Our fabulous vacation

There are so many things about our vacation to upstate New York that I don't want to forget.
The list could go on and on, but here are ten highlights/thoughts about our trip:

1. We honestly have such good kids. They are truly just fun to be around and while having all six of us (seven including my large stomach and the sweet baby causing the largeness) sharing a hotel room for four nights was close quarters, it was just happy and fun and perfect.
2. Jacob and I were determined to have a relaxing vacation, rather than one when we ran from thing to thing to try to fit everything in. We actually spent three full days in Palmyra and not only had plenty of time to spend at each of the Church history sites, we also had time to relax and swim and just be together. It was really, really nice. The last day we spent hiking and seeing the waterfalls and then drove home, getting here in time for dinner. So fabulous.
3. Jacob is a tremendous dad. Honestly, just amazing. The way he flipped between helping the kids understand the significance of each of the sites and feel the Spirit, to hiking and swimming and playing was extremely sweet for me to watch.
4. Pride goeth before the fall. I already knew this one, but didn't know it applied to photo taking. I had taken less than 500 photos before our last day. For those of you who are shocked, that is a very small amount for me on a family vacation. I was feeling pretty proud of myself. Then we got on the hike and my word, it was absolutely incredible and I just couldn't quit snapping photos. I ended up with 764 pictures. Yikes! But I would like to receive credit for the fact that I went through them all until I was down to 72. Seriously people, if you thought I just put up a lot of photos on this here blog, think of what it could have been. You are welcome.
5. Jacob and I could talk for twelve hours straight and still not run out of things to say to each other. Honestly, we talked constantly both there and back and in between. I'm a fan of that guy and loved having him just to us for five straight days. Heaven.
6. I don't know how people eat out on a regular basis. By the third day, when Jacob asked me where I wanted to go for dinner I replied, "Just anywhere I can get a plate of vegetables. Please." I'm definitely not saying I am a perfectly nutritious eater, I'm just saying I am not a fan of eating out constantly. Blech.
7. Our kids make me laugh. They are growing up so much and being with them feels like being with close friends. I don't know how I hit the jackpot four times in a row (and you'd better believe I'm planning on five times), but I did. I love being their mom!
8. The Church history sites in Palmyra have a feeling about them that touches me beyond what I thought possible. I loved sharing that as a family and truly felt like I didn't want to leave. Love the places, love the stories, love the missionaries that serve there, love it all. Anyone considering a vacation there, go now. You will not regret it.
9. We decided this year to go before the Hill Cumorah Pageant and beat the crowds. With the drive less than six hours from our home, we decided to focus on the sites this year and go back in a couple of years to actually see the pageant. I'm so glad we did it that way the first time, as it was perfect for us.
10. Before our trip, Jacob assigned each of the kids a Family Home Evening lesson about one of the four places we would visit. I don't have words for the sweetness of watching them give their lessons and the incredible job they did and the Spirit they brought to our family. I was blown away by their preparations and presentations. Have I mentioned how much I love my kids?

This vacation will be, without question, one of our favorite memories ever.

I am so grateful.