more Nauvoo

After Carthage Jail we visited a few more places in a Nauvoo before we headed home. 

We visited the brick store, bakery, print shop, post office, blacksmith, Browning home, Brigham Young's home, and Cultural Hall.

This is the Cultural Hall. Brian and I danced on the same/original floor that Joseph and Emma danced on. :0) This is also the place where the play was held.  

Visiting Nauvoo is a definately a perk for living in Illinois. I hope we can make a trip to Kirkland and Palmyra in the next couple of years as a family as well. 

Carthage Jail

This afternoon we went and visited Carthage Jail. 

The above picture is a jail cell on the main floor. Where Joseph and Hyrum were first held. 

The picture below is where more serious criminals were held. It happened to be the same place John Taylor was helped to hide in case the mob returned. 

I didn't realize until today that the four men stayed in the jailers own bedroom instead of a cell. This is the window Joseph fell out of. 

The entire tour was very touching, and amazing to think we were in same place the prophet stood. I thought that for two days as we toured through the homes and businesses of Nauvoo. 

Nauvoo

The kids didn't have school Friday or Monday so we decided to visit Nauvoo. We drove to Keokuk Friday once Brian could leave work. Saturday morning we went straight to the Visitors Center. 

We went on a carriage ride through the country to hear stories of the people that lived in Nauvoo. Luckily they had blankets for us. It was very chilly. 

Then we went on a wagon ride throughout historic Nauvoo to learn about where people lived. Both rides we learned about the Mississippi River. All of it was beautiful! 

We experienced the fun of the past. Brian tried the stilts for a bit, until he fell and rolled his ankle. :(

In the afternoon we went to the temple to do baptisms. It was Masons first time in the temple. It was wonderful to be in the temple with Brian and three of our kids. In three years Carson will be old enough to attend with us. 

While we were in the temple Carson stayed at the Temple Arrival Center watching a movie about the Old Testament. He was very sad/jealous he couldn't go in with us. But he understood. 

When I came out of the temple this was my view, overlooking the Mississippi River. Breathtaking!!

We ended up eating dinner at Nauvoo Hotel. That seemed to be our only choice. I suppose partially due to it being off season. It was delicious. I had the prime rib, so tender!! 

I didn't realize we needed tickets to see the play "Rendezvous". After dinner we hung out at the Cultural Center hoping they would have room for us to squeeze in. And they did!! It was cute and a little cheesy. But we loved it!

I have more pictures on my camera. I'm hoping to add a few later. 

field trip

I spent the day walking all over St. Charles with these 3rd graders. We started out at the Arcada Theatre. We learned about the history of many buildings and found out that the Underground Railroad was thriving in this small town. 

One of the dressing rooms in the basement. 

The kids had a scavenge hunt in the historical museum. 

We had lunch at Potowatamie Park. It was chilly all morning but by afternoon the sun came out and it felt good. 

We learned about the Legend of Charlemagne. There are foxes ALL over the town. 

We ended up walking over four miles. The scenery was beautiful. The kids kept it fun. My feet hurt by the end of the day. 

general conference

It's been a great conference weekend. We were able to watch all five sessions. Mason wasn't too excited to watch the priesthood session but he and Brian decided to watch it downstairs instead of going to the church. Brian and I have been able to watch the other four sessions together. My favorite session was the Saturday afternoon session. I need to review the talks more often throughout the year. 

Both Brian and Bailee were able to get a nap in before the morning session today. I don't think the know I took this picture. 

Here is everyone listening this morning. About half way through Carson decided to take notes. He told me they talk too fast for him. :) During lunch today we talked about the things we remembered or touched us. Carson had the most to share but everyone shared a little. 

Homecoming

Karlee wasn't sure she would go to Homecoming this year. The boy she liked was going to be out of town and she didn't want to go without a date. She finally admitted she wanted to go so I told her she needed to ask someone and she needed to act fast. 

Wednesday after school we went in search for candy. We drove 40 minutes to deliver this poster to a boy that was't home. Then later that evening he delivered this cookie while Karlee was gone. :)

Thursday, I picked up Karlee and Sophia from school at 2:30 in search of a dress. We left the mall at 7:30 with a dress! And shoes!! Success!!  

The boy she asked, Braden, is in our Stake. He's such a nice young man. I'm in the Stake Primary Presidency with his mom. Such a great family! 

I hope they're all having a great time. They went with these two couples. Both McKinnleyand Cassidy are in our Ward. The boys, Kevin and Jonah, are in our Stake as well. 

I think Karlee loved the shoes the most. :D