The Birthplace of Mormonism - Palmyra, NY
Our wayward travelers decided to explore Palmyra, NY, the place where the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints was founded. Back in 1820 a young Joseph Smith prayed to God for wisdom to choose the correct religion. While walking in a wooded area (the Sacred Grove) near the family log cabin God and Jesus appeared to him and told him to wait, that none of the local religions were what he should choose, and the true path would be shown him. Three years later "Moroni", a heavenly messenger, appeared to Smith in the upstairs of the cabin and directed him to the Hill Cumorah nearby where gold plates were hidden. The next day Joseph found the plates which contained the Book of Mormon, and he spent many years translating the plates from ancient Hebrew to English. The Book was later published in Palmyra. This was the beginning of the Mormon Church.
The Visistors Center, located in front of Hill Cumorah. Beautiful inside, with lots of information on the new religion.
The statue of Moroni, located near the summit of Hill Cumora. The names of all the witnesses who observed the gold plates are written on the base.
View from the top of Hill Cumorah. The annual Hill Cumorah Pageant is held right here.
The Smith family cabin where Moroni appeared to Joseph Smith. The Sacred Grove is seen in the background.
A Trip to the Buffalo Zoo
Bill, Jane, Nick, Ellen and Eli spent an afternoon at the Buffalo Zoo which is located in Delaware Park, a short walk from Greg's house. It is an outstanding zoo which Buffalo is very proud of.
Jane, Nick and Eli near the main entrance.
Grandpa and Eli checking out a mini-cow.
This polar bear was rescued by Al Gore from a melting iceberg.
Huge brown bear smiles for the camera - trying to lure humans into his living area.
Rhino in his bathtub.
Nick and Eli near the zebra area.
BBQ in Honeoye Falls
Bill's sister Madonna and her husband John had a mid-summer bash at their home in Honeoye Falls, NY. Fresh sweet corn, delicious desserts - ooh it's sooo gooood!
Front row - Dad and Mom Lefort, Madonna. Back row - John, Nick, Jane, Mike, Hugh, Mary Ellen and Megan.
A Trip to the New York State Fair
Bill and Jane teamed up with Greg and Tracey for a trip to Syracuse and the State Fair. A sure sign of the end of summer and back to school time.
The Little German Juggler Guy, an old friend from past vacations, performed in front of a packed sidewalk.
Pig races - here Dolly Porker edges out Barack Ohama.
Butter sculpture in the Dairy Building.
Tracey poses with ice cream - life is good!
Greg and Tracey in front of the sand sculpture - it is a tribute to the victims of 911 and features the recently christened SS New York built from steel recovered from the World Trade Center ruins.
New Cell Tower Constructed in Elaine Dougan's Backyard
After years of study, meetings, permits and discussion, a new Verizon tower was finally built on land behind Mom Dougan's home.
The last section of the tower put in place by workers utilizing a large crane.
Buffalo Bills Home Opener vs. Tampa Bay Bucs
Another sign of autumn - football at Ralph Wilson Stadium. Bill got a ticket from Greg who was busy on a cruise in the Carribean. A beautiful day for tailgating and a huge Bill's victory! At this posting the Bill's are 3-4 and clawing for a playoff spot.
Brad and his friend Kevin who coaches soccer at Buffalo State.
Jon and cousin Jeff prepare to be the 12th man at home opener.
A Boating Cruise on Canandaigua Lake
Brad and his friend Kevin who coaches soccer at Buffalo State.
Jon and cousin Jeff prepare to be the 12th man at home opener.
A Boating Cruise on Canandaigua Lake
Bill and Jane were invited on a boat trip to see beautiful Canandaigua Lake. The glacier that cut out this lake in the Ice Age was quite an artist!
The boat as it departs Canandaigua harbor.
Danny Wegman's house as seen from the water - parking for only six boats.
Four Generation Photos
Nick and Ellen travelled to Strykersville to visit the great-grandparents and get some four generation photos.
Eli looks pretty bored.
Four generations of Lefort's.
Senior Day at Brockport College Soccer
Brockport College Soccer is nearing the end of another great season, going 7-2 in the SUNYAC and 9-4-2 overall. Bill and Jane have followed the team around New York State to support the Golden Eagles. There are two seniors graduating and they were recognized at the final home game. Brockport has qualified for the SUNYAC Final Four to be held at Plattsburg College in early November.
Headcoach Gary Lapietra, Steve Abgarian, Brad and coach Mike Domm
Brad, Jane and Bill - proud parents on Senior Day
The team prepares to take on the Buffalo State Bengals.
Eli Makes First Trip to Potsdam, NY
Eli, Nick and Ellen visited Grandma Dougan for photos and a great meal.
Eli still looks bored.
Nick, Grandma "D", Eli, Jane and Abbey
That's all for now - Bill and Jane plan on traveling to Branson, Missouri once the soccer season is over. Stay tuned for future adventures!
