Road Trip

Last week Mark had an interview for a federal clerkship in Bay City, Michigan.  The cheapest way to get there would be for him to drive, so we decided to make a family vacation out of it.  We could've driven north and gone through Canada to make the drive shorter, but with Canon that would be a big hassle since he really doesn't have any ID to get through customs.  So, we decided to go visit Mark's uncle in Ohio instead.  It only added a couple hours to the total drive, and I got to hang out at his house while Mark drove the rest of the way for his interview.

Here are some highlights from the trip:

The long drive there was really hard on Canon.  He skipped his afternoon nap and got really fussy in the car.  At about 8pm he just crashed.  I was trying to prop his head up with the monkey (like a pillow) so that he wouldn't get a sore neck.  After being soooo fussy, I thought that his sleeping was extra cute!

Canon loved playing around in the "wide open spaces" of a new house.  So much to explore!

We went with Uncle Andy and cousins Erica and Trevar to see their old neighborhood and where Andy works, and then to run some errands.  Erica got to sit by the baby, and he really loved the attention.

  

We found this fun raccoon hat with all their toys... need I say more?

  

We all got to meet their goats and watch how the family feeds, milks, and otherwise takes care of them.  It was fun in the barn!

I got to help milk 2 of the goats.  It was a bit trickier than I expected... but pretty fun too.  After I finished, Oreo kicked the container and spilled about half of what we just got out of her.  I felt so bad because I figured it was my fault.  At least she didn't step IN the milk, but still!  *sighs

Canon did enjoy the goats, but this video doesn't quite do it justice.

Friday night we went to watch Trevar play in the marching band at the high school football game.  (Go, Trevar!!) Erica really liked playing with the baby while we were there, but I could tell that Canon was getting super tired.  I made them all leave the game early so I could put Canon to bed.  It was fun while it lasted though! Mark wasn't too thrilled about missing the last quarter.  I think he was getting into the game. :)

On Saturday we drove out to Kirtland, OH to see the Church History sites.  We went to the visitors' center and watched the totally awesome movie about the early saints in the area.  We toured the N.K. Whitney General Store, the Whitney Home, the Saw Mill and the Ashery, the Kirtland Temple owned by the Community of Christ and their visitors' center, and then finally the John Johnson Farm.  I have to say that I really enjoyed the LDS sites more than the Community of Christ sites, but I tribute that to the Spirit that you feel.  The LDS sites all have missionaries baring their testimonies, and you really get a feel for the sacred nature of the site.  Touring the Kirtland Temple was really cool, but everything seemed too fact-based.  They really didn't focus on the sacred nature of the events that took place or testify of their beliefs.  However, it was very organized and the tour guides were very nice people.

Here are some pictures from Kirtland, OH.

      

 

Canon fell asleep during the video they show before touring the Kirtland Temple.  His nap was way overdue, so I was glad.  He slept in Mark's arms all the way through the temple and into the last room, the inner court.  It was there that Mark said his arms were shaking and he needed to hand him over to me.  Well, the transfer woke him up, but at least he was a happy baby.

  

We then drove to the John Johnson Farm.  It was really nice to tour that old home too.  Check out the feather painting she had done on the doors and other woodwork throughout the house.  Pretty cool, huh?

By the end, Canon was getting pretty restless.  He was happy, yet pretty loud and distracting while the missionaries were trying to share their testimonies.  Mark said that the elder who spoke there at the end bore a really nice testimony.  Honestly, I didn't notice a word he said because I was trying to not be embarrassed by the rowdy pre-toddler. *blushes

But we got a family portrait in front on the very step where Joseph Smith, Jr. preached after he was tarred and feathered. Mark's grandparents served a mission being tour guides of this very house.  So, Grandma and Grandpa Smith, this one's for you!

We left to come back home on Sunday.  It was a very fun little vacation, and we were so grateful to Uncle Andy and Aunt Cindy for welcoming us into their home for a few days.  It was so fun to see their home and animals.  It was great to see you guys!  Let's hope it won't be too long before we see them again!

Andy and Cindy 

  Trevar

 

We can't forget Belle, the first animal that Canon actually warmed-up to.  She was a fun little dog.

Thanks for everything!  We love you!  (Sorry, there isn't a good picture of Erica... but I did get her in a couple videos.) 

P.S. We found out this afternoon that Mark did not get the job in  Bay City, Michigan.  Oh well!  It was still worth it!