From Ellis Island to California, with Utah in between

Murray City has a Freedom Field. Every September they put flags up for all those who were killed on September 11. They have now added flags for all the military personnel who have also died. It very moving seeing all these flags in one place.

This year they had an Ellis Island reinactment. We watched a video on Ellis Island and then took the 11 steps that immigrants had to take to get passage into the United States. Some interesting facts: you had to have $20.00 cash with you or you couldn't come into the U.S.

Single women were not permitted, they didn't want unaccompanied woman walking around the streets of New York. You had to be able to read 20 words and have a skill to help you earn money. Then you had to pass a physical and mental exam.

Rhett working on his test.
Yeah, they all passed. They were sworn in as American citizens. They even got a certificate.

After our time at Ellis Island we took in some sights of Salt Lake. This is the Beehive House where Brigham Young lived.

Interesting facts: there are two pieces of artwork in the house that are made from human hair.

#2-everyone who stopped by when Brigham Young lived there would get a lemon drop.

Interesting fact: they didn't fight while taking this picture. No name calling, no pushing, it was AMAZING!! And the crazy homeless man left us alone. (Of course that was after he had swore at us.) Then I was off to California with my Mom to see my Grandma and Adele's new little girl. If you ever have traveled with my Mom you know she LOVES stopping at all the historical markers along the way. She has always wanted to stop here, but has never had the chance. (Donner Pass) I thought she'd leave me here, punishment for my teenage years-hehehe!! I was so scared!!! Intersting fact: the monument is 22 feet in the air, the same height the snow was the year the pioneers were stranded. We stopped in Fresno to see my Grandma Ruby. She's been sick and has been in a care center. We got to visit with her in the evening then came back the next morning for another visit. We even brought her a donut, shhhhh-don't tell. Intersting fact: she had her tonsils removed on her kitchen table when she was a child. My Mom and Grandma. Intersting fact about my Mom-she graduated from San Diego State University with a teaching degree.
Then we drove to San Diego to see Adele and Piper. Isn't Anna such a great big sister. So much love, so little time to inflict it on the new baby. Interesting fact about Anna: she is a daredevil, she loves the water and has no problem with the waves knocking her over. Intersting fact about Piper: she was born on her due date.

Then I flew home. Intersting fact about Jill-she was tired this all took place from a Friday to a Monday.