Neville Family Reunion 2008

I'm finally getting around to updating the blog with our family's happenings this summer. I do intend for this to be more than a semi-anual event. Our summer started with the Neville Family Reunion; attended by only 5 Neville's.......Mike, Kim, Logan, Kyler, and Gavin. After 2 years of being ready to go and then being cancelled, we decided that we were going no matter what. We wish you all could have made it with us so here is what you missed.

We started by stopping by Hershey World in Hershey Pennsylvania where the guy taking the picture clearly didn't care that we were even looking at him. We had a great time seing how chocolate was made and the kids really enjoyed a 3-D movie about Hershey. Connie may have had issues leaving the place without buying the 25lb Hershey Bar. It's huge!

Next, we stopped by the Susquehanna River and the priesthood restoration site and first homesite of Joseph and Emma Smith. We got there just at dusk which added to the spirit as we realized we were standing where the prophet had once lived. Then we made our way down to the bend in the river where Joseph and Oliver were baptized and the Priesthood was restored. It was amazingly peaceful and full of the spirit as the boys just played by the side of the river and Kim and I talked about what it must have been like to have been there.

The next day we made it to Fayette (Peter Whitmer home where first church meeting was held) and Palmyra and joined the throngs of members gathering for the final performance of the Pageant. Even though it was really hot and humid, it was really cool to actually see the Smith Log Home and just wander around the Sacred Grove. The Pageant was super impressive. We topped it off with a visit to Niagara Falls where we braved the boat ride right into the falls. It was a lot of fun and we hope to do it again when the boys get older.

Peter Whitmer Home

Smith Log Home

Gavin just hangin out in the Sacred Grove

Gavin really enjoyed wandering around the Grove

The boys in the Sacred Grove

It was a long day for the boys, as seen on Logan's face, but they were troopers.

Family shot at the Pageant.

Kyler taking in the immense power of Niagara Falls

Logan and Kyler getting ready for the plunge into the Falls

A wet family. Notice Kyler still trying to give the "thumbs up"