The Palmyra temple

Another special thing about Palmyra is the Temple. It is my understanding that by the special request of President Hinckley the Sacred Grove is visible from the inside of the temple through the window that Clarine and I are standing in front of. I didn't take many photos at the sacred grove. I think I was awe struck. I included the picture I had shown before in my post on family of Amy, Sarah and me in the sacred grove. The place is absolutely sacred. If you read the words to the hymn, "Joseph Smith's First Prayer," you will find the sensations mentioned that are very tangible in the grove. Also included is a photo taken pre-pageant of our UNO game that we engaged in while we waited for the pageant to start. That photo may have been posted previously as well.

Tri-Cities, Washington

We left early on the morning of 2 July with the intent to see my brother, Paul, after his accident. As you can see in the picture of him, Carol and Clarine, He looks quite good. It is a modern day miracle that he is doing so well after having an arm and a leg crushed. We saw a lot of Paul and Carol's family as well. Cynthia and Bonnie's families were very gracious to us. Kerry even brought his Harley by and took Diane and Evelyn for a spin. Paul got us all in his pick-up and showed us around. (He moved really well for what he has been through.) On Sunday, 4 July we met Pauline and Donnie and family at Donnie's ward, attended Sacrament meeting and then went to Holly and Ryan's beautiful home where we were served a marvelous lunch as part of their family reunion. Sheree and Reed with their families were not there.Kevin and his girl friend from Heber, Utah, were there. Unfortunately, I didn't remember to get the camera out while we were with Pauline's family. As we drove to meet Pauline at Donnie's ward, we stopped at the Columbia River Temple between Kennewick and Richland. It is a lovely place. We drove home on 5 July without incident. We experienced exceptionally cool temperatures in the 70's and 80's where normal this time of year is over 100 in the day time. Tomorrow we leave for Rochester, NY to be with Amy/Tom and family. Their first grandson, Adam Samuel Russell was born while we were in Washington to Sam and Merina Russell. They also had a daughter get engaged this week. Carol who lives in Logan, is going to marry Keith Blonquist of Logan in the Palmyra temple the first of September or thereabouts.