Our trip to Nauvoo

You know a vacation is wonderful when you don't want to leave. . .

While we live in this half of the country we decided we should take advantage of how close we are to some of the church history sites and we decided we would go visit Nauvoo, IL. Paul, knowing how much his parents love Nauvoo, asked them if they would like to meet us there. His sister LeeAnn didn't want to miss out on the fun. We were delighted to have the Jessee's come too.

We spent four days in Nauvoo learning about and experiencing pioneer life; gaining an appreciation of the hard work and sacrifice of the early Saints; and feeling the strength of their faith and testimonies of the restored gospel and our Savior Jesus Christ.

We got to ride in a real covered wagon pulled by a team of oxen.
Elizabeth, Paul, Rachel, Tyler & Uncle Chris all working together to make a piece of rope.

The kids had a great time playing with their cousins, and of course swimming at the hotel. Of the sites in old Nauvoo their favorite was Pioneer Pasttimes; where they could dress up like pioneers, play pioneer games and play house in a log cabin.

Emily, Sarah and their baby dolls
Elizabeth was reluctant at first to get all dressed up but once she did, she really got it to the part of a pioneer.
I promise John asked to wear this bonnet all by himself. He picked it up out of the box and asked Aunt LeeAnn to put it on him.
Sarah looked so cute! I wonder how those little pioneers handled wearing bonnets? Because Sarah doesn't seem to like it.

Paul and I enjoyed being able to go to the temple. Grandma and Grandpa watched the kids for us and then graciously offered to watch them a second time so we could attend the temple again. What a treat! We also enjoyed being able to be with family who we don't see often enough.

The temple at sunset.

The kids sitting on the temple steps by one of the moon stones.
One last cuddle with Grandma and Grandpa. ("It's hot! I'm sweaty! The sun is in my eyes!")

We also visited Carthage Jail where we walked on hallowed ground as we learned of the events leading up to the martyrdom of the Prophet Joseph Smith.

One of the plaques outside the jail reads: "When a man has offered in sacrifice all that he has for the truth's sake, not even withholding his life, and believing before God that he has been called to make this sacrifice because he seeks to do his will, he does know, most assuredly, that God does and will accept his sacrifice and offering, and that he has not, nor will not seek his face in vain" - Joseph Smith

I have much to learn from the examples of those early Saints who endured so much as they strived to do the will of the Lord, and like those early sSints we too enjoyed our stay in The City Beautiful - Nauvoo.