The Morrison Code: Upstate New York

Our third day in New York was one full of so many memories. We woke up early, and headed to Hammondsport (where my entire family is from) to visit all of our old spots. Baby Jace needed to see our family history.

We started out by visiting the "Lower 45." This is 45 acres that my grandfather (my idol, my hero, my favorite person I've ever met) purchased waaaay back when my Dad was a young'un. I remember Dad telling me stories of him and his siblings spending "miserable" summers grooming these 6-inch pines to grow straight and beautiful. And about 45 years later, you can see their progress. Something about the history of this property just melts my soul. It may not look like much to an outsider, but it just means the world to me:

I don't mean to be all political, but one thing I love about the beautiful Upstate...NO FRACKING. Let's keep this place the way nature intended it to be :)

We walked the boundaries, got back to the dirt road, and then hit up more of the property that I had grown up to know and love:

We headed up good ol' Two Rod Road to visit my Dad's property. I grew up spending every single summer 4-wheeling, brush-hogging, and camping on this acreage. Dad has spent much of the last 15 years growing a beautiful apple orchard. This was the first year that I've actually gotten to eat the fruit. One of the first lessons I ever learned: a tree is one of the kindest gifts you can give to the next generation.

And Chase and Jace (and Sammy when he's not swimming) have gotten to enjoy that gift:

We then made the short trek over to where my Grandma and Grandpa's ashes were spread. I'm not quite ready to share my heart on how much this means to me, but it was very special for Jace to visit these souls for the first time:

I hope they are proud :)

And just a side note...Josh and I got married about 15 yards away from here in the most beautiful and intimate ceremony that I could ever imagine (complete with the Forrest Gump Suite playing live in the background).

We next headed up the hill to Grandma and Grandpa's old house. It's now for sale, and I only wish I could win the lottery to preserve this gem for life. Again, if I go into too much detail...it's just too much feels for someone like me that has a tough time with heavy emotions. Just look at the pictures and imagine THIRTY years of summers spent at this majestic Heaven on Earth:

And yes y'all...this is NEW YORK (and not that ugly, overpopulated, cemented city):

Absolutely ridiculous, right? My heart..........

As an added bonus, Baby Jace got to meet his Great Uncle Rich:

We then headed down to the "Coolest Small Town in America" for lunch and some ice cream:

We headed back to Broken Road Farms, where Dad and Julie had a great surprise for the girls. Kara and I had the absolute pleasure of visting "Cross My Heart" where they let us each pick out two beautiful handmade gifts. I can't wait for the Tennessee chickadees to enjoy their new home :)