Monday, May 4, 2009

John's Ohio Birthday Trip

I like to surprise John on his birthday every couple of years with a 3 or 4-day trip. My ideal would be tropical, beach, pool, massage... his favorite trips are American or Church History! I decided it was time for me to return to Cleveland, Ohio where I served an 18-month mission 22 years ago and John would get to visit Kirtland. First stop... Rock and Roll Hall of Fame Museum where we spent several hours, believe it or not.

We drove through 3 of the 4 areas where I served and even found all of the places I lived as a missionary. One of my favorite areas was in a small town called Wellington where we visited with Karen and Ed Young, wonderful Catholic friends I've kept in touch with all these years.


We spent a day in Amish territory enjoying the countryside, shopping, simple and quiet life of these humble, religious people. And... good thing I LOVE cheese! We visited an Amish cheese factory called "Heini's" and sampled 50 different types of cheese (no exaggeration). They also had 10 kinds of fudge and 8 cream cheese spreads we tasted with pretzels. Couldn't have enjoyed a happier day... (as I waddled out of the factory).


The countryside, scenery and farm houses were beautiful... and the Inn and Bed & Breakfast where we stayed were fabulous!

Our last day and a half was spent touring all of the Kirtland sites; John Johnson farm, Isaac Morley farm, Newell K. Whitney store, sawmill, ashery, Joseph & Emma Smith home, Kirtland Temple. John truly was in church history heaven and couldn't have been happier with the trip, especially ending on such a spiritual and uplifting note...

I'm already starting to plan John's next birthday trip...

5 comments:

Jennifer said...

I'm glad you had such a great time. Now I can add another "place I need to visit" to my list. Happy belated b-day John!

Misty said...

I love your farm picture. I want to lay in that grass and read a book :)

The Huntsville Dunns said...

Alicia you are such a good wife! John is lucky to have you.....btw, your ideal trip sounds a lot like mine! We should do a girls trip!

Heather said...

You are a good wife...no massage but hey, you got to taste Amish cheese! I love the pictures! The farm is beautiful!

Tralar said...

How Fun! I miss the mission field..loved seeing the picture with the Youngs, what great people they are. I'll bet you loved seeing all of these places once again. I've been twice with my sister Diane, but still have yet to take Matt. Maybe your post will inspire him!