More than One Tree Grows in Brooklyn

After spending half of the day in Palmyra, it was time to get on the road to Brooklyn, where we were to stay in my high school friend Liz Kenney's house for a week while they took their kids to a farm for vacation. Talking about trading places! It was a 5.5 hour drive. Keenan did well, especially when it got to navigating freeways and across bridges and into Brooklyn. We had some great CD's to listen to. They were motivational talks by a seminary teacher in Springville. Starlyn's friend loaned them to us. It really made the drive go by quickly. The girls slept and Keenan and I listened. The toll on the Holland Tunnel was $12.00. I've never heard of such a toll. Then we paid another $5 toll before getting to Brooklyn. Crazy!

Snacks for the trip from Palmyra to Brooklyn

Cheeto Love!

We stopped at a Target in New Jersey to get some dinner, a few groceries and a soccer ball for Mel. She was hoping to get some drills in, but that never really happened. We got to Liz and Jeff's house around 8:30 pm. They got us settled in our rooms, then we went with them and Roxy, their dog, to Uncle Louie G's Italian Ice. It became a staple of our vacation. Liz and her husband, Jeff, showed us some of their favorite spots in the neighborhood. They walked us by the church and parks, etc. They showed us the subway near their home. Theirs is a quiet, tree-lined street. Everyone lives in a brownstone. Most have been restored and are valued at over a million dollars. Theirs was a bit of a fixer upper when they bought it and they've done a ton to it. It's really a cute, cozy and comfy place. It was so nice to have a place to call home.

Liz's 2 kids, Ava and Max, were at their dad's place and Jeff's two, Julian and Mia, were at their mom's place. They didn't start to arrive til Sunday night. Sunday we got up and went to church, then we got pastries at a bakery that was recommended. We then walked home and reported to Liz that, yes, there are Mormons that attend that church. She said she'd never seen anyone go in or out. We then got on the train to Coney Island. We had Nathan's hot dogs there. That's where they have the annual hot dog eating contest. We've decided that JDawgs are better. It was hot! Humid! The girls played on the beach, we walked into some cute little souvenir shops, and the girls rode the roller coaster ($9 each, which they paid for). After a couple of hours, the girls were ready to go home. Boy, we saw all kinds of swimwear on the beach there, most of it should not have been on the bodies they were covering. It made for good laughs. Jeff grilled chicken and we had a delicious salad and fresh berries from their garden for dinner. Liz tutored me on how to care for the garden and dog, while Jeff explained how the de-humidifier worked, etc.

Keenan and me in front of the building of the Park Slope Ward

Eating a famous Nathan's hot dog. JDawgs is better

Girls at Coney Island Beach

Now those are some great treats!

Can I get this one? I love Hot Tamales!

Allie, Ava and Melia playing in the kid's room

Melia and Max playing the Wii

Julian, Jeff, Liz
Ava, Mia, Max, me and Keenan

Our kiddos, in front of #112 2nd St

View of kitchen from living room. Notice my homework on the table - charting our course for tomorrow

super comfy living room. So nice to come home to each night.

going upstairs to bathroom and 3 bedrooms

Their awesome kitchen!

Liz and Jeff met online. A match.com success story. They've been married a couple of years and bought this house to fix up for their family. It's 1200 square feet. When they finish a room in the basement, they'll have about 1600 square feet. Jeff works in advertising on Wall St. Liz stays home with the kiddos. She used to work full time as a textile designer. Now she freelances from home. Funny that I did home economics and she did textile design since we had sewing together. We loved to exchange ideas on projects.

Monday was our first full-day New York City adventure. Now I shall consult my notes and maps to make sure I remember where we went when. Thanks to many great suggestions from Liz and friends here who'd been to NYC, we had great stuff to see. We left most days around 10:00 am and got back around 5:30 pm. We needed to see Roxy off and make sure we were home when she got back from doggy day care or come home and keep her company, walk her and let her out to "do her business." We also watered the garden when there was not enough rain. So, back to Monday... we took the subway to the financial district. That was a quick ride. We got off, only to find Trinity Church totally covered in scaffolding. Allie didn't get a good pic of this church. Bummer. We then went to the 9/11 memorial. The water features there to commemorate the deceased are quite impressive. It will be nice when it's all done. Right now, there's a lot of construction. From there, we walked to the Staten Island Ferry. It's free and it goes by the Statue of Liberty. Not real close, but we got to see it. It was a nice hour of resting our feet. We had walked a ton already because we hadn't gotten the hang of the trains yet. Nor had we realized how far a block was, or one place from another when they look close on a tiny map. We walked to a funny candy store that just assaulted you when you walked in with candy floor to ceiling. It was one of Liz's recommendations and it did not disappoint! Whoa! We also backtracked to find a special t-shirt for Kamiko at a store called the One Hundreds. We got a shirt that was a NYC store exclusive. I think it's pretty cool. We then found Jenny Lee, a girl from our ward who is serving in Chinatown. That was fun to see her. She was finishing up lunch after a zone meeting. She looks great - so happy. I was glad the girls could see her. Ok, then we went to a highly-recommended museum called the Tenement Museum. We had a tour of "Sweatshop Life." We learned a lot from our guide about life in tiny apartments of those who made clothing either in their apartments or in nearby warehouses. She brought in quite a bit of history, culture, etc. It was one of the best tours I've been on. I highly recommend it. We got home around 5:30 and walked Roxy. We got ice cream and had dinner.

Keenan and me at 9/11 Memorial - cops in the background for Adrienne

girls on Staten Island Ferry

Can you see it? Statue of Liberty!

Yeah! We found Sister Jenny Lee. She's serving in Chinatown

Only the BEST ice cream ever! Peanut butter sesame seed and almond cookie @ Chinatown Ice Cream Factory

Craziest candy store EVER!

Thanks, Liz, for suggesting we visit Economy Candy

The PERFECT avocado. We turned it into a salad to have with dinner.

Tuesday: We first went to the Highline, which is an outdoor park. It's made from an abandoned above-ground railway. It was beautiful. We enjoyed the walk. It wasn't too hot yet. From there, we went to the Donut Pub. That is Jeff and the kids' favorite Donut place. They were delicious donuts. The gal was really nice. We ate at the counter and visited a bit. Then we ordered a dozen holes to go. She loaded the bag with way more than a dozen and winked at me as she put a red velvet donut on top for me. She's my new best friend in Manhattan. Then we were off to Kleinfelds, a bridal store that is the setting for a reality show called "Say Yes to the Dress." We asked if Randy, head stylist, was there, but he wasn't. We did see the lobby and beautiful gowns. We then went to Mood Fabrics, site of fabric shopping for "Project Runway," a show that showcases aspiring designers. Keenan really wanted to go there. Funny thing happened at Mood. We got there and noticed a line. We went to the end and asked if it was the end of the line. We were told there really wasn't a line. They just hadn't opened yet. They would be opening soon. Had been closed for a "private event." Keenan recognized the guy who gave us this info as a past contestant. Keenan was really excited to talk to him. The girls were convinced the store was closed due to filming of "Project Runway." Well, in a few minutes, people came out, including some carrying big cameras. Then, right past us walked Tim Gunn, stylist and consultant/mentor to the contestants. Mel got a blurry shot of him. That was our star sighting. I mentioned it on facebook and everyone went kinda nuts. Wow, Tim Gunn. Who knew? We also went to a store called New York Quilter where I bought NYC fabric to make an apron out of someday. We finished the day at Macy's, the largest department store. It was overwhelming and we actually didn't spend much time there. The girls also made a stop in Victoria's Secret to get the special sweaters that they sell there that are New York exclusives. They really are quite cute. They have their PINK logo, plus something about NYC.
We went back home, ate dinner and walked Roxy. Then we went back to Times Square to see it at night. After about 45 minutes there, the girls had had enough. That surprised me. It's so bright and full of life. I thought the girls would want to stay longer. Nope. They were ready to get to bed.

Allie "waiting for the Keenans"

Art/architecture on the Highline

Mel on the highline

girls walking on the highline

gardens on the Highline

Kleinfeld's, home of "Say Yes to the Dress"

Say "CHEESE" the photo booth at Victoria's Secret

I found another cop for Adrienne Murray. She noted my first picture posted on the trip had cops in the background

Free water bottle...well, with purchase

The girls at Times Square

Keenan and his girls at Times Square

Palmyra, New York

When we found out we had a chance at free housing in Brooklyn, New York, and found out it was during trek, Melia suggested we go to the Sacred Grove. She was kinda joking, but Keenan and I figured it would be a good thing to do. We also added Washington, DC, to the end of the trip, since we "were in the neighborhood."

We spent Friday in Buffalo and Niagara Falls. Then we drove from the falls to Palmyra. We first stopped at the Hill Cumorah, since we saw it before getting into town. People wondered if we were there for pageant auditions. Nope. We were just there for a visit. We weren't going to see the pageant, either. The timing just didn't work out. We walked to the top. There were bugs and it was muggy. We never got used to the humidity. I was tired. We checked into the Palmyra Inn, which was a nice place near the sacred grove, temple etc. I rested while Keenan and the girls went into town to get pizza, sodas and treats. It was so nice to relax and enjoy yummy pizza. I love pizza. I don't think I'll ever get sick of pizza. I could eat it everyday. 

We love pizza ANYWHERE!

Our first full day of the vacation was Saturday, July 5th. We went to the Sacred Grove, the Joseph Smith home and the Whitmer farm. We also had a quick tour at the Grandin Press building where the Book of Mormon was published. It was really special to be in the small log Smith home, where Joseph lived when he had the first vision. We stood in the room where Angel Moroni came to Joseph. We walked from that home to Hyrum's barrel-making shop and to Alvin's home. Alvin was building a nice frame home when he died. The Smith family moved there after his death. We enjoyed a quiet walk in the grove. It was peaceful. We could hear birds and got really nice pictures. I had hoped we could take our kids to either Nauvoo or Palmyra before the left the nest. I feel fortunate that we could take the girls to both. They really enjoyed it.

While at the Grandin Press building we learned of the man who keeps the grounds of the sacred grove. He has been a caretaker of a number of groves. He's not LDS. He says this grove definitely has a peaceful feeling to it. That's his full-time job. Cool how the church spares no expense to take care of our history and preserve it for future generations.

Top of Hill Cumorah

Keenan and Allie at Hill Cumorah

Allie and Melia in the Smith Family frame home

Look at that kitchen! Smith family frame home. Big improvement from the log home

Alvin tree planted by the Smith family near frame home in memory of Alvin Smith

Beautiful garden at Smith home

Hyrum's barrel-making shop. Looks like grandpa's shop.

path to Sacred Grove

Beautiful morning in the Sacred Grove

Keenan and me at Palmyra Temple. Girls wouldn't pose with us :(

Buffalo, Niagara Falls and Palmyra, New York - Vacation with the Girls

We took a great trip July 4 - 16th. We started by flying to Buffalo, New York. While in Buffalo, we drove past a home designed by famed architect Frank Lloyd Wright. We also visited the Michigan Avenue Baptist Church, part of the underground railroad. The church is the first church built in Buffalo for an all black congregation. It doesn't get a lot of visitors. We rang the bell and waited for while until Bishop Henderson answered. He used to be that pastor there, but now acts as Bishop and gave us a tour. It really isn't restored as church historical sites are. They congregation still meets there and relies heavily on donations to maintain the building. I loved a poster I saw in the entryway. It said:

WORRY ABOUT NOTHING...PRAY ABOUT EVERYTHING

I have joked since that I should get that tattooed on my arm. A very good sentiment. Something to live by. The church was one of the last stops on the underground railroad before slaves made it across the water and to Canada, if they were choosing to flee the country. They never lost a slave. None of them got discovered and turned back. It was a neat place to stop and visit.

We then drove our rental car on to Niagara Falls. It was a Saturday and the day after the 4th of July, so Niagara Falls was packed!!!!! PACKED!!!!! We also noticed that there was an unusually large number of East Indians there, which has been confirmed by others who have visited there. We didn't have passports so we didn't plan to go to the Canada side, which everyone says is spectacular. Instead, we went on the Maid of the Mist, a boat that takes you close to the falls. So close that they give you a complimentary blue hooded poncho. It was really hot. We were happy to soon ditch the hoods and just cool off with the water spray and cool breeze. After the falls, we were hungry, but we didn't stop to get food. It was a highlight of the trip and probably one of my favorite things we've done on a vacation. Falls outside of the park is very touristy. We wanted to get out as soon as possible. We didn't want to deal with prices or crowds. A note to anyone who wants to go there, get food before heading across the bridge toward the falls. Once you get on the bridge, there's NO TURNING BACK. The girls were good sports about waiting longer for food. We got some good sandwiches and donut holes and Tim Hortons.

These are our "Whew, it's hot and humid" faces

Hello, Canada. This picture is for James DeVuyst

Got our ponchos. We're ready to go

Whoa, this is awesome! 

Ditched the hoods and cooled off. 

Melia Ann Adcock Patriarchal Blessing

We went yesterday to Brother Gene Sadler's house for Melia to get her patriarchal blessing. The neat thing is that he's in our ward. We've known him a few years. He's given all the kids their blessings. His grandson used to play soccer with Kamiko, so we've even spent time on the sidelines with him and his wife, Suzanne. They are a very nice couple.

We fasted. I especially had a prayer in my heart for Brother Sadler. I can't imagine how a patriarch must rely on the spirit. I also hoped it would be a good experience for Melia. I hoped it would strengthen her testimony.

Here are my impressions:

He started with her name and immediately stated her lineage. I've never heard that spoken so quickly. He mentioned teaching over and over.
Wow, Mel is going to be an example and a teacher.
He mentioned that she and her husband will be able to create a safe home for their family.
Melia will be able to teach others about the gospel as they ask her about her unique life.
She will have health and strength.
She needs to listen to leaders, including YW leaders.
She needs to heed the word of wisdom.

It was really a neat experience. When we got in the car, I asked her about her thoughts. She said, "I'm gonna be teaching a lot." The blessing really focused on that. Neat to know what one of her gifts is. She said it was a really good experience and was excited to tell grandma and grandpa and her friend Kobi about it.

Mel is a great girl. It will be fun to watch her grow and mature these next few years. She's not a baby anymore. In fact, I'm now officially the shortest in the family, as Mel has passed me - BARELY.

Maria Moved

My good friend Maria Trump moved this month. Bummer. She has been a great friend. Through the 8 years she's lived here, we've been running buddies, dinner group wives, YW leaders, daily phone talkers and just friends.

Me, Maria Trump and Amy Bowden...friends and sister wives/dinner group buddies. It lasted over a year

I remember when we first met. It was at a YW board meeting. I was camp director and she was a Beehive advisor. We all introduced ourselves and she said she graduated in PE and liked math. My reply was: "You're my polar opposite!" It wasn't long til the adage "opposites attract" proved right. We had a blast in YW with camping, laughing about our lack of ficus trees and exchanging lesson ideas. One night at camp, we got rained on BADLY. Maria had gone home to take care of the girls. Well, imagine our surprise when she showed up in the rain to spend the night at camp and help us get things packed up. She's a trooper.

She's the kind of person that listens without judging. She understands sneaky kids and helps me see when my kids are turning into them. She keeps it real. I tried to pretend it wasn't a big deal that she was moving since she'll live near Kristen and I know I'll visit her, but it's really no fun to have her gone. Reality hit when I had to fill out a registration form for Melia for soccer and had to come up with another emergency contact. My kids knew if I wasn't home and they were in a bind, Maria would be the one to call. She's in California now. I'm super happy for her because she loves California. It will be great for them.

Maria, John, Sierra, Sidney and Abby actually stayed at our house while we were on vacation and we overlapped a couple of days after we got back. We had fun talking, eating, and just being around each other. The day they left, mom commented that I'd get my house back. My response was: "I can clean my house any day, but I only have this chance to have my friend in my house." She signs on her new house today. I bet they'll be happy to get settled. I will miss them.