Nauvoo

We can't leave Kansas without having had gone to Nauvoo. It is only 6 hours away and Cole has never been. (I went with my family in high school and then again in 2004 when Shanna and I were on the City of Joseph pageant dance team.) The other families that we do Joy School with got talking and we all decided it would be fun to go together during spring break. We rented a big house and all stayed together. We had 4 families, 8 adults, and 10 kids. It was so much fun! Touring Nauvoo and then coming back to the house in the evening to eat and hang out with friends was just perfect. We did some things together and some on our own. We each got a turn to attend the temple while the others watched the kids. Since it was off season there was hardly anyone there. We basically had all of Nauvoo to ourselves. It was so nice to be able to cater things to our family. But it was freezing. We stayed bundled the whole time. Here is a picture tour.

We went to Carthage first. 

Our house was a few miles from the temple. Going to and from the sites we would pass numerous bald eagles. They were gorgeous. 

The visitor center. (Right where the visitor center sits was a site where some of my ancestors owned land in Nauvoo.)

We went on a wagon rides which gives a good overview of the area. We asked for it to be shorter than normal because it was literally freezing outside. 

Although touring all the different buildings were kind of tiresome for the kids, Cole and I loved it. It is fascinating to learn about. I love that you can do Nauvoo over and over and still not be able to see everything. One not pictured is the Land and Records office. I found plots where ancestors had previously owned land. Cole found that he had ancestors that lived in Nauvoo. Previously, he did not think he had any. 

Scovil Bakery. (He is buried in Springville, UT!)

Gun shop

Rylee happily coloring her Cinderella coloring book during the blacksmith's demonstration. 

Watching the blacksmith

If you ever go to Nauvoo you HAVE to go to the little show Rendezvous at Old Nauvoo. It was darling. These older missionaries in Nauvoo are tour guides by day and performers by night. Very cute show. Here are some of the kids on the stage after the show. 

Family pictures with less than pleasant children!

Our friends the Bangerters. (They have a new baby not pictured) We didn't get a whole group shot which I was kind of bummed about. 

Grave site of Joseph Smith and family members.

 The Trail of Tears. The path the saints took to cross the river when they were forced to leave Nauvoo. There are plaques along the way that quote and recount the event from different people. I am directly related to the person quoted on the last plaque!

Cade and Rylee ran up ahead on this trail. Cade kept grabbing Rylee every time a car went by to make sure she didn't run into the road. What a good big brother. 

The kids watching a fire in one of the log cabins. Can you imagine living with kids in a log cabin with a fire always going?

Our room in an upstairs loft. I'll take this anyday over a log cabin.

 We took the kids to go and touch the temple walls. Contrary to what the picture shows they were very excited and enjoyed the experience.

I explained to Cade about the sun and moons stones. As we were leaving Cade said, "Can we come back here when I am 6? I really like this temple."

I love how we can get a sense of the refinement of these people by looking at the temple. Such a magnificent building and a testament of the kind of people that were here. Not to mention the sacrifice it took to build it. But they kept on because they understood the importance of it.  Nauvoo has a special spirit there and so much to learn and appreciate. We loved our time here and look forward to another trip here someday.