The McCune Ohana: Family Vacation to Utah & Thanksgiving

Our trip to Utah was FABULOUS! We had such a wonderful time and I'm so thankful we were able to go. We looked forward to it for a long time and even with all the anticipation, it did not disappoint. It turned out to be important time together with our immediate family, fun time with extended family, time learning about our family history and seeing several cemeteries, seeing Temple Square and the beauty of Christmastime there, and seeing lots of beautiful Houses of the Lord! So much fun. The weather turned out to be amazingly beautiful with no snow on our drive; such a blessing!

We visited Anneca's grave before we left. Then stopped in Beaver Dam, Utah, to visit Johnson Family graves (my maternal grandmother, Ruby Johnson Thornley); Smithfield, Utah, to visit Thornley family graves (my maternal grandparents); and Spanish Fork, Utah to visit Barney & Simmons' family graves (my paternal grandparents). We also were able to see a good friend's brother's grave in Smithfield (Qwin Warren, Tina Spencer's brother), and an aunt on my maternal grandmother's side in Spanish Fork. The kids are pretty used to cemeteries by now and had fun exploring and discovering. Alyson's kids taught them how to do grave rubbings. I read family history stories much of the drive there on FamilyTree, and learned some amazing stories about my ancestors. My paternal great-grandmother had five stillborn children prior to having her first child who survived. She had 13 total children. What an amazing woman! My paternal great-great grandfather (several "greats", actually, not sure exactly) was the first mayor of Spanish Fork, and he has a remarkable-Joseph Smith-like conversion story. It was so neat to read. I totally felt my heart being "turned to the fathers" and it was such a sweet feeling.

(Beaver Dam Cemetery, above)

(Smithfield cemetery, below)

(Spanish Fork cemetery, above)

While in Cache Valley, we stopped for a brief visit for my cousin, Mandy, who is exactly one day younger than I (can you tell?! Her and I, pictured below.) Also, her mom, my mom's sister, who always confuses my youngest children because they look a lot alike. We also saw my grandparents home (looking much less well-cared for), and made a stop for some Aggie Ice Cream so we could compare it with the BYU Creamery. A must when visiting both valleys, don't you think? :)

Then we headed South to Alpine to stay a couple of days with the Rummlers. We had Thanksgiving there and all had a great time. It was fun to see their new home, go on our own "Turkey Trot" Thanksgiving morning, and relax and play and visit. The kids all had a blast playing with the cousins and their many toys, including their "secret room". Alyson's "big kids" were great playing with my "littler kids". Alyson and several other helpers made a delicious Thanksgiving spread, and we enjoyed way too much pie and ice cream. We have so very much to be thankful for.