For her 10th birthday, we gifted Reagan a girl's trip to New York! With Mom, Aunt Sharon, Eve, and Grandma. After lots and lots of planning, scheduling, rescheduling, and a few disappointments (Broadway being closed) on our end, it was time to go! Since Sharon and Eve were already in Utah for the reunion, we got to fly to Denver together to pick up Grandma.
Time to go:
We almost missed our flight, even though we were there in plenty of time, because we were sitting far enough away that we couldn't hear the announcements. We got the last 4 seats, not next to each other, but we survived.
After a fun adventure at DIA where were accidentally went to the other side of security while waiting for Grandma (and therefore made her go through again with all of us), we grabbed some dinner.
A little swimming the next morning.
We made it! Niagara Falls! One of my favorite parts of the trip.
First up, Horseshoe Falls from Goat Island.
Pictures do not do it justice!
American Falls
Since we couldn't go to the Canadian side as we had originally planned, we decided to splurge on Maid of the Mist. Totally worth it! Thankfully these bad boys cinched fully closed.
The view from the boat was incredible.
American Falls
Approaching Horseshoe Falls.
Truly exhilarating!
Afterwards we walked up next to American Falls.
On our way to the visitors center, there was a guy blowing giant bubbles. This was at least as fascinating as the waterfall.
Souvenir time! A ducky for Ducky.
After we were all finished, it was time to drive to Palmyra. We stopped at Platter's Chocolate Factory on the way and got some delicious sponge candy.
Bunga Burger Bar for dinner!
Giant pancakes for breakfast the next day before starting out.
First stop- Grandin Building where the Book of Mormon was first published.
Such a cool tour and the girls were really interested.
Bonus- these original paintings were there!
Then the Sacred Grove! Another highlight for sure.
Joseph Smith farm Visitors Center.
Replica of the little log cabin.
Reading the words that Joseph Smith read that inspired him to pray.
The frame house they moved into down the road. (Not a replica)
Not much space for a lot of people!
Palmyra temple, looking out onto the Sacred Grove (behind the person taking the picture).
Then we drove out to the Peter Whitmer farm/visitors center, where the Church of Jesus Christ was restored.
Giant pizza, Chinese food, and ice cream that night!
The next morning was Sunday, and our vrbo was within walking distance of the Sacred Grove, so I got up early and walked there to spend a few minutes alone. So peaceful.
We went to Sacrament Meeting, and then walked across the road to the Palmyra temple.
We went back to the house to change and load up, then stopped by the Hill Cumorah, where Joseph unearthed the gold plates. It was rainy but that didn't stop us! We hiked to the monument at the top.
Then we hit the road for a 6 hour drive to Uncle Reid and Aunt Jana's house in NJ.
Some ice cream and night swimming hit just right.
Tomorrow, the city!
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