New England

 Every once in a while Dave and I get to go away for a few days.  This year we joined Dave's brother, Ted and his wife, Alison for a trip to New England.  This is where I served my mission.  I left a HUGE chunk of myself when I left and the only time I find that piece of me is when I go back to visit.  If I could choose anywhere in the world I would want to live I would choose New England.  It is my favorite place.  I am so grateful that Dave loves it there too.  This is one of his favorite vacation spots.  We have been here many times and we always say we want to get back more often.  We started our trip in York, Maine at the Nubble headlight.  This was the first lighthouse I saw while I was on my mission so it will always have a special little place with me.  I love how quaint it is.

 Those of you who have known me for a while know about my obsession with lighthouses.  While I was waiting for my mission call I actually prayed that I would go to Maine.  This is the Portland headlight and one of my top three favorites.  I served a few miles from here.  I remember when I was stressed out I would drag my companions for a little drive to the lighthouse.  Sometimes we would write our letters home while sitting near this very spot.  It was foggy and so the fog horn was going.  Can you hear it?  I have to hold back tears every time I visit this place.  For me lighthouses (especially this one) are a spiritual symbol.  To me they represent our Savior.  If we will just listen and follow him he will always guide us to safety and guide us through troubled waters.  One of my favorite hymns is Brightly Beams our Fathers Mercy.  In that hymn it talks about the lights along the shore.  Our Savior is the lighthouse but I hope I can be the lights along the shore.

 This is one of my all time favorite people.  No not Dave.  He is my number one all time favorite.  But close behind is this man, Burt.  I met Burt while serving in New Hampshire.  He is from Maine but came to visit my companion on her birthday.  I felt a connection to Burt and we have been dear friends ever since.  He took good care of me and is now a favorite of my entire family.  He just gave Cameron a violin that was made from a Birch tree on his property.  Who does stuff like that?  He is amazing. 

 This is arguably the most beautiful spot we found on this trip.  Look at that reflection.  I found it interesting that everyone was whispering as they looked at this beautiful place.  It was reverent.

I married that guy who can never settle for a simple picture along the river bank.  No we had to hop rocks out into the middle of the river.  My shoes were not made for rock hopping so I left them behind. 

 One of our favorite things to do is just take off down a side road.  This time we parked and walked for a bit.  AHHHH how cute...

 This is not on fire.  Just remember that a camera cannot even come close to capturing the beauty of this place.

I am still trying to figure out how Dave got control of the camera.  That never happens. 

 This covered bridge is in the flume in New Hampshire.

 Charlotte?  Maybe?

So this is where I went to charge the camera and realized I had left the cord at home.  The rest of our trip was taken with our phones.  I will post again when I figure out how to get those pictures off my phone.  (: