Michael's New Pet

Well, we added a new member to the family! Michael decided it was time to get a second pet, so Biscuit would have some company. So we got a fish! Michael named him Harry (after Harry Potter, of course)! As uaual, if one is good, a dozen would be better...Michael is already planning to get another fish, as Harry seems lonely. Michael also has informed Ooma that when we move out, we are going to get a gerbil, too! That will complete the Benson Farm! I guess I can't really say anything; he definitely got his love of animals from me! I think we should get a cat and Biscuit agrees. What do you think?! Until next time...

Our Hill Cumorah Pageant Trip

Last Friday, Michael, Bri, Ooma, and I left for upper state New York. It was a LONG drive up, as MapQuest sent us on the scenic route, literally! The advantage was that we were able to see some of the most beautiful country that I have ever seen. Michael and Bri couldn't tell you about much of the scenery, as they were too busy watching their DVDs or playing their gameboys...technology; sometimes it gets in the way of living.

The first picture is at the pageant on Saturday night. It poured rain just before the performance but let up as the pageant started. It only misted a little during the show and by the end, there was literally a section of sky just above Hill Cumorah with the stars showing, but clouds everywhere else. It was awesome to see!

The second picture was in the Sacred Grove behind the Smith farm. Michael and Bri seemed to enjoy going around the farm seeing the log home where Joseph lived as a young man. We also were able to see the Palmyra temple, as it was located just down the road from the Smith farm.

It was a trip that we will never forget! In more ways than one! The drive home did not take as long, thank goodness! The boys were, well, they were boys! They played and argued and acted more like brothers than cousins! There were a few times that Michael almost got dropped off in Pennsylvania to live with the Amish! We were all glad to see the North Carolina state line!

Old Salem

Michael and I went to Old Salem in Winston-Salem, NC on Friday. We had a great time and Michael enjoyed seeing how people lived long ago. His favorite was the "neccesary" (outhouse) which you can see in the first picture! He was extremely concerned about spiders and snakes crawling out of the hole! We both decided we were glad we live now, with flushing toilets!

Michael got to play "dress-up" in clothes from the past and try out a child's bed. He was also glad he has a mattress and air conditioning! In the center of Old Salem is a water pump which Michael loved drinking from. It was a HOT day (93+ degrees & humid) so the water was a nice treat!

Until next time...