The Trek West~

There are two stories to our move. 

The one where the kids and I fly home~

...and the other where my husband, in-laws, jeep/trailer/Uhaul, and all of our belongings trek across Canada and the United States, covering almost 4,000 miles.

From point A to point B it is almost the farthest you can drive on the North American Continents. 

We were beyond lucky to have the help we did! I am grateful for this sacrifices that were made to get us home!

They hit the road as soon as they could, and made great time each day getting across the border and home to the USA! 

In New York they stopped to see a few church sites. Justin has a mission friend named Greyson who now lives in New York. They were able to meet up, and Greyson gave them the tour of the town. 

Palmyra and Hill Cumorah

They spent the day together touring and enjoying the church sites. Greyson took them to a divinely delicious burger joint for lunch where they were served up a heart attack and loved every bite! :) Later they were able to spend the night at Greyson's home before hitting the road again in the morning. Justin said it was so awesome being with Greyson again, but he had to laugh when he saw that Greyson had set up a tent in the backyard for the two of them to sleep so they could have plenty of time to catch up. Turns out Greyson snores like a bear, and no one can escape him. ;) When Justin could no longer take his tent partner's snoring he found a cosy spot on the couch inside, only to be followed shortly by the snorer himself because he was cold out on the lawn. 

Good ol Greyson~ Always good for a snore. ;)

Palmyra Temple and The Sacred Grove

Joseph Smith's home and the Smith Farm~

Where the angel Moroni visited Joseph~

Justin loves church history, and it is always interesting and fun to see the things you have read about.

Such a wonderful day to be together.

The Sacred Grove is such a quiet, peaceful, beautiful, special place. 

A place you could stay and ponder for hours.

The church sites were a great way to break up the trip and give these weary travelers a rest from the road. Although I know these three were loving their undivided time together, I am guessing they felt more like this~

The road traveled on leading them to Ohio, where they stopped to tour around the temple grounds, Johnson farm, and a little bit of Amish country. They weren't aware that they had "Mormon" plastered on their foreheads until passerby's started shouting out, "We hate the Mormons!" Gotta love Ohio~!!

They stopped for some good home cooking in Amish Country. Probably one of the few places you can watch a horse and buggy drive down main street while you eat your lunch. Ohio's got it all!

On the road again and suddenly the mid west turns into a nerve racking adventure. 

Before they knew it there was wind and rain like they'd never seen. The skies were dark purple and the weather alerts were blowing up the radio. The storm warnings were in effect for the very mile markers they were traveling into. 

Justin can add 'storm and tornado chaser' to his resume if dentistry doesn't work out. 

Crazy storms!

Wyoming to Utah was the most painful part of the drive. 

So close, yet still so far...

They drove up hill against the wind for most of Wyoming guzzling gas, and testing their patience. 

Finally when they saw the sign in Utah it must have seemed like the heavens parted and they heard the angels sing. ;0 

After many miles, they were happy to make it home!

On our end it had been a week since we had seen our husband and dad. We were ready to be with each other again and so happy to be reunited. 

The kids had all sorts of stories to tell, along with letters and gifts to give their dad. 

As soon as Justin made it home safe and sound we were able to fully let our time here in Utah begin.