Eastern Trip: Yellowstone (Final Day!)

It was bittersweet today as we made our final trek home through Yellowstone.  We could have split this up in two days, but I think we were all ready to go home.  And yet, I'd also underestimated just how much our kids would LOVE Yellowstone.  We wanted to stop and see everything!   We saw three bears! One bear was right in front of our path on the road, which was way cool!  And then the beautiful scenery was just breathtaking.  It was good to just drive through and see all the places we want to visit in the future...since we live so close now.  

To sum up:  This trip was amazing!  Sure there were a few hiccups and rough moments, but for the most part it was just a fun family-bonding adventure.  We came home loving each other a little bit more and appreciating the things we have.  After being in our home we could't believe we'd survived in such a small space for so long!  J. is officially sick of driving.  The baby is not so sure about life without the constant hum of RV travel.  The kids are anxious to see their friend and start school.  I feel fully satisfied with the summer we had and so grateful to have fulfilled one of my longest dreams!  

Before we left we read the talk, "Foundations of Faith," by Elder Quentin L. Cook.  In the talk he asks three questions that we posted as a focus for our trip: 

Is Jesus Christ Divine? 

Is the Book of Mormon True? 

Was Joseph Smith the prophet of the Restoration? 

Afterwards in talking about our favorite parts of the trip and these questions, it was so neat to hear the testimonies of our children.  Each of them had something to share, a moment when they could answer "Yes" to these questions.  I am so grateful that happened for them!  

For me, my testimony was strengthened concerning the doctrine of eternal families.  Being with my family and watching them all grow closer together was all made possible because of these three questions being answered in the affirmative.  

The plan of Jesus Christ is a plan about the family, His family.  He desires all of us to return to our Father in Heaven and His sacrifice was for that purpose. 

The Book of Mormon is about a family and we are strengthened as families as we read the words of scripture together. 

Joseph Smith restored the gospel upon the earth.  Because of his faith and sacrifices we have the sealing power upon the earth today.  This sealing power binds families together and to God.  

So, yes, this was a fun adventure, but ultimately these last three weeks were an opportunity for growing closer together - - closer to one another, closer to God; "making home a part of heaven, where we want to stay (Hymns #298)."

 - - - - - -

Verily I say unto you, Whatsoever ye shall bind on earth shall be bound in heaven: and whatsoever ye shall loose on earth shall be loosed in heaven. 

 - Matthew 18:18 -