Pine Valley

Today we had a small family trip to Pine Valley.  It has been on my mind and so we went.  On the way out we passed the Mountain Meadow Massacre Monument.  I didn't know it was there until I saw the sign and so we made a visit.  It was a short little walk up to the monument.  Interesting history there. 

Anyway we carried on and arrived in Pine Valley.  We stopped at the chapel and we talked about it a bit.  I had told the kids about Israels Dodge Allphin, their great, great, great grandfather who helped to settle Pine Valley and likely assisted in the building of this chapel.  Well, we got out to get a picture and then the kids walked up to the front door, to our surprise it opened and a group came out.  A gentlemen had taken them on a tour and then offered to show us the inside of the building.  It was cool.  He took us in at the lower level that was originally a school.  From there we climbed the stairs to the chapel.  It was quite the chapel - lots of windows and pictures hanging on the wall.  He then invited us up to see the rafters.  In doing so we entered a class room on the third floor.  He showed us pictures he had hanging on the wall of some of the original settlers of Pine Valley.  I was looking for Israel Dodge Allphin as was Natty.  At first I couldn't find him and then there he was.  I told the man that he was a great great grandfather and then he told me that I am related to a Sister Kenworthy who lives in town.  How about that?  Pretty exciting. 

I asked the kids what they liked best - Andy loved the staircases - tall stairs.  He about tripped on every step.  Jack liked that there used to be school in the basement.  Natty, well, she thought it was great that we found the picture of Israel and that my story was true. 

There is some beautiful country back there.  We had a great time.   Here are a couple of pics.