We also went to the Historic Site for the Mormon Battalion while in San Diego. In case you don't know, here's a little summary: The Mormon Battalion is unique in US history. It is the only religiously based unit to ever serve in the military, and it made the longest march of any group of soldiers--over 2,000 miles. At a time when the US government had refused to help protect the saints from Missouri and Illinois mobs and shortly after Governor Ford had personally betrayed Joseph Smith by turning him over to those who wanted his death the very evening that he had dinner with Emma, the Mormons showed their patriotism and forgiveness by volunteering over 500 men to help with the Mexican War. The men of the Mormon Battalion were promised that they would never fight if they remained faithful, and they received that blessing, even though many suffered and died on the trail. When they reached San Diego, they were there the day that gold was discovered at Sutter's Mill.
Grampa Griffith especially wanted to go because he is a descendant of Abraham Hunsaker, the owner of a mill in Nauvoo, and was an officer when he enlisted in the battalion. Abraham recounted an experience wading across an icy river when the men had run out of provisions in Indian country. He found some corn in baskets that the Indians had buried and was about to take it back to the camp when a couple of braves came across him with weapons brandished. He wrote that he must have looked so cold and hungry that they decided to spare his life, and even let him keep the corn. Abraham Hunsaker eventually settled Honeyville Utah and became its first Bishop. I also have have an ancestor on my Mom's side named Isaac Philo Carter that was part of the battalion. I happened to research his family last summer for a Family History class and found out he was enlisted even before he became a member of the church. So when I heard we were going to the site, I was ecstatic. Both Andrew and I are descendants of Mormon Battlion members. What a heritage!
Grampa signing the descendant's log
Here is a fun fact that I didn't know before that I can add to my research: "He [Isaac Carter] and Israel Evans, both 18 and quite short, were turned down by the recruiting officer as 'under size.' Then the two stood on a stump behind someone and were accepted."
Mykal and Rosie
The Wells (get it?!?)
Andrew Enlists
Sad to go home...or just sad about a slow elevator?
One of the days on our trip, Andrew's parents took us to Sea World. I had never gone before and was extremely impressed. The shows were so professional and there was so much to do you could have spent multiple days there and not been bored.
Ready for a fun filled day!
Andrew petting a manta ray
Rose is transfixed by the Sea Lions
Sally and me on a ride before we got soaked
We all decided to take a nap with the Polar Bear
Getting ready to watch a show
Taking the plunge
Rose liked to see the live puffins, but the stuffed penguin
Our big summer trip this year was a family reunion in San Diego. We had everyone there from Andrew's Mom's side of the family (except of course two awesome missionaries who were far too busy for such trivial matters, i.e., Andrew's sister Mia serving in Brazil and brother John in Chile.) We had a great time and it went by way too fast. Apart from some exciting outings to some of San Diego's greatest attractions (which I will post about later) we had fun chilling on the beach and visiting with family. Of course Rosie and her older cousin Rachel were one of the main sources of entertainment during the week. And thanks to Andrew's grandparents, we were lucky enough to have a condo right on the beach with a spectacular view. Some of our activities included card games, great food, Miami vs. Thunder NBA finals (I was obviously rooting for the Thunder), a family photo shoot, dinner at an authentic Mexican restaurant, ukulele serenades, a Father's Day bash for Grampa, epic sand castle building, and did I mention lots of great food. It was an absolute blast and fun for me to get to know Andrew's extended family from Arizona a little better.
