Our Trip to Palmyra, NYWhile Bart had a short Fall Break from classes, we were able to go on a fun trip to Palmyra with Bart's parents. We had such a fun time. I was a little nervous taking a 5-week old baby on a 7-hour road trip, across three states, but she did great. I was thankful that everyone was being patient as we stopped every few hours so Whitney could eat. Now, she is totally trained to be zonked OUT whenever she gets in the car. Is that good or bad? I know some of you are probably totally shocked that I took my brand-new baby to places where there could possibly be germs. Don't worry- I was totally paranoid about it the entire time. I'm sure my in-laws got a kick out of that. It was a lot of fun to be with Steve and Marsha... THANKS for showing us a wonderful time. We loved it!

We first stopped in Hiram, Ohio at the Johnson Farm. What a neat feeling there was at this site. This is where Joseph & Emma Smith lived for a short time. This is the room where revelation concerning heaven was received.

Then we hopped in the car and started driving to Palmyra, NY. On the way I saw REAL-LIFE AMISH people. That has always been a dream of mine. Oh, how I wanted to stop and have a one-on-one Barbara Walters interview with them, but there was no time.

When we got to Palmyra, we stayed 2 nights at a FANCY Motel. No Whitney didn't sleep in this drawer the whole time. But it was the perfect fit for our little dolly.



The next morning we woke up and visited the Hill Cumorah. There was such a neat feeling at this site. It is absolutely beautiful there.


We then went directly to the Sacred Grove. This is somewhere I have ALWAYS wanted to visit. It was so peaceful and beautiful. What a testimony builder it was. I am so thankful for the Faith of Joseph Smith and the restored Gospel. It was especially neat to be there with my husband and Whitney. I am so thankful for Eternal Families. Whitney was SO good at the Sacred Grove. She woke up temporarely for these pictures, and then fell right back to sleep. Such a good little girl.

Steve, Bart, Whitney and Marsha in the Smith family log cabin.

These are pictures of what the Smith Family home would have looked like. It is built on the same foundation as the original.



This is where the first 5,000 Books of Mormon were published.



Here is the Whitmer home where the first General Conference of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints was held.

On our way home, we stopped for a short while at Niagra Falls. This was my first time at the falls. Talk about a lot of water.

Blessing Day

Sunday, September 21 was a special day for our family. Bart was able to bless our sweet baby girl. He gave a beautiful blessing. There was such a nice feeling on that Sunday morning. Whitney wore a heirloom blessing gown worn by her own Great-Grandmother, Honey, & worn by her Great-great Aunt Lucy. This gown was made almost 90 years ago by Whitney's Great-Great-Great Grandmother.
Dad and daughter

The blessing gown

How cute are these little shoes?

Three generation picture, Bart, Marsha, Whitney and Steve

Whitney and her Paxton grandparents.

Our happy family

One month... Almost.

It's been almost 30 days since Whitney has made her grand arrival. I was telling Bart that it really seems we brought her home just yesterday. I can't believe how quickly time has passed. My oldest sister, Annette, jokingly asked me "So... what do you do all day?" (She has four kids.) What do I do all day? I really can't say. Before I know it.. it's 4 o'clock and I haven't even showered. I must admit.. even though I loved being a teacher... being a mom is way better. Yes, even with the sleepless nights.
Bart has a little time off from school. We are looking forward to some fun family time. His parents, Marsha and Steve, are coming to visit. We are so excited for Whitney to meet her Paxton Grandparents. Enjoy the pictures!

Thank You Katy!

Sunday was a sad day when Krista's mom, Katy, left to return to Seattle. It was so much fun to have her here. She called our apartment the "Vertical" house because of all the stairs. She bought all our groceries, did so many loads of laundry, cleaned our kitchen and bathrooms and made the most delicious BBQ chicken dinner. I miss you already, Mom! So here's a shout-out to Katy. (She DOESN'T like to be called Grandma- she's way too hip and young for that... besides, she has a 12-year-old at home.)

A three-generation picture. Katy, Krista & Whitney.

Katy and Whitney at the Dental School.. on a long tour.

This had to be the most hilarious event of the entire trip. Mom is checking Bart's teeth for cavities. Notice how GENTLE she is with his mouth. Bart's face was red for 30 minutes afterward.

Thanks again, Mom. We LOVE you!

Our Life in a Shoebox

It seems like when you have a newborn baby (maybe this is just me) your world is the home in which you live. I feel like a 'peeping Tom' when I peek out the window to see what is going on in the outside world. I feel like we are living in a shoebox. We are having fun, though. Whitney had her 10 day doctor's appointment. I felt a lot of relief when she weighed in a 7 lbs. 9 oz. and was 19 3/4 inches long. She's growing! Bart has finals next week, and sadly, my mom is leaving. We'll have to wing-it for four days. Let's see what happens!

Whitney LOVES being bathed. She is staring into space she is loving it so much.

Whitney and Krista's feet. She definitely gets her toes from Bart.

More time in the bath.

How cute. Whitney is going to be a great reader.. I can tell already.