March 7th finds us headed to Palmyra, New York. Spring hasn't really come to New York yet, but we are glad to be here. When we drive up to the temple, it's gates are locked. A lovely sister on a bike rides up and opens the gates and says to us, "Welcome to the temple and we'll see you this evening when the temple is open." We have no plans at this point in the day of being here that night. We stop to visit Elder and Sister Shumway who live next to the temple grounds. They were in the MTC with us and are serving a temple mission here.  It turns out that Phil's parents will not be able to put us up tonight so our itinerary has a hiccup!!!  We go back to the Shumway's and they invite us to spend the night with them and to come do a session at the temple. It turns out that the sister that unlocked the gates to the temple is the temple matron! She and her husband know our temple President and Matron up in Halifax. We find our temple clothes in our car and spend the day touring. It's been a long time since we have been to the sacred grove probably since shortly after our marriage.

Mar 7th, 2012- Palmyra New York Temple

Eating area inside the Joseph Smith family home that has been restored.

The awe inspiring Sacred Grove.

It may not be spring, but a special spirit is here no matter the season. There is even wooden benches where you can stop and meditate and contemplate your relationship with God and his children

The Visitors Center- wonderful missionaries, seniors and sisters

The Angel Moroni statue atop the Hill Cumorah- site of the Hill Cumorah pageant each year. We call our children and bear testimony that God hears and answers prayers- ours, theirs and the Prophet Joseph Smith!

Hill Cumorah Visitors Center- March 7th, 2012

All the stained glass windows of the temple are of trees to represent the Sacred grove. It is so very lovely to see at night all lite up.