Last Sunday, we took a fun adventure after church. We loaded up the whole Lemley side of the family (those that live here) and we headed to Grantsville. This is a small town just outside of Tooele where my Great Grandma was born and raised. Our Barrus side of the family settled in Grantsville after crossing the plains with other pioneers.
My Great, Great, Great Grandpa Barrus and his family are all from Grantsville. Grandpa Barrus has always been one of our favorite ancestors and one of my heroes. Grandpa Barrus joined the Mormon Battalion and served as a 2nd Leiutentant. His brother, Emery, was also amazing. I was able to get a lot of information on him when I lived in Nauvoo and I even found his home and property lines. Emery hid on a small "island" out in the Mississippi river and built wagons for the saints to use when they were being driven from Nauvoo. Both of these men were courageous and acted on their convictions. I have always admired them for that. I can't imagine the hardships they and their families endured to join the church and travel to Utah. But I am so thankful for them and for their sacrifices so I can have the gospel in my life and teach it to my children.
Caleb's middle name is Barrus. I want my kids to know and understand the sacrifices made for them. I want them to be proud of their heritage and to have the courage of their ancestors. They have so many great examples of courgeous men and women from all sides of their family.
We had fun roaming the cemetery looking for other relatives. And Tessa loved to carry Gia around with her.
Before we headed back home, we stopped at a park for a picnic dinner. The kids had a ball playing and we loved hearing their happy noises and seeing their happy faces.
