USS Midway

Our second day in San Diego we headed over to visit the USS Midway. On our way there, we took a quick detour to see a ship under construction. This ship, the San Salvador, was being built as a replica of the first European ship that sailed into San Diego Harbor in 1542.

Just a short mile or two across the harbor, but light years away in technology, was the massive floating city, USS Midway. This aircraft carrier was the longest serving Navy aircraft carrier in the 20th century. We loved exploring the ship with the help of audio tours. Seeing all the aircraft and learning the history of the ship was fascinating.

Admiral's quarters.

Captain's quarters.

Camille as the "Boss." This is the flight deck control.

Here's a piece of equipment that hasn't changed much in 400 years.

Inside a helicopter.

Erin as a pilot.

My uncle Jack flew a plane like this in WWII. He was dating my aunt at the time and my dad remembers him flying over the house during training as a way to say "hi" to my aunt.

A ready room for one of the flight squadrons.

The ship had it's own dental and doctor's offices.

In the engine room.

I think that I do a lot of laundry and cooking, but after reading about all the work to keep thousands of Navy men fed and clothed, I feel like I have it relatively easy. Note the huge washing machines and the big vats for stew.

I already have a lot of respect for all the branches of the military, but after seeing this I must say the Navy also rocks!

Spring Break in San Diego

A few years ago (before I started blogging) we went to Nauvoo for Spring Break where it was cold. A few years after that we went to Idaho for Spring Break where it was cold  This year we went to San Diego for Spring Break. Yeah, finally Spring Break as it was meant to be with warm weather and sandy beaches! But, guess what?  It was cold.  Notice the jackets we wore and needed. But I'm not a big fan of heat, so cooler weather suits me fine and Sea World was still fun. At the end of the day it had warmed up a little and most of the crowds had left, so the water rides didn't have long lines which was a nice bonus.

Krysta had to stay home and finish up school, so that left room for my mom and dad to come along.

Kirtland

The Kirtland Temple was a highlight of our trip. The building and grounds are beautifully maintained and so peaceful. As the first temple built in modern times, it has a special significance.

Newell K. Whitney Store.

This table was the one item in the store that was believed to belong to Joseph Smith.

Joseph and Emma's room above the store.

The sawmill and ashery. The funds from these two businesses, owned by Newell K. Knight, were the main source of funding for the temple.

Learning how ash was turned into a valuable commodity was interesting. They sure were a resourceful people.

Newell K. Whitney home across from their store. The yellow paint color indicated that they were wealthy.

We were in Amish country and Curt really wanted to get a picture. I didn't want to just take a picture of some unsuspecting person. I couldn't remember if taking pictures was forbidden in their beliefs. I didn't think so, but wasn't sure. Anyway, the buggies lined up at the local Walmart was the best we could do.

John Johnson Home. This is the home where Joseph Smith was dragged out of in the middle of the night and tarred and feathered. One of his children died as a result of the exposure from the cold. When hearing this part of Church history, I'd always envisioned the home as a small log cabin.  Nothing is further from the truth. The Johnsons had a large family and were very prosperous. Their home reflects their prosperity. This home is large enough that it could be plopped down in the middle of my neighborhood and be one of the larger homes; with the large attached garage, it may even be too big!

This picture is from the internet. As surprised as I was by the size, I forgot to get a far away picture of the front of the home.

This was Joseph and Emma's room. The floor is painted like the original; remnants of what it used to look like were found in the corners. Sis. Johnson followed the latest trends in home decorating and the bold checkerboard pattern is painted on the floor. Both the paint colors and the time it would take to create it were an indication of the wealth they enjoyed.

The room where several sections of the Doctrine and Covenants were received by revelation.

This is the doorstep from which Joseph Smith preached the morning after he was tarred and feathered.

After 10 fun days it was time to go home. Here's Rachel and the belongings she wheeled across the nation and all over four states.

Barbara, our Utah chauffer and back-up live GPS, was coming to pick us up. Curbside service! She was so nice to drive us to the airport at the beginning of our trip and pick us up again and to be available with her computer when our GPS didn't make sense (seriously, New Jersey freeways are a beast!).

Yes, Krysta was well aware I was taking the picture and posed appropriately.

No matter how fun the trip, it's always good to be going home.

The End.