The drive back from New York back to Omaha was lengthy. Unsurprisingly. It is, after all, 1300 miles. In retrospect, the kids and I had an easier time driving home with my Dad than my poor sister had flying back with her youngsters and my Mom. Between cancelled flights and unexpected delays, their return trip was pretty darn miserable. Ours may have taken longer, but I dare say we had substantially more fun. I guess next time we'll have to invest in the fifteen passenger van so we can all drive back together.
Our first stop on the way home was the Whitmer Farm in Fayette, New York. Back in 1830, the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints was officially organized in the Whitmer's log home. There were six members.
Since then, church membership has grown to over 16 million. It was pretty astonishing to see multiple tour buses pulling up to this obscure farmland, just to commemorate this special place.
After the Whitmer Farm, we continued on to the Kirtland Temple. Dazzlingly white, the temple's brilliance seems reminiscent of the remarkable enlightenment witnessed here in years past.
We spent the night in the cute little town of Munster, Indiana before continuing on to Chicago the next morning.
In winter, the Windy City can be miserable. On days like this, it's hard to imagine why anyone would live anywhere else.
Only thing missing was Uncle Lance (who happened to be traveling for work.)
Fortunately for us, Aunt Christy still has Chicago connections. We were able to use her library card to check out a free pass to the Shedd Aquarium. I ❤ Public Libraries!
The aquarium was fantastic, living up to its lofty reputation. While we specifically came to see the dolphins, the beluga whales intrigued us most. Very social, they love swimming right up to the glass. Plus, who wouldn't love a beluga baby.
More aquatic adventures with Annika and Eli.
Pausing for a Dippin' Dots break.
Delighted Hamilton junkies.
Why do you write like you're running out of time?
Next step is to see the musical.
So long, beautiful Chicago.
May your days continue to be beautiful and bright, at least when we pass through again.
2 comments:
Chicago will always be a special city for our family. I recall our Chicago years' as being filled with growth, advancement, discovery, intense learning and seizing sensible opportunities. It truly is "the city with broad shoulders." It is strong, vibrant, tough and welcoming to those who truly work hard, strive to become self reliant, and try hard.
Looking back, I'm so pleased we coupled some church history sites into our return trip drives. Last year we had spiritual experiences at the Priesthood Restoration (Harmony, PA) and Palmyra, NY sites . This year our Sunday drive included Fayette, NY and Kirtland, OH. Anchoring our faith filled memories within a real historical context matters. I look forward to the 200th anniversary of "the First Vision" celebration that will occur in conjunction with General Conference next April.
Fun trip! So my kids and I were listening to some books about Burr recently and they were like, "oh my gosh mom, you would have voted for him." 😬😬😬 Turns out he did stand for things, like the end of the slavery and woman's rights. So now I still love the musical but maybe just a little less then I originally did 🤦♀️
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