Utah

After our New York adventure we went back to Ohio to finish up packing and other house projects.  We were so thankful for all of the help that Keith's dad gave us. Then we made the long drive out west.  After 25 hours straight in the car we pretty much passed out in Wyoming.  After a few days of recovery we headed down to Utah for to see my family for a day or two.

 

We went bowling.

 And had some cousin time.

 We also took a quick trip to the Hillfield Air Force Base museum.

 The kiddos loved exploring and seeing the different planes and helicopters.

Niagara Falls

Sunday we drove over to Niagara Falls so that we could spend Monday exploring the beauty of that area of the country.  Keith and I snuck out for a quick walk to experience the falls at night, which is something we've never done before even though we'd been to Niagara a few times before.

 

The view was incredible and breathtaking.

 

 

 Monday we set out to see and fully experience the falls.  We started out on the view tower.

 

 Then we rode the Maid of the Mist which takes you extremely close to the falls and leaves you drenched.

 

 Our Maid of the Mist ride was interesting in that we saw a rescue of a man who tried to commit suicide from the Canadian side. 

 Kenna loved the adventure.

The beauty of the falls is absolutely astounding.  Beauty like this always reminds me of God's perfect love for us.

 These pics were taken while on the Cave of Winds tour.

 The Cave of Winds tour lets you pretty much be a part of the falls.  You can get within 10 ft of the gushing water and get drenched.  You can see Keith with his arm stretched out in this one.

 This was suppose to be a picture of Keith and I kissing under Bridal Falls but it looks like we're chest bumping, ha ha!

 We have loved all of our adventures at Niagara.  I learn something new every time I go.  For example, I guess there have been 16 dare devils who have gone over the falls in everything from jet skis to inside barrels.  Amazingly 9 of the 16 have lived, crazy!

Palmyra

On Saturday Jaxson flew home with my mom, THANK YOU MOM!  Then on Sunday Keith, Kenna and I took Keith's parents over to New York.  While in New York we visited some church history sites in Palmyra.  Palmyra is where the prophet Joseph Smith lived when he had the first vision.  For more on that go here.

 

The Hill Cumorah memorial with a statue of the angel Moroni.

 

 The whole gang.

We visited the Palmyra temple.



The replica of the Smith log home.

As much as we missed Jaxson it was fun to get to just focus on our Kennadie a little.  She had four adults wrapped around her finger.

 

Next was the Scared Grove.



 It was amazing and full of peace.

Last but not least was the print shop where the Book of Mormon was printed.

It was a day full of history, spiritual experiences, family bonding and fun.

Rolling Ridge Ranch!

The day after graduation we headed to one of our favorite places in Ohio, Amish country!  One of our favorite places there is the Rolling Ridge Ranch which is an Amish run petting zoo and has 80 acres that you ride through on a horse drawn wagon to feed and touch the animals.  It's a great experience!

Grandpa helping the kiddos pet the camel.

The animals are tame and aren't afraid to get up close and personal.

They eat right out of your bucket.

Sometimes they got a little too close for comfort for Kenna.

Luckily she had grandma there to help her.

Kennadie even got a chance to drive the wagon which she loved!

Jaxson said his favorite animals were the zebras.

Check out the horns on that guy!

Good times!

After the wagon ride we explored the petting zoo.  The baby ducks were a huge hit.

Jax was super sweet and gentle with them, Kenna on the other hand was a little too loving.

We had to give her an animal who could take her lovin' and this goat didn't seem to mind too much.

She was asking the goats where their mommies were and if she could hold them like a mommy, so cute!

We had a great time at the ranch, especially because it was Keith's parents first time.  After the ranch Keith and his parents explored Amish country more while the kids and I took my mom to the airport.  They loved their visit to the beautiful and simple life of the Amish.

GRADUATION!!!

It's still hard to believe that this day actually came! There were times that I didn't know if we were going to survive this whole experience.  School is not the easiest thing for Keith and he had to work especially hard to get here.  It was a lot of late nights, frustrations, tests, scrafices, and a whole lot of dedication.  It seriously took blood, sweat and tears (plus a whole lot of prayer) to get here! I am EXTREMELY proud of him!  Here's just few pics of his big day!

 

 

The whole class.

We were pretty far away and it was fairly dark so the pics aren't the best but it proves that it happened.

Getting hooded, which I guess it supposed to be a big deal.

Our little family afterwards.  Jaxson fell asleep during the ceremony so he was not a happy camper for pics.  Surprise, surprise!

The proud parents. 

The whole gang.  We were so happy to have Keith's parents and my mom their to help us celebrate this speical day.

Keith and Josh looking like real doctors now!

Our little family for the past year.

Kenna thought the cap was pretty fun.



Again I can't say how proud I am of this man!  He is amazing and we love him!