West Point Academy

A few weeks after we arrived, all the missionaries took our prep day and caught a bus for the US Military Academy at West Point, NY. We had a Lieutenant Colonel meet us for a private, guided tour. We felt we were on sacred ground. Remembering the past - the sacrifice that so many have made, the current army cadets that are devoting their lives to protecting our freedom - made the day extra meaningful. Plus bonus - it was fall, I hadn't realized how New York is a huge part of the fall foliage of the east. Beautiful!

The white house is the Commandant's house

A few fun facts:

Railroad goes right under campus

• Since 1778 there have always been troops stationed here. It's the oldest garrison in the US.
• Benedict Arnold was West Point Garrison commander, and systematically helped make plans that weakened it's defenses against the British 😞
• A huge chain was forged to go across the Hudson River at the big "S" curve, to stop British ships. The chain was never needed. ("World's End" - Dutch ships lost 7 ships on this curve many years previously.)
• Colors of West Point - Black, gray, gold. Traditionally to represent colors of gun powder
• The Plain - huge field in the middle of campus. Sacred ground. Where George Washington set up his tents. 1890 - first army/navy game. You don't walk on it except for special occasions.

Chain was never needed

Look at the size of those links! (Sister Schoenberger, Sister Tan, Don, Sister Stone)

Lieutenant Colonel Fuhriman, our guide, in front of the Plain

And the caisson's go rolling along

Eisenhower

Cannons all over - kept from every war

The great "S" Curve of the Hudson.

Sister Goodier - Military Relations Missionary

Flags from every state. Couldn't find Colorado - too big a space to hunt!

GINORMOUS dining hall. Acres!

Art all over the place - also GINORMOUS.

Finishing fall 2018 - Joycie

I can't continue into 2019 until I finish up some life-changing events from fall 2018. The week after we got to NYC to start our mission, my darling mother, Joyce Mower Kelly, passed away, after many years of struggling with dementia, broken bones, macular degeneration, and mainly, missing my dad. We flew to Denver, where we met our son, Tom, rented a car, and drove over the Rocky Mountains to Grand Junction. All of Mom's grandkids were there, what an honor and respect they showed to her. Family is amazing, and the weekend was full of love, laughter, watching football, wonderful food, hugs, reminiscing, and good times. Our other son, Craig, joined us for the drive back to Denver - hairy snowy a bit - and lots of good Ray Stevens and the "Haircut Song". 

Unaweep Canyon

My parents were such wonderful examples of a good marriage, showing love to family, patriotism. She was buried in the Veteran's Cemetery, where we'd buried Dad just a couple of years ago. Love you, Mom. Miss you, and so blessed to know that we'll be together again.

Always up for fun

September 10, 1947

My cute siblings - Tom, Kathy, Vicki, Camille, Steve

All 19 Kelly cousins. Look at those beautiful teeth! 😃 Love those kids...um...adults

All the Mower cousins together - first time ever

Our fam - Tom, Kelly Don, Megan, Craig, Kathy

Now how do you tie this??

Now for some fun times at Camille's & Brad's