Nauvoo

We all had a great time at Nauvoo. There is such a peaceful and wonderful spirit in Nauvoo. Even Bethany had lots of fun--listen to her brothers make her laugh.

The boys got to make a rope...

Played pioneer games...

And even dressed up like pioneers. Aren't they cute?

Even though it was 90 degrees with lots of humidity, Cameron kept his pioneer costume on for about a half hour. We thought he was crazy, but he would have been a great pioneer.

Mom, Dad and Bethany even joined in the festivities!

We all took a ride on a horse drawn carriage and got a tour of Nauvoo. We were in awe of how much they worked and worked each day just to provide the basic needs of survival let alone their faith and dedication to God and the church. We are honored and grateful to belong to The Church of Jesus Christ of latter-day Saints with such amazing pioneers that started it all for us.

Statues of Joseph and Hyrum Smith--martyrs of the Savior and His church.

It was so neat to see this beautiful temple. Last time I was in Nauvoo was over 15 years ago and I remember just seeing the few lone stones that remained from the original temple. We were able to see the Nauvoo Pageant (which was very inspiring and well done) and at the end it was dark and they lit up the temple while a recording of President Hinckley very poetically spoke of how this magnificient Nauvoo temple which was Joseph's temple faced west and over 1,000 miles away another amazing temple, the SLC temple, Brigham's temple stood facing east. Both temples served as book ends where volumes of sacrifices and events have taken place.

It was very emotional for me to hear President Hinckley's voice, see the Nauvoo temple and hear his spirt-filled words. The spirit was strong and I know that re-buiding this temple was inspired. When we first pulled into Nauvoo, you turn a bend and you immediately see the temple. When we saw it Wesley said, "It's even more beautiful than in the picture." And Carter pointed it out to us every time he saw it, which was quite a bit since Nauvoo is fairly small. I am thankful we were able to have this time and experience at Nauvoo.