Four Jingle Bells

Yes, we were very exhausted at the end of this trip!  But it was worth every bit of it. On the last day, Blake and I switched off to go to the temple.  Since we are two hours away, we don't get to go as often.  It was so nice to have time away. While Blake was in the temple, I bravely took the four kids around Nauvoo.  It turned out pretty good!  Hosea Stout is my relative and my dad requested evidence that I had found him. Here you go! These pictures are out of order, but at the end of the day, we stopped by a Fudge place where the kids picked these chocolate dipped marshmallows.  I cannot believe they charge $1 for 4 marshmallows and chocolate and a stick, but the kids were happy!    We splurged and got fudge. Blake got mint chocolate and I got maple nut. I can't say no to maple!!  Happy after the temple  We went on a wagon ride.  Those things are so bumpy! I don't know how the pregnant women managed! ...

 Joseph Smith's house.  It was closed this day, so we didn't get to see it on this trip. Next time!  A super awesome picture of me Hailey took.  Joseph Smith's house is in the background.  We went to the Pioneer center for a few hours and the kids got to try out lots of great pioneer hobbies and jobs.  They made a rope.  Man, that takes a lot of work!  I left there thinking, I need to make my kids have more jobs at home so they can live up to their 1850's counterparts!  Weaved a blanket  Spencer just loves any Grandpas!  Of course he loves ours best of all!  Fun horse for kids.  The missionaries in the center were so kind and patient with our kids.    This flower was as big as my head!  Learning to make candles  We went to this bakery and the kids got a gingersnap.  After we finished. Phew!! While the rest of the kids were asleep, William was partyin...

The girls were pretty excited to find this women's garden at the visitor's center. It was so beautiful!  The reverence for women was palpable.  Made me so proud of my heritage and all that women are capable of!  Of course, the girls wanted pictures with every statue!  Brooke's favorite!  Hailey's favorite Spencer's favorite. He is very excited to get the Priesthood.  William's favorite: being held all day for days on end.   Reverent picture. Wild picture. I had to believe that Heavenly Father was smiling here.

 We drove around on Sunday morning and went to the end of Parley Street, which is where the Saints walked to cross the Mississippi on their journey west.  I have such an appreciation now for the Pioneers and what they sacrificed.  After being in their beautiful city and having created a haven from persecution, they had to leave it all behind.  That must have been such a heartbreaking journey.   The moss was everywhere!!!  It is so humid out there. I am glad it was cloudy while we were there or it would have been miserable! I don't know how they managed without air conditioning!  Maybe one summer when we are brave enough, we'll head out there for all the fun events they have.  Some Bells we are related to.  Wonderful monument of Brigham Young and Joseph Smith.  Proof William and I were there!  The kids touching the Mississippi.  The Mississippi is right down the road from us, but we aren't on the bank...