. When I grew up in Devon, overlooking Valley Forge Park, the goal to get the first tan was very important on my list. Not only did I like the warm tones on my skin but the sun lightened my hair. My junior year in high school I got to go to Fort Lauderdale, Fla for spring break. That really did the trick for beating out my friends for a tan! But, the real reason for the love of spring was being outside. I love walking along creeks and hearing the water and smelling the sweetness and freshness of the air. I love looking for the different shades of green as the trees open up to the warmth of the sun.

Of course, the goal centered around trying to get into the sun before my birthday. I remember sitting by the side of the pool all wrapped up, hoping the air would warm up. Most of the time it was never quite warm enough to go swimming until May, but, being outside before that, in April, was and is always a joy.

Independence Mall

William Penn settled in the Philadelphia area  and wanted people to have the freedom to worship. Many religions came from all over Europe. Our Woolley family  also Quaker, like William Penn came in the 1700's. They settled in Chester County, near downtown. They were merchants, shop owners, even opened the White Horse tavern on Elbow street. Jim and I found the location right in old town Philly.

 As America struggled for its freedom. Philadelphia became a very important keystone in uniting the various colonies by holding the Continental Congress, and even being the capital for a season.

And now the Mormon Temple is nearly completed in Central Philly

near the area where Independence was born.

The Reading Terminal provided the much needed energy to keep on walking back to our Apt in the very, windy cold day.

The Miracles of this day are never to be forgotten in my mind. This was the last day before heading back to Utah. Many never did adjust to the 2 hour time change. Many were teenagers and not used to the rigor of me being their tour guide. The night before many were not sure they really wanted to walk yet another day. We adjusted the depart time and left later. I had tried to get tickets for the Liberty Bell but they were all booked. Until we got there and there was NO LINE! We walked right in from the cold wind (usually there is a Disneyland type line). then we crossed the way and walked right to the movie about Independence. Some one was praying very hard besides me!! Our prayers were answered and we got to see much.

The Bell and The Chocolate

Monday and Tuesday we toured the areas around Philadelphia and Center City. Hershey is about 1 3/4 hours away. On the way back we went through the Amish farms, Intercourse (which of course opened up plenty of discussion as to why all the adults kept making jokes about the towns name),

The covered Bridge at Valley Forge. George Washington wintered there which was one of the turning points in the Revolutionary War, More important. it is the road that I drove to Seminary and church each week. This is where my testimony and beliefs in the Gospel of Jesus Christ were firmly planted. Thanks to the good members who taught me in my youth and my family who introduced me to the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints. 

No family trip is compete with out hot tubs and fun swims

One more day, and we are off on the shuttle to see the Independence mall

From NYC to Philly

 Most of the family took the bus from NYC to Philly. Sadly, the Mercados drove back to Michigan. Missy drove our car to give us a little head start for our next adventure

Sunday morning the grandchildren were too tired to sightsee! NOT

We watched our General Conference broadcast out of SLC keeping the children quiet with pedicures, hair braiding, and legos.

Then off to the Rodin museum with the THINKER

Rocky and the Art Museu

The Philadelphia temple

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Another session of Conferen

Spoons, a family favorite, using skiddles. Later the kids played Poker with skiddles, but they had to teach me which was the highest ..a run, flush, a royal flush? I never had played poker. 

So what was the miracle today? We saw both sessions of Conference and could take notes and hear it too! What a joy!

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More NYC

Family Reunions must have family photos and we had many. Notice the matching tulips! This time we scored with the Captain America.

 hopefully the adults liked their liberty bell shirts that just happened to match the kids. Karina missed the first part of our tour when she stayed back with Calvin who was sick. It was great when we caouth up with us at the Lady, She brought the sun with her.

before the Utah group came we walked the Brooklyn bridge

we saw the Empire State building from our hotel

We had to catch up on a lot of hugs that we have been missing while serving our mission. We miss our children and grandchildren more than words can express. Hopefully they will feel our love while we continue to serve our mission.

Miracles on 34th street and other blessings of our family reunion in NYC

After much preparation we met in NYC March 31 for our family reunion. Jim and I left early Thursday, aiming to be at Mt Olivet by noon to look for my grandma Aagot Marie Lund's birth mom. Val, Jason, plus 4, left Wednesday from Michigan and would meet us at 1:30, Well,,,No one really explained really how difficult it is the drive in NYC. After circling, one way streets we noticed that we were close to the Empire state building and our hotel right in front of us.Soon Val, Victoria, Karissa, Austin, and Erik came with Jason following with cots, coolers, stuffed animals and lots of snacks. ALL necessities for happy children. 

Derek, Missy plus 4  and Karina plus oldest 5 flew in later. After sleeping with 5 in a room (cots between full? size beds) and a great Marriott

breakfast we started our adventure and  our miracles continued. We traveled by plane, car, ferry, bus, subway, rented van and shuttle, but most of all feet. Karina estimated 16 plus miles each day.
Above is the memorial for 9/11

Derek's back started hurting. so of course yoga was necessary ( with Layla for morale support ) Later on Derek continued to carry Izaak on his back, but this turned out to be one of the miracles yet again. We were looking for a place to eat in China Town and being the naturally outgoing person I am, I stopped a lady to inquire a good place to eat. She walked with us about 10 blocks, turning and crossing and chatting all the time. She said that she knew we were good people because in her country the men never carry the children! What a joy it is to have family together ! And we really enjoyed our Chinese meal right in the heart of it all.

Of course,

the men had to go see the financial district with the bull and gold.
The day started out with a little rain, but, NO one rained on our parade

It fills me with great joy to share my love of freedom and America with my children and grandchildren.