Alright. So I saw that Tess hadn't posted anything in a little while, and I thought I'd throw something up on this here blog-thing. Yesterday we went to Publix (a large grocery store chain) to pick up a few things, and we were walking around checking out the bakery (mmmm...flavored breads...) and an elderly gentleman tapped me on the shoulder and said "Young man, you have a very nice-looking family" and I said, "Thank you, sir" and he went on his way.
It reminded me how grateful I am to have my family here with me. I would be lost without Tess and Addi. There is nothing like coming home every evening after a long day of course work to Addi running up to me and saying, "Daddy! Ugs [hugs]!" and wrapping her little arms around my neck! Tess won't tell you this, but she has been getting better as a cook and home-maker every day and makes our home a great place to come home to. I love her so much! Our little family has grown in so many awesome ways since we've been here on our own, and I know it's because we're all we've got.
We also love the ward and the stake here. We got invited over to the Stake President's home (which was beautiful!) for the Sunday Afternoon session of General Conference. Where does that happen? He and his family were so kind to us and we're so lucky to be in a place where members really reach out to you and make you feel at home.
Anyway, I've rambled on for too long. But I'm so grateful to be here at Rollins. The staff/faculty are amazing. I have so many more opportunities to get involved and experience amazing things than I would anywhere else. My family is amazing, and I love them more than ever. And...I think that about does it. Thanks for everything, you guys! Feel free to call anytime if you think we're neglecting you. I promise it's not on purpose!
Love you all,
Jake
This is the house that Alvin Smith built for his mom and he died when it was just about finished and made Joseph and his brothers promise to finish it. The neat thing about this house is that it is more than 80 percent the actual house. Where the smaller Smith home and the Whitmer's home are both just replicas.
This is the hearth of the fire place that Joseph Smith hid the Gold plates under for a while.
This is the Peter Whitmer Farm, one of our favorite sites. It was where the Prophet Joseph Smith translated a lot of the Book of Mormon; and also where the church was organized.
This is the only church house that has been dedicated by a prophet. It is one of the most beautiful LDS churches that I have ever seen.
My Husband the goof ball (model)!!
When we got ready to go on the "Maid of the Mist" they gave us some ponchos so we wouldn't get wet. Addi loved her poncho! When we got off of the boat she wouldn't even let us take hers off.
The "Maid of the Mist" was so neat they take you heading into the falls full speed until the boat pretty much stalls out by the power of the falls and then you head back out. Jake took this video when we were right in the middle of the big horseshoe.
