palmyra.

On our way home from Canada, we made an unexpected stop in Palmyra, NY. After learning so much about this place and all that happened here..the beginning of the LDS church..it felt like the history had left a permanent imprint. It was sort of bizarre to imagine the time and the people. It was almost like you were reaching into the past. It sounds cheesy, but surely other people feel this way at historical or spiritual landmarks.

We had the opportunity to see this old printing press. Something about it is so endearing:

 We also visited the Smith farm. This is a view of the path to the Sacred Grove from a replica of the original Smith home:

 Our tour guide, Zara & Jonas:

 The second Smith home on the farm. 85% original:

 Palmyra is a very peaceful place, but especially the Smith farm.

 The Sacred Grove:

Even with the paths, the grove and farm felt untouched. The wildlife didn't even seem to mind us. It's serene. Sort of like a little paradise. Enchanting..

montreal.

Montreal was everything I hoped it would be. It has great culture, food, architecture and plenty of fun stuff for me to do with my family.

Jonas randomly found this great ramen place while we tried to find a place to park. They were so gracious and gave us a table in the back where no one was seated during lunch. This child of mine had a blast with the chopsticks. & she actually loved the ramen:::

Mont- Royal was dreamy..

When Z was finished with the piano, a couple different people played some lovely pieces..

So we found a dead butterfly. With the wind blowing, it looked alive. So Zara took care of it on her blanket until she left it on the piano and said "bye"..

These officers were like celebrities to everyone in the park. They let Z pet one of the horses & then she made me chase them with her as she yelled out "neigh neigh"::

Patati Patata = delicious..

Can you see her crying..

Montreal at night::

When your toddler makes you switch cones. La Diperie..

Parc Olympique..

We spent some time at the Biodome. They have animals and plants from 4 different ecosystems. I knew Zara would love it, she obsessed over the animals..

Maybe there were Truman Show jokes over this..

We also spent time at my kind of place- an insectarium and botanical garden..

I have a bonsai trip obsession. They had so many gorgeous trees! I think the oldest one I found was 275 years. Crazy..

When the toddler sleeps, you get your last meal in the city to go. Olive et gourmando is was so good but we made jokes the rest of the trip about how expensive it was for sandwiches..

The walk ups. I want one..

It took so long to find an ATM so we could buy these bagels. We just couldn't leave without them..