Palmyra, New York

 After we spent the night in Cooperstown we woke up early and headed out of town to Palmyra, New York. The drive was gorgeous. So lush and full of wildlife. We headed straight to the Palmyra temple to participate in baptisms. We met some of our other cousins there as well. It was such a beautiful temple. After you walk in, you can turn left and the font is right there. If you go straight about 20 feet there is a huge window to look out of. Across the field is a huge grove of trees, the Sacred Grove. The workers told us that when President Hinckley was there before the temple opened he wanted a window there to look out over the Sacred Grove. How inspiring. Also, the temple was built on the Smith Farm property! How neat!

 The ward building right across the street of the Temple. Such a beautiful chapel.

 Next, was the Hill Cummorah and the Visitor's Center. We hiked to the top and what a great view of everything.  It's a very steep hill about 3 miles away from the Smith farm. This is the beautiful monument at the top.

 Here I am, with less than 4 weeks to go of my pregnancy, standing in the beautiful Sacred Grove. As I walked in and wandered around, it looks like every other forest. Huge trees, paths, birds chirping, a light breeze blowing making a rustle through the trees...BUT it felt much, much different. It was beyond peaceful and serene. The Sacred Grove has been well preserved and it was so inspiring and humbling to walk through it. I found a bench and sat by myself with my thoughts. I pulled out my phone and looked up the scripture in Joseph Smith-History and read Joseph's account of what happened to him there.
After some time, we all met up again and shared our feelings. We also read some scriptures and held a family prayer. It was so long ago that this experience happened to Joseph, but then again, it wasn't too long ago.

 We walked out of the Sacred Grove and around the Smith Farm. The house in the back was Alvin's house, and it was super fancy! He couldn't afford it and the Smith's moved in for a short time then ended up moving back to their simple log cabin home. The house is 85% like it was in the 1800's!

 Here we all are in front of the Smith log home, which is replica. It's tiny and homely, but also just right. The ceiling isn't very tall and there are a few windows. Our cute missionary guide said the government would tax you more the taller your homes were and how many windows you had. Interesting!
Our missionary that lead us on our tour was from Jordan. Jordan! Are there missionaries in Jordan...Nope! She and her family was baptised by service missionaries when she was 14 years old. She attends a branch of only 18 members! Now that's inspiring!

Here is a baby bottle they used from that time period!

 Upstairs in a large room with two beds on either side. You can walk through a small opening and there was a smaller room with one bed for the girls. Here is where Joseph was sleeping and awoken by Angel Moroni three times in the middle of the night. You know the story and the picture...

This portrait hangs in the Book of Mormon Printing store a few blocks away. It's an original!

 Here is the bible Joseph read from when he came across the passage in James, "If any of you lack wisdom, let him ask of God, who giveth to all men liberally and upbraideth not, and it shall be given him."

What a tedious process it was to print and assemble 1 Book of Mormon, let alone 5000. E.B. (the publisher) didn't want to take on such a huge job. That was for the publishers in New York to do, and  he knew it was such a controversial book to be published. We entered a room (not pictured) that was his office where he met with Joseph Smith to discuss and finally agreed to do the project. Many things in the room have been redone, but the floor. I walked on the SAME floor as our dear prophet, Joseph Smith.
The day was perfect. It was s beautiful summer morning without a cloud in the sky. The weather was perfect for all the different historical sites we saw. I am truly blessed for this opportunity.

Cooperstown

 

We decided to take a detour during our NYC trip to head up to Cooperstown, NY. I know, you’re wondering two things. Where in the heck is Cooperstown and why would you leave the Big Apple! Some of my other cousins from SLC were in Cooperstown at a baseball tournament. We decided it would be fun to see him play and spend some time with the family. We went to a game, which was a lot of fun and then headed to the cabin they rented, Marshmallow Acres. It was adorable. A huge pond in front with a ton of frogs. Tall trees all around and the cabin itself was adorable and decorated so cutely. I sat in a rocking chair on the porch and read my book. It was so beautiful and peaceful. Cooperstown is about 4 hours away from NYC but the drive was a breeze. We went through a ton of tiny towns that were adorable. Tons of old, historic barns.

NYC Extras

Here are a few tidbits I didn't know about NYC or things that caught my eye while waddling (literally) around the city of dreams...

1. There are NO drinking fountains anywhere...Really! I think this is so bazaar!When you ask a New Yorker about one they look at you like you just spoke gibberish to them! (We ask about 5 different people!) I have to mime what I;'m talking about to them.

2. It's not as dirty and smelly as I heard. Las Vegas is much dirtier! But, every once in a while while walking down the sidewalk you get a huge whiff of something stinky!

3. Taxi's communication is strange. So much honking, which I knew there would be, but why? We've asked all three of our Taxi drivers more questions about this but they have all not given us an answer.

4. Buy most of your souvenirs on the street, you can barter with them and find one great deals. When you are wanting nicer stuff, then yeah go to a store or shop for that!

5. Waddling around NYC people don't stop and stare at me as much here. I guess I look like any other freak cruising the streets. Two people have asked if I'm pregnant (Hello! 8 months!!) And I tell them yes...with my 7th. Then I get that look. Yes, I am a freak!

6. So many different accents here. The Jamaican, for some reason, is the hardest for me to understand. Cute Angie totally understands and interprets for me and Aleigh!

7. We were out past midnight last night and there were just as many people out and about as there were at 12 noon! Truly the city that never sleeps!

8. While walking home from Max Brenner lat night this guy was on a cell phone screaming at his girlfriend and shouted, "No, you don't want to talk to me. You would rather play Apples to Apples!!!" I think he may regret screaming that, but man was it funny. So the next time you and your spouse are arguing (probably not screaming...) Tell them you'd rather play Apples to Apples. It's so random and quit funny!

9. We met a guy who after we told him we were from Utah said he's seen the show we tape there. Big Love. Umm, no! We explained to him that there is none of that where we're from. More of that in California than in Utah. :)

10. People don't talk to you, unless you talk to them first! We would chat with bus drivers, police officers, waiters, cab drivers...And they were so nice to talk to.

NYC, obviously, has huge tall buildings but overall it's much smaller than I thought. Even the entrance to the subway's are small. The streets are small. And Time Square. It's been a wonderful few days! A must trip for everyone to place on their bucket list. 

Most beautiful building in Manhattan

 Early this morning we went to see a taping of the show Live with Kelly, what a fun experience that was! I requested tickets 3 months ago, but never heard back from them,. So we decided to go and be in the stand-in line. We got up early and headed to the upper west side. We ran inside, being 10 minutes late or so, and they said they were full. I stayed inside while Ang and Aleigh went outside to wait. About  15 minutes later he said they could put us in, yeah! He handed us tickets with The Chew on it. Hmm...We walked inside and there were more pictures and information about The Chew. Umm, I think we were in the wrong place! Finally we asked and yep we were. It was the next door down! There were a ton of people standing there in line. Angie worked her magic by explaining we went to the wrong place over an hour ago. There were two different sections and they had us stand in the smaller section. We started to walk in and we were on the floor level! As we were walking in they were filling the back first, but I asked if we could get the seats right in front and she said yes! So here we are, with no tickets, late, in the front row! HELLO!
The studio was tiny but awesome. Gelmon cam out and a few other works that looked pretty neat. Then Kelly and Brian came out and we went wild! All three of us did our family yell that is pretty unique. If you watch the show you can totally hear us!

 Jenny McCarthy, Miss America and a cooking gal were there. After the show they taped another beginning segment and several short clips for upcoming promotions. It was pretty cool. During one of the commercials I told Kelly I was almost due with my 7th boy and she was shocked. The audience cheered! It was pretty cool!

 Kelly is TINY. She is cute as a button. She is a little more risque when the cameras are not turned on. Someone asked her what her tattoo meant and she said, " It's a symbol of my stupidity!"

 Right around the corner was the Manhattan Temple, the most beautiful building in New York City. Truly. We went inside and found out that half is the temple and half is a regular ward meeting house with a chapel, Primary rooms and basketball court with stage. It was amazing! We decided to do some baptisms and confirmations. Actually we all participated in the confirmations and Angie and Aleigh did several baptisms each. Right when you enter the building you can't hear New York at all. It was peaceful and beautiful. I am so thankful for the experience of today.
That same afternoon Elder Walker was in town doing an interview with Barbara Walters. So, after the temple work we were headed back to the chapel area. I walked in the elevator looked to my right and noticed I was standing next to Barbara Walters. I said, in surprise, "Hello Miss Barbara Walters!" She just stood there and looked at me for a second and said "Are you a Mormon?" After saying yes with confidence she then asked, "Do you believe in heaven?" Yes again was my answer and I could tell she was staring at my belly.  The elevator doors opened and I told her I was expecting my 7th boy. Her mouth dropped open in astonishment. We began a conversation about this crazy fact. She asked me their ages, if I am happy, if it's my choice and why would I choose this. She asked if I have any help (as in nanny's), what's it like to have so many. I was interviewed by Barbara for about 8 minutes. It was pretty neat.

 Elder Walker came in and thanked her for coming and handed her a CD of the Mormon Tabernacle Choir. They went into the small chapel and a small handful of people went in to witness the interview. I was one of them. Cool! Barbara had a special several years ago about several different Churches and their views on heaven. It was the most watched interview she has ever done and the Mormon's weren't interviewed then. He answered confidently, with pose and the spirit. It will air July 6th!
After they walked in front of the temple several times to get some "walk and talk" shots. Several people stopped on the street and snapped some shots.

 We rode the subway for the second time with a little more confidence and it was much better than last time and super fast.

Here we are walking across the street to our hotel. It was 5:30, rush hour. There were so many people and it was so congested.
Another full day. Another great day. Another day we were able to do and see many different things.

The Upper East Side

 

What a day it was! We walked over 10 miles all around the upper East side and around Central Park. By the time the evening came I was waddling and in some pain, but it was totally worth it! It was low 60’s, overcast and sprinkled a little which was perfect for me so I was never too hot!

We went to AFO Shwarts, Bergdoff Goodman, Tiffany & Co., Dylan’s candy shop, Sprinkles, Barney’s, Apple store, Juicey, Louis Vuitton,  Gucci, Prada, Trump Towers, Bloomingdale's, Michael Kors...and many others!

 Frrrozen Hot Chocolate at Serendipity!

 The Met was closed, but it's still on  our list to see a different date. (We bought the City Pass, which has been totally worth it!!)

 We walked around the park and saw so many beautiful sites, the fountains, the bridges, trees...We sat on a bench and ate some of our Sprinkles cupcakes. Aleigh did the Phoebie run which was hilariuos! I couldn't see of hear the hustle and bustle of the city, it was pretty amazing! We also went to the Museum of Natural History, which was also amazing! The early evening we headed to the Top of the Rock (Rockefeller Center). The views were amazing!

We ended by having dinner (waaaay too late) at the Shake Shack. Here's Aleigh with her darling new umbrella her awesome cousin Belle got her!
We took a taxi home and seriously thought we were not going to make it. He was the craziest, fastest most inpulsive driver ever. I had white knuckles for the entire drive. It was pretty crazy!

We later found out President Obama and Clinton were both in town doing a fundraiser together and then catching a Broadway show! Pretty cool!

The Big Apple - Day TWO!!

Day two of my trip to the Big Apple…Wow, what a day! We saw a little of everything today! In the early am we were off and running and ready to be one of those crazy tourists who roam the streets. We went to Hell’s Kitchen a huge flea market that is supposed to be awesome, it wasn’t. It was beyond lame. Next we were in the theatre district and Times Square. I was able to see where the New Year’s Eve ball drops!  

It reminded me of Las Vegas on steroids. The NYPD were out in full force and it was fun to chat with several of them. 

We toured NBC studios, Rockefeller Center, Radio City Music hall, St. Peter’s Cathedral and several stores and shops on 5^th avenue.

I bought the kids some t-shirts and other fun NYC trinkets. We saw Ben Stiller and Kristen Wiig filming a movie! It is called The Secret Life of Walter Mitty.

I took my first, and probably last, subway ride. It wasn’t scary or anything, just super confusing. I am terrible with directions and had no idea where I was or which train to take. Okay take the 1, 2 or 3 red line. But, which way?

I really need a personal guide to navigate me through this city! We have been planning this trip for over 3 months with maps and spreadsheets and even added TripIt to my iPhone, but again, terrible with directions!!

The absolute highlight of the day was seeing the Broadway production of Lion King.

Wow, it was beyond incredible! After the first song was belted out, I was in tears. It could of ended there and I would have been okay. Of course, I am glad the entire show was performed though! It was incredible. The gal who plays Rafiki was amazing and literally had me sitting on the edge of my seat. I especially enjoyed the song “He Lives in You”. So inspirational and powerful. I first thought of my darling boys and their incredible dad. Then I thought of me and my Savior Jesus Christ. It you haven’t heard this song, download it or check it out from the library! Totally worth it!

For dinner and some dessert, we were off to Max Brenner’s Chocolatier. Oh. My. Goodness. Dinner was goooood. Dessert was mouth-watering delicious!

What a FUN time I am having here in NYC with two of my sweet cousins. I am so thankful we can all be together and share this experience together!

New York City

YES!!! I am in New York City!!! I only told a small handful of people because I didn’t want my mom to know about my trip. She’s a worry wart and she would have been too stressed out knowing her baby who is 8 months pregnant was flying across the country.

It all started 3 months ago when my cousin told me she was taking her Senior to NYC for a graduation gift. I said, “I’d totally invite myself, if I wasn’t pregnant!!” They both insisted I come, and so I asked my doc. He had no problem with it and so here I am!!

We flew the red eye late Friday night which was a LOOOOOONG flight. We were stuck on the tarmac for a little over 2 hours with no AC. Yuck! I was so tired and was so sweaty.

We arrived Saturday morning and have been going all day. We checked into our hotel and took off to see the Big Apple. First stop, The Empire State Building! It was a perfect first thing to do because we could see everything from up there. None of us have ever been here before so it was great to put places and building into perspective.

This is a shot of the Flatiron Building from atop the Empire State Building.

Next stop, Circle Line Cruise, around the Hudson River. WOW, we saw everything! The Statue of Liberty, where the twin towers stood, Trump Tower, bridges, beautiful skylines…It was a perfect day!

Dinner was a slice of some delicious New York pizza. Now it’s time for bed. My back is killing, I’m super sleepy and the baby has hiccups…again!

 Good Night New York!!

Oh PS we met this nice 70 year old lady on the bus and she asked where we were from. After telling her Utah, she looked at us in amazement and said, “I’ve never met anyone from the state of Utah before!” What? Crazy!