Nauvoo

I feel like I have so much to say about this beautiful place and about the crazy life we have been living these last few weeks. Movers packed up our Ohio home May 24 and 25 {a sweet perk of the military! I never want to pack myself again!!} My kids said goodbye to their teachers and friends. We pulled them out a bit early. As I went to pick my kids up for the last time, it was a bit emotional leaving Chippewa Elementary. We have absolutely LOVED our time there. The teachers are amazing. I cried a lot as I saw my home for the last time and hugged people who have changed my life goodbye.

Luckily, our drive out west entailed some amazing stops. We first stopped in Michigan, then Nauvoo, IL. This small town consists of many historical sites where the first Latter Day Saint pioneers moved after being chased out of Kirtland, OH and Far West, Missouri. As we saw this beautiful town and listened to the amazing stories of those who have gone on before us in our church, my testimony grew and my appreciation deepened.



We were able to make a rope the way the pioneers did as a family. This was a neat experience for us. After we finished making the rope we talked to our children about the significance of this activity. One strand of rope might easily break apart, but when we worked together and tightened the six different strands, this rope was tight and would not break. Matt and I thought a great family motto would be "tight as a rope". As long as we are together, we will never break. Super boy was excited to hold our special rope.






I was able to capture some shots at sunset. J & G had a great time playing in the Missouri River. The statues are Joseph and Hyrum Smith riding off to Carthage Jail where they would later be martyred.



We stayed in the Zion's Merchantile Hotel. It was lovely. It was a great home for the night, since we are technically homeless at the moment.