Boys Meet Mom's Mission...

 It was a long awaited moment... I finally had the opportunity to introduce my Rascals to My Mission.  Russ and Ann Judkins were kind enough to allow us to stay in their home.  Having raised seven sons of their own I was hoping there wasn't much our three could shock them with, but I think I was a bit optimistic.  But they were the kind and gracious hosts, as always, and made us feel like family the moment we walked in the door.  It was also Easter weekend, so the boys were relieved the Bunny was able to deliver their baskets to Buffalo Street in Warsaw, New York.

The Bunny brought Super Soaker water guns...

...and puppy slippers along with a basket full of treats.

Along with celebrating Easter, we were able to take the boys to see the Church Historical Sites in Palymra.

The Grandin Building on Main Street, Palmyra, site of the
first printing of the Book of Mormon

The Palmyra Temple

In the Sacred Grove

Inside the Hill Cumorah Visitors Center

On top of The Hill Cumorah
on a very windy day

The next day we were able to travel to see our Amish friends out in Lancaster County.  We spent a couple of hours at the Amish Toymakers shop.  One of our funnest memories was one of the white-haired Grandpa's showing us how the horse swing worked.  The boys were taking turns trying it out when he jumped up and said you really hadn't ridden the horse unless you'd ridden it high enough to hit your head on the ceiling.  Then he proceeded to show us how it's done!  Oh, to have a video of this Amish Grandpa going full speed on this horse swing with his white beard blowing behind him as he was swinging so high until he did literally hit his head on the ceiling.  Then he insisted Scott keep swinging until he did the same. 

A visit to see the Amish always reminds me of the important things in life.  These people are so happy.  They are so friendly and love to visit.  They live such simple lives and aren't weighed down with so many "things." To see the beautiful children in the school yard and to know they've never been exposed to television, music, movies, or anything other than their family, religion, community, and nature.  There is so much beauty in simplicity.

All that car time can make one a bit looney.

 Geneseo has a war plane museum that kept the gang interested for entire afternoon.  It was really unique in that we were allowed to get inside many of them and the boys (especially one really big boy) loved it.  Our tour guide was a twelve year old man young man who really knew his stuff!  He was definitely passionate about flying and it was inspiring to see someone that young so knowledgeable and so excited about his future career.  He was excited to be able to talk to Scott, too.

Although we visited a lot of fun and significant places, I think the boys will remember Ann letting them feed the goldfish each night and taking Mokie (the dog) on a walk each morning more than anything else.  They absolutely LOVED Mokie and made sure to buy a toy for him to send to at Christmas time.  Hopefully when they get older and learn more about Joseph Smith's First Vision, the Hill Cumorah, and the printing of the Book of Mormon, they will remember their visit and it will mean more to them.  But for now, I think the goldfish and Mokie are in first place.