Nauvoo

We hadn't been to Nauvoo since Ali and Logan were Jake's age. And then the other day Logan was watching some church videos and came running in, "Mom! You have to watch this! Did you know Joseph Smith was KILLED?!" After showing the video to every member of the family he was very interested to know that Carthage wasn't too far from our house and that we could visit some time. So, last weekend we went. Thanks for the great idea, Logan!

We actually went to Carthage the second day, but since this was the reason we went, here is proof.

We drove down Saturday morning, and first we spent time at the visitor's center and had some fun with the statues.

And enjoyed the visitor's center.

Then we wandered around town, enjoying the tours.

They loved playing with all the old-fashion toys.

Who knew Jason could walk on stilts?

We were often the only ones on a tour, so our kids got to help do lots of fun things, like make rope.

The next day we walked around the temple.

And let the kids have turns using the camera. I loved Logan's selfie.

We had Eli take this one so we could compare from the last time we went!

I love being at the temple with my family!

We walked down Parley Street to see the monument of those who lost their lives crossing the plains, including four Eldredge family members (the one that always tugs at my heart is "Infant Eldredge"). Then the kids had a great time playing outside by the Mississippi River.

It was a great weekend being together at a special place. The kids' favorite parts were the blacksmith shop, the gunsmith shop, playing with the old-fashioned toys, playing with the rope they helped make, and playing the the backyard of the house we stayed in.