Who would have guessed that Jug and I would have been greeted by scenery like this when we arrived in Syracuse, New York? We were definately pleasantly surprised at the very picturesque drive we had as we made our way to Cooperstown, New York where Reed was playing baseball with his team the "Salem Hawks".
Cooperstown Dreams Park hosts a week long baseball tournament for 98 teams from all over the country every week of the summer!!
Reed played great baseball, leading his team in batting with a .650 average for the tournament!
He managed to squeeze in a double in every game but one!
And made great efforts defensively as well...
...even despite the size difference! (Who knew there were so many 12 year olds who were already shaving and had deeper voices than Jug?!)
He even managed to find a little time for fishing!
We visited Doubleday Field...where they believe the first organized game of baseball was played in 1839...in a cow pasture owned by Abner Doubleday.
As well as the Baseball Hall of Fame.
And enjoyed a piece of authentic New York "Pie"!
After the baseball tournament finished up, we left Cooperstown and traveled 2 hours west to visit the Church History sites in Fayette and Palmyra.
Starting with the Peter Whitmer Farm where the church was organized in 1830.
We then went to the Palmyra temple where Reed and I did baptisms for the dead with Jug baptizing us! (That was a very neat experience!)
The Palmyra Temple sits on Joseph Smith Sr.'s original 100 acre farm.
We also visited the Hill Cumorah, the Martin Harris Farm, and the Grandin Building where the first Book of Mormon was printed.
But, without question, our highlight of the trip was visiting the home where Joseph Smith lived when he questioned what was the "true" church...
and following his steps as we went into the sacred grove where he received his divine answer.
Despite all the heartache and effort of whether to make this trip, having this experience etched in my memory for life...is priceless! And in telling Reed he is one lucky kid, as I frequently did on this trip, Jug and I realized we are one lucky set of parents! We love you Reed!
7 comments:
Wonderful photos! What sweet memories. It looks so picturesque.
~Leisa
Great Photos! I'm glad you guys were able to go to NY. They will be great memories for you guys and Reed. You are lucky to have Reed but he is also lucky to have you guys for parents. GREAT JOB!!!!!!
What a fantastic trip. An experience of a lifetime on so many levels. Thanks for posting the pictures.....I love seeing them, especially the one of Reed and Jug headed into the grove. To think that Joseph was only a little older than Reed when he was there. Very special for all of you.
Wow. What an amazing vacation. I'm sure it will be etched in everyone's memory forever. Glad you could go. Way to go Reed on your baseball. Now, onto football and conquering junior high, right?
What a great trip...remember when I told you you should totally go?! Reed is sure cute...can't believe he's so grown up!
You are the man Reed!! And you have some pretty great parents!!! Don't ever ever forget that, love you all.
So excited that you had the chance to go to the church history spots. The photos were great, especially Jug and Reed walking in the grove! Now you know why we loved it back there as well. Congrats to Reed on his outstanding baseball experience.
Mom
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