Nauvoo

It really is a beautiful place.

We spent last weekend in Nauvoo and had a great time. We were even able to do a session at the temple. It's been almost 8 years since I've been to Nauvoo. I used to go every year. The church has really stepped up their tours since I last visited. Most of the buildings are air conditioned now. I guess that was the big improvement, but on a hot day, it is a BIG improvement! Now I don't feel so bad for the missionaries all decked out in their pioneer gear.

Our first tour was of the Wilford Woodruff home. Jason and his family are all descendants of Wilford Woodruff, so they always stop there. The glasses in the picture are Wilford Woodruff's actual glasses the case has a W.W. imprinted in it. The quilt on the bed that they boys are standing next to was actually made by Phebe Woodruff. It's held up pretty well, and she was pretty talented.

It was fun to show Clark where his Great (x5) Grandfather lived. He just thought the toilets were funny. The boys each signed the "descendants of Wilford Woodruff" book too. How cool is that?

We stopped at the Visitor's Center too. I love the movies they show. We were only able to catch the Remembering Nauvoo one, but it's still a good one. Kent's favorite part was the Christus. I'd like to think that it is because he is so spiritual at (almost) 2 years old. But really he just loved jumping off of the little ledge around it.

I know Nauvoo (or Baaaa Booo as Kent calls it with lips puckered WAY out) has always had a wagon ride, but they have now added an oxen wagon ride and a carriage ride that takes you to the temple quarry and everything. That's all new. They have a few new buildings as well. At least I don't remember them being there. Like the Lyon Drug and Variety Store. I really liked that one. Maybe because they "sold" fabric.

Can you feel the heat in this picture? Ick. It was hot.

I really loved taking the boys to the temple. Clark has seen pictures of the temple before and knew about the sun stone, but didn't know that the sun stone was on the temple. We pulled up and he was delighted to have made a discovery! Then we had to show him the moon stones and the stars. Cousins left to right Cameron, Clark, Clara, Zachery, and Kent.

Here is everyone except for Gram at the  temple. I always hate the I-have-to-run-really-fast-and-look-normal-pose-because-I-just-pressed-the-timer-button look that I have in photos. Must remember to bring out my remote more though I don't think it would have worked from as far as the camera was.
(left to right: Mary, Jason, Wendy, Kent, Zachery, Brandon, Melissa, Cam, Clark, Clara, Stephanie, and Cameron)

Grandma and Grandpa with the grands.

Clara showing off her Emma Smith bonnet from Grandma.

I really love this temple. It's so beautiful. Our forever family began here, and I'm so glad it did. It makes me so happy to know that I will be with these guys forever.

Kent's very excited about being at the temple too!

Our last stop was to Carthage Jail. It is here where Joseph and Hyrum Smith were martyred. Jason and the boys are sitting in the window that Joseph Smith fell out of after he was shot. Carthage Jail has such a strong spirit. I always enjoy visiting there too. I'm so grateful for Joseph Smith and the sacrifices he made for the Lord, the Lord's church and me. I've been so blessed to be a member of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints.

It was such a long (as in exhausting) weekend, but definitely worth it. We won't wait 8 years before we go again.