Nauvoo, IL

Nauvoo was beautiful, just like its name means. We arrived in the evening and thought we would be able to catch a few things, but everything closed at 5pm!

We captured this picture of the temple as we drove in. So amazing.

Luckily, we ran into a group of sister missionaries who encouraged us to do a few of the things that can be done when everything is closed. So we walked the "Trail of Hope" that evening. The Trail of Hope is the road that the wagons took down to the river as they left Nauvoo to head West. Ever few feet stands a plaque with a pioneer story/quote on it. It was neat.

This was my favorite, and, as a mother, I teared all up

At the edge of the river

Showing how the wagons crossed the water:

After the Trail of Hope, we went to see Joseph, Hyrum, and Emma's burial site

Also right there was Joseph Sr. and Lucy Mack's burial site

The temple at night

My one big regret was being unable to go to the temple with Brandon while we were there because we had the little kiddos with us

From the back

Brandon took the kids swimming when we got back to the hotel - yay!

This is how it goes when you sleep with kids

I have ancestors from both sides who lived in Nauvoo. Unfortunately, I only knew about my Mom's side while I was there. I checked out the two plots that belonged to Charles Shumway.

Plot #1

Plot #2

Kyla with the horses... of course

We took a wagon ride around Nauvoo - I really enjoyed that

See the temple poking out of the trees behind Kyla?

The saints would have their Sunday meetings in little copses of trees like the one pictured below.

Trail of Hope in the afternoon, the temple is far in the background

Brigham Young's Home

This is how Brandon spent a lot of the day: wrestling kids to keep them from running around and touching things. Exhausting. Nauvoo was wonderful, but not for little kids...

Printing Office

Post Office

The Red Brick Store

Joseph Smith's study/office - Second Floor of the Red Brick Store

Heber C. Kimball's Home

The Nauvoo House

Joseph Smith's House - before moving into the Mansion House

Naturals??

Exhausted after a long day at Nauvoo - I love how he sleeps with his hands behind his head and his elbows out. How is that comfortable?

Adam Ondi Ahman, MO

After Far West, we drove up to check out Adam Ondi Ahman. I could not believe how beautiful the surrounding area was. We decided to take the trail down to the valley floor.

You can see the valley behind Kyla, who was still refusing pictures... silly goose

I love this picture of Brandon and Makaida

Brandon took Kyla and Kash ALL the way out on the valley floor while I watched, took pictures, and held the baby

I love pictures that capture my whole life in one frame...

Right outside of Adam Ondi Ahman, we were told there was an Amish town. We drove through, but this was the only evidence - a horse and buggy

I was not expecting a modern town, so I was quite confused when I saw people outside mowing their lawn and normal buildings and stores. Duh. What was I thinking?

Far West, MO

In the morning we drove out to Far West to see the temple site. We were the only people there and took our time enjoying the beautiful morning. The site is in the middle of nowhere, but is, of course, immaculately maintained by the Church. That is one thing I love about the Church - they have mastered the art of beauty in simplicity. You cannot help but feel the spirit as the wind blows on these sacred, historic grounds.

This is Kyla refusing to look at the camera for a picture

Kash figured out he could fit between the bars

Ummm...??

Sisters

I love how Kyla is sharing her flowers with Makaida, who is, of course, figuring out the fastest way to get it into her mouth