Nauvoo 2012

Our trip to Nauvoo was so totally awesome! I'm so glad it all came together. This trip really needed to happen, and to happen with minimal problems. We were so blessed to see that the Lord's hand was definitely there along the way. June 8th was the day that we left for Nauvoo. We have been planning this trip for almost a year. We wanted to get there on the 10th to surprise Matt's Mom and celebrate her birthday.

The plan was to leave by 9 a.m. Friday morning. I got up a little after 4 a.m. got ready. Matt came home from work and quickly showered. I got the girls up and ready to go. We needed to be to Jason and Rachael's house by 7 a.m. We were going to Caravan with them and Josh and Brenda. We got to Jason and Rachael's at 7. We had a few problems with the carrying case for the top of the van, and the food. We eventually got it all worked out, and were able to be on the road by 11 a.m.

Thanks to Rachael we had plenty of snacks to eat along the way! We weren't going to starve that's for sure. LOL I went a little over board myself and made some fun coloring, dot to dot, word searches, and other games for the kiddos to do along the way. I also, with the help of Matt, made some dry erase boards, and magnet faces. I also made some sewing cards for the kids. The cars had dvd players, and we also had our Nintendo DSI and iPod that they could play games on. They weren't going to be board. It was fun to see them so excited about their entertainment packs!

June 8, 2012

Our goal for the day was to reach Mormon Island a KOA camp site. This meant that we had a lot of driving to do. 12 or 13 hrs worth of driving. Time wasn't with us on this day. We left later than we wanted to, and we kept taking too long on our pit stops. We also lost an hr. with the time change. The time we figured on reaching the KOA would be around midnight or so. We decided to drive until we couldn't anymore,and see where that put us on the map.

Our first stop was in Rock Springs Whyoming. We kept seeing billboards for Little America Hotel advertising 50 cent ice cream cones. We had to make it part of the experience. The kiddos really enjoyed it, and needed a break from the car. They went outside and found a statue of a buffalo and sat right under it to eat their cones. We made a bunch of other pit stops along the way. We let the kiddos rotate cars and sit with their cousins each time we had to fill up with gas. We stopped at an Arby's in Nebraska for dinner. Those curly fries hit the spot. As I mentioned up above we decided that we would drive until we could no longer drive anymore.

We ended up stopping at a rest stop to sleep at around 1 in the morning. The girls slept hard, Matt and I not so much. We woke early because of the sunrise, and other people leaving. I think we actually got out of our car a little after 7. We had bugs that were similar to those box elder bugs all over the place, they were everywhere on our car. It was so gross. Our nephew Daylin completely freaked out about them. Poor kid. He was saying he wouldn't get out of the car until they were all killed. I don't think that was possible, they kept coming. We cleaned up, changed clothes, and had breakfast; muffins, milk, and fresh pears. Then we had another long day of driving ahead of us.

June 9, 2012

Our first stop along the way was Liberty Jail, where the Prophet Joseph Smith, and his brother Hyrum and four other Church leaders were unjustly confined during the winter of 1838-39.

They spent 5 months awaiting trial. While there Joseph Smith received three revelations that are in the Doctrine and covenants. Sections 121, 122, and 123.

In Jeffery R Hollands talk lessons from Liberty Jail:

The jail, one of the few and certainly one of the more forbidding of such structures in that region, was considered escape proof, and it probably was. It had two stories. The top or main floor was accessible to the outside world only by a single small, heavy door. In the middle of that floor was a trapdoor through which prisoners were then lowered into the lower floor or dungeon. The outside walls of the prison were of rough-hewn limestone two feet thick, with inside walls of 12-inch oak logs. These two walls were separated by a 12-inch space filled with loose rock. Combined, these walls made a formidable, virtually impenetrable barrier four feet thick.

In the dungeon the floor-to-ceiling height was barely six feet, and inasmuch as some of the men, including the Prophet Joseph, were over six feet tall, this meant that when standing they were constantly in a stooped position, and when lying it was mostly upon the rough, bare stones of the prison floor covered here and there by a bit of loose, dirty straw or an occasional dirty straw mat.

The food given to the prisoners was coarse and sometimes contaminated, so filthy that one of them said they “could not eat it until [they] were driven to it by hunger.”2 On as many as four occasions they had poison administered to them in their food, making them so violently ill that for days they alternated between vomiting and a kind of delirium, not really caring whether they lived or died. In the Prophet Joseph’s letters, he spoke of the jail being a hell, surrounded with demons . . . where we are compelled to hear nothing but blasphemous oaths, and witness a scene of blasphemy, and drunkenness and hypocrisy, and debaucheries of every description.3

“We have . . . not blankets sufficient to keep us warm,” he said, “and when we have a fire, we are obliged to have almost a constant smoke.”4 “Our souls have been bowed down”5 and “my nerve trembles from long confinement.”6 “Pen, or tongue, or angels,” Joseph wrote, could not adequately describe “the malice of hell” that he suffered there.7 And all of this occurred during what, by some accounts, was considered then the coldest winter on record in the state of Missouri.

The jail was torn down although the walls of the "dungeon" were still visible when a house was built over it. In 1939 the property was purchased by The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints and in 1963 Joseph Fielding Smith presided over the establishment of a partial reconstruction of the jail wholly within a museum. The reconstructed jail includes a front limestone facade on the east side and a cut away on the west side so visitors see the upper area and the lower dungeon which has mannequins representing Joseph Smith and the prisoners. 
You can read the full article here: http://speeches.byu.edu/reader/reader.php?id=12459&x=55&y=6

I'm so glad that we were able to see the Liberty Jail. The spirit there was so strong. The kids were really into it and well behaved. It was a nice break from all of the driving we had done. I know that the Lord loves us. We all face trying times. Maybe not as hard and harsh as Joseph Smith. These experiences are for our own good. They help us gain experience. The Lord will never leave us alone.

Our next stop was the Kansas City Missouri Temple, about 15 minutes away from the Liberty Jail. When we got there it was about 5 PM. We thought the Temple was closed because their were only a few cars in the parking lot. There was no sign saying that the Temple was closed for cleaning. It was odd. We got out of our cars and walked the Temple grounds, and went and touched the Temple. The Kansas City Temple is beautiful. So glad we were able to see it!

After seeing the Temple we headed to Oklahoma Joe's, a Bar-B-Q restaurant that was featured on Man vs. Food. Their food looked so good, our mouths were drooling. We had to go and try the food. We chose the wrong time to eat. It was definitely the dinner rush. When we got there, the line was out the door, and almost around the building. We asked people if the food was worth waiting for. They said yes, and so we stayed. We waited in line for an hour or so. Matt and I ordered some pulled pork, sausage, baked beans, fries, and hot dog meals for the girls. The food was good, especially their Bar-B-Q sauce. I don't think it was worth waiting inline for over an hour though.

When we got our food, their was no way we would have been able to sit together, or even together as a family. As we were all waiting in our cars to leave we saw a man go in, and come right out with his food. He had done it the right way and phoned in his order. Smart! We left the restaurant and found somewhere that had grass, that was across and down the street. It wasn't the nicest place to eat. I'm so glad Jason and Rachael had their picnic blankets. The sun was setting while we finished eating. We needed to get back on the road.

Next stop was our campsite at St Peters RV Park, which was about 4 hours away from where we were. It was a long 4 hours of driving. I could hardly keep my eyes open. I'm so glad that Matt was able too. Even though I couldn't really keep my eyes open didn't mean that I was sleeping. The kiddos slept most of the way. We reached St. Peters at about 12:30 AM. The men got the tents set up. The woman tried to help as much as we could. We got the kiddos into their sleeping bags with minimal problems. I think we were all so tired, it was hard not to be snappy. I think most of us fell asleep quickly and slept till 7. I'm just glad it wasn't a rest area again! We got up, showered, got ready to leave. Had cold cereal and fruit for breakfast.

Sunday June 10, 2012

This was the day that we were to be arriving at Matt's parents house in Hamilton Illinois. Hamilton is about 15 or 20 minutes away from Nauvoo. After leaving our St. Peters RV Park we headed to the Jefferson National Expansion Memorial, the Gateway Arch or St. Louis Arch. We were about 45 minutes away from St. Louis. We had planned to stop at the St. Louis Illinois Temple, but had found out from some people in line more about the arch. That you could spend hrs. there. We had a busy day ahead of us, and decided that we would spend more time at the arch. We were able to see the St. Louis Temple from the freeway, and it was beautiful!

Gateway to the West

The Gateway Arch reflects St. Louis' role in the Westward Expansion of the United States during the nineteenth century. The park is a memorial to Thomas Jefferson's role in opening the West, to the pioneers who helped shape its history, and to Dred Scott who sued for his freedom in the Old Courthouse.

Jefferson National Expansion Memorial consists of the Gateway Arch, the Museum of Westward Expansion, and St. Louis' Old Courthouse. During a nation-wide competition in 1947-48, architect Eero Saarinen's inspired design for a 630-foot stainless steel arch was chosen as a perfect monument to the spirit of the western pioneers. Construction of the Arch began in 1963, and was completed on October 28, 1965, for a total cost of less than $15 million. The Arch has foundations sunk 60 feet into the ground, and is built to withstand earthquakes and high winds; it sways up to 1 inch in a 20 mph wind, and is built to sway up to 18 inches. A Grand Staircase leads from the St. Louis levee up to the base of the Gateway Arch.

Fees are charged to ride the unique tram system to the top. The Museum of Westward Expansion, located below the Arch, is as large as a football field and contains an extensive collection of artifacts, mounted animal specimens, an authentic American Indian tipi, and an overview of the Lewis and Clark expedition. Located just two blocks west of the Arch, the Old Courthouse is one of the oldest standing buildings in St. Louis, begun in 1839. It was here that the first two trials of the Dred Scott case were held in 1847 and 1850. Today, the building houses a museum charting the history of the city of St. Louis and restored courtrooms. These buildings, along with the accompanying grounds, make the total acreage for this park 90.96 acres.

We got to the arch 10 minutes before our tour time. As we were waiting in line to get inside the museum area we saw a sign that said no pepper spray, and I think no knives or weapons. I forgot that I had my pepper spray with me. I brought my bigger purse that had it in there. I always forget that I have it. It was given to me by my friend Alysha Daker, (well back to Meister since she is now divorced) from our days in the military at Travis AFB. I feel bad that they had to confiscate it, but also a good feeling that I no longer had it with me. Josh had a sentimental box cutter with him. He was able to keep the handle part of it, but had to give up the blades. He was very happy that he got to keep it, and so am I. It really stinks when you have to give up something sentimental. When we got inside Jason went to the information desk where he had reserved our tickets. I'm so glad that Jason had reserved tickets because we would have waited in line for a long time.

It was such an awesome experience to see go into the Arch, and up to the very top of it. That sucker was huge. You could feel the arch move back and forth from the wind. Kind of leaves an unsettling feeling in the stomachs of those who are afraid of heights, and are claustrophobic. We were 630 ft. up in the air. The pod that you ride to the top is very little. It had one window on the door to see the inside of the arch as you go to the top. I would have freaked out if the pod got stuck in midair. I was grateful to get to the top, and back down to the bottom. From the top we were able to look out over St. Louis, see our cars, the Mississippi. It was really neat! Our kiddos loved it, but Kenzie wouldn't look out the window very much because she is afraid of heights, or so she says.

When we got back down to the bottom we went and looked around the museum, and then had to go. Outside the Arch Matt took some pictures of the arch. It was really trippy to watch as the clouds moved by the arch, it made it look like it was moving. Then it was time to leave, we walked down the stairs, got to pet a horse attached to a carriage for a little bit. The kids really enjoyed that! Then finished walking down to the river which our cars were parked by. We let the kiddos throw rocks and sticks into the Mississippi for a little bit. If they had it their way, they would have jumped in. If we would have had more time I totally would have done a riverboat tour, and gone to see the Old Courthouse for the Dred Scott case. Time was not on our side though, and we really had to leave. We had to cut out doing a tour of the Lincoln house because it was out of our way.

We were 4 hrs. from Hamilton at this point. We had to get there to surprise Matt's parents. We had Jacob and Tally get things ready for a birthday dinner. I'm so grateful that Jacob and Tally live in Nauvoo, and were able to make plans for the dinner and prep it, and take care of cake and ice cream. Thanks Jacob and Tally, you're awesome!

I'm so glad that Matt was driving. The road system was crazy in St. Louis. Tons of road construction. So glad that Jason had his GPS system to help get us around. The problem was that they would get the directions at the last second, and have to walkie talkie us to let us know that we were turning or taking an exit. Sometimes it was to late and we would all miss the exit and have to be rerouted. We were always able to stay together, no one was left behind. That was the scary part. As we were leaving St. Louis one of the free way entrances was under construction. We had to find another way. We ended up going into the slums of the city. It was pretty scary. Not trying to stereo type any one, but I told Matt that I could just see some huge scary black man pull up in a nice suv and pull out a gun, or have some gang member pull a gun on us and try to steal our vehicle as we came to a stop sign. Matt agreed, and locked the doors.

Funny thing not long after that Matt looks in his rear view mirror, and sees this shiny black Ford Expedition that is following us. He saw the SUV wasn't stopping at the stop signs and was getting closer to us. It was really starting to freak me out. Then when it caught up to us, and we had stopped at a stop sign it pulls up next to us. The driver rolls down his window and it was a big black man with a do rag on his head. He motions to us to roll our window down. We just stared at him for a second and then Matt slowly rolls down the window. The Man said he was lost, and was wondering if we knew how to get on the freeway. We told him Nope that's what we were trying to figure out. He then proceeded to turn left before we could. We told the others what happened, and that we were further behind them. They pulled over and waited for us to catch up. We caught up quickly told them to go that we could see them. We finally found the freeway and headed on our way. What a nerve racking experience! So glad that Man didn't pull a gun out on us. I hope he found his way.

As we are driving Matt's Mom had pretty much called each of her kids to see where we were. She had a feeling something was up, and wanted to see what each kid would tell her. She called Josh before she called Matt. Josh told her that we were driving to St. Louis and that we were going to see the Arch. She was disappointed that we wouldn't be there until the next day. Josh got on the walkie talkie after he got off the phone and let us know what had happened.

Jacob kept calling to see where we were, he wasn't sure how long he could hold off on getting over to Mom and Dad's. He wasn't sure how long he could keep the secret. They had to go over to make the dinner. It would look really suspicious when they saw how much food they had brought for 4 people. We told him to just chat with them for a little bit, and then tell them not to come into the kitchen. Not long after that Matt's phone starts to ring, it was his Mom. I couldn't say anything because I didn't want to ruin the surprise. She asks Matt where we were. Matt said he wasn't sure that he was just following Josh. Clever Matt, real clever! LOL She told him what Josh had said, and he agreed with what she said. It was sad, we could sense the disappointment in her voice. Even Sadder Matt didn't even say Happy Birthday to her. When he hung up, we both sighed in relief, and I said you should have said Happy Birthday. I couldn't let myself say anything because I didn't want to give anything away.

When she called we were about two hours away. We couldn't wait to surprise them. The closer we got the longer it seemed to take to get there. The kids kept asking if we were there yet. I felt like Papa Smurf when the smurfs would ask him if they were there yet. He would reply patiently at first not far now. Then when they would keep asking he finally lost it and I think he yelled NO we're not. That's what I wanted to do. When we finally got there, we were excited to surprise MOM and Dad at their door. They were definitely excited.

We got the vehicles unpacked, and our stuff to where we were all going to be staying. Matt and I got the guest bedroom because of Matt's back. The guest bedroom had a bed, so we wouldn't have to sleep on an air mattress. I think it would have been okay for us to sleep on the air mattress. Thanks Mom and Dad for thinking of us, and thanks siblings for being understanding as well. While we were getting everything to it's place and situated, Jacob and Rachael were getting things going for dinner.

Dinner was going to be:

Pasta Carbenera and Brazilian Cheese rolls, red apple cinnamon Jello , and corn.   The attic of the house was very scary the last time we came to visit.  It was Jacob's room at the time because he wasn't married yet.  The attic stairs were steep and long.  There was no railing or wall when you got up to the top so if you weren't careful you could fall off the edge and down the stairs.  The kids weren't allowed to go up the last time we came.  Mom and Dad wanted it to be nicer and safer for the kids when we came.  Dad built a railing and a little ramp, and put carpet in.  They had a couple of beds, and a T.V. , DVD player, super nintendo, and a dry erase board.  It was to be the kids domain!  Dad had just finished everything right before midnight on the 10th.  All that needed to be done was getting all of the left over carpet scraps out, and vacuuming the carpet.  The men helped get it out, and Josh vacuumed.  Then Jason set up their bunk bed cot for some of the kids to sleep on. Things really came together and we were all able to settle in, and help get things done and dinner ready.  We were all so tired.  It was really hot and humid.  I know it could have been worse, i'm very grateful it wasn't.  Dinner turned out nice and was super yummy!  We were able to talk and relax, and let our food settle.  Then it was time to bring the cake and ice cream out.  Tally has a friend who makes cakes.  They had her make a wii cake.  orange marshmallow fondant icing, and white confetti cake.  It was a double layer round cake.  Tally's friend made another little cake into a wii controller.  Super cute, and mom loved it!  It was fun to see her so excited and happy!  Then it started to get late, and we were all just dragging.  Jacob and Tally left with their kids that they are fostering.  We got the kiddos to bed, and we all crashed. Sometime around 1:30 in the morning I got woken up by Kenzie, and Emily.  They told me that Maddie had woken up scared.  They said they tried to wake me up before, but I didn't wake up.  They then tried to wake Rachael up, and she didn't wake up.  That is so weird because we both wake up to the slightest sound or noise or touch.  We were tired!  Anyways they went back upstairs to Maddie and Emily suggested that they sing a primary song, and say a prayer.  How sweet is that?  Go Emily!  Anyways Maddie was still scared, and that's when they came down a second time to me, and I woke up.  I went upstairs to see what was going on.  It turns out that Maddie was away from everyone and by herself.  I moved her to another bed closer to everyone and hugged her.  Made sure she was okay.  They all went to sleep and stayed asleep after that. Monday June 11, 2012 This day was a day to just unwind.  We were supposed to go to the park and have a bar-b-q, water activities, and play Frisbee Golf.  During the night it rained really hard.  It was extra humid.  The weather report said severe thunder storms.  We decided to play it by ear whether or not to go to the park and do water activities.  Rachael, and I wanted to get a little of exercise in and wanted to go for a brisk walk.  We invited Brenda, and Tally to come.  Dad had told us what Uncle Tim does for exercise when he and Lugene come to visit.  Tim Runs to the Keokuk-Hamilton Bridge which connects Iowa to Illinois.  He runs across it and back to the house.  It's about 4 miles. Anyways we decided to do this.  We got lost in the first 5 min.  We're not good with directions.  We called Dad he gave us directions again.  We started out in the wrong direction we had to turn around go back toward Mom and Dad's house and past it.  Then we got confused of where to turn.  Their streets are a lot more different than ours.  We got on track and turned at the right street and headed towards the bridge.  Dad had said that there was a walking path across the bridge.  We couldn't see it, so we called him.  I'm sure Dad was getting a little irritated with us, but he patiently told Rachael that it was right in front of the gas station .  We couldn't see it because the gas station obstructed our view.  We were able to walk about half way across the bridge, and headed back.  On the way back we saw this funny sign: We also saw some skinny dippers, when we got back across the bridge.  Not what we wanted to see.  It was hilarious, Rachael heard some noises which sounded like a bird.  We turned expecting to see some beautiful birds.  Nope Skinny dippers!  It was a good walk.  Rachael and I wanted to do it again and run it.  When we got back the men went to Walmart and got food for the week.  We spent the day just chilling, eating, and the kiddos played hard.  For some reason the house was extra hot.  It was nice and cool the night before.  I kept thinking why aren't the kids playing up in the attic.  I told them to go up there and play because it's supposed to be really cool up there when the AC is on.  I eventually went up there, and it was super  hot.  Poor kids.   During the day Jacob and Tally's foster kids  had to go on a visit with their real parents.  These visits are hard on both kids.  When they come home they are extra sensitive.  It was so sad and hard for me.  Kids usually love me, I tried to smile and play with them. They wanted nothing to do with me.  It seemed like they would handle everyone else ok but not me.  I tried not to take it personally.  I was determined to win them over in the end.   So we figured out why the house wasn't cooling down eventually.  Someone, probably a kid, messed with the thermostat and turned on the heat.  It was nice when the house finally cooled down.  While we were getting things ready for the the bar-b-q, which we were just going to do at the house, Matt was inside helping his Mom prepare some food.  I was outside helping Jason go through the coolers that we brought with us.  Trying to rearrange and see if anything had gotten water damage and was ruined.  The cheese that Matt and I brought had gotten water damage, and was ruined.  Everything else seemed okay.  The kids were outside playing with bubbles, and having a blast doing so.   While Matt was helping his Mom she started to talk about her funeral arrangements.  It's hard to think about her dying.  She hasn't been doing well, and that is why this trip needed to happen so badly.  I ended up coming into the house to see if they needed more help.  Mom started talking to me about funeral stuff, and it was hard to listen.  Rachael walked in on the last bit as well.  I tried not to show my emotions.  I know she just wants to be prepared.  It's not going to be easy when she goes.  I know it will be good for her when she does.  She has been sick for so long, and hasn't been able to do much.  She is amazing, and  inspires me so much! It was time to eat our hamburgers, brats, hot dogs, jello pinwheels, chips, left over potato salad, and Reese's peanut butter bars for dessert. After we finished eating we decided to let the kids run through the sprinklers at the house.  Matt, Jason, and Jacob went and played Frisbee Golf at the park.  They had a real fun time.  We had to get to bed a little earlier because we had our Temple day in the morning.  Everyone decided to get to bed a little early, since our Temple day was in the morning.  Matt zonked out real quick.  I wanted to talk to Rachael and see how she was doing.  If she had handled what her Mom had said earlier.  So I found her, and we started to talk.  She wasn't handling it very well.  Jason walked in while we were talking.  We started talking about other things as well.  How hard it was to lose a parent unexpectantly.  I felt like I needed to share about the events leading up to my Dad's death.  How hard it had been to deal with things.  During our conversation I learned some things about Rachael and Jason that I didn't know.  I'm glad that we felt like we could trust each other and talk and listen.  I was a big bawl baby the whole time.  It was nice to chat, and get some advice.  I felt like this experience really brought the 3 of us closer together.  Thanks Rachael and Jason for listening, and staying up later than we needed to.  We ended going to bed close to 1 A.M.  We needed to be up by at least 7. Tuesday June 12, 2012 I didn't sleep too well during the night, and neither did Rachael.  She was the first to get up and get ready at around 6 A.M.  As soon as she was done I got showered and ready, and then everyone else followed.  We had a change in our day because Matt's Mom didn't do so well during the night.  She was up with issues from her sicknesses for most of the night.  We were supposed to go to the Temple, and then go to Jacob and Tally's afterwards to play games, and get our family picture taken.  The change that we made was to still go to the Temple, but we weren't going to do things at Jacob and Tally's afterwards.  Mom needed to be comfortable.  Matt's parents had arranged to get a couple of babysitters to watch the kids while we all went to the Temple.  The 2 girls name were Hannah and Hannah.  The kids kept saying when is Hannah and Hannah going to come.  My niece Clara had the idea of making pictures for Hannah and Hannah the night before.  They were so excited.   After I was done getting ready I heard the change of plans.  I went in to see how Mom was doing.  She looked tired and exhausted.  I asked her how she was doing, and she said she felt better, and told me about her night.  Sounded pretty awful.  She then apologized for upsetting me the day before talking about funeral stuff.  I told her that it was just really hard to hear.  Don't like thinking that she wouldn't be here any more.  Then I started to cry again.  It's definitely not going to be a party.  We love her to pieces!  Then it was time for her to get ready, so I left the room.  Got the girls breakfast.  As they were almost done eating Hannah and Hannah  rang the doorbell.  The kids finished eating, and then brought their pictures to them.  We introduced all of the kids, and then it was time to go.   I love the Nauvoo Temple!  It is beautiful.  We got our Temple clothes on and met up with everyone.  We were taken to a sealing room.  What a neat experience to go and sealing's for the dead.  Matt's parents went first.  They were so cute to watch.  It made me cry.  I hate when I'm an emotional wreck.  It was just so sweet to watch them.  I got myself together.  We all got a couple of turns to do a group of names.  The guy doing the sealing's was Mom and Dad's old home teacher.  He was hilarious!  So glad he agreed to be the sealer for our session.  After we were done, we went and changed back into our church clothes.  Since Jacob works security for the Temple he was able to take us up to the bell tower of the Temple.  We were able to do it the last time we came because Matt's Grandparents were in the Temple Presidency.  Grandpa Pierce took us up to the top, except for 1 flight of stairs.  Jacob let us go all the way to the top.  We touched the very top of the tower.  Such a beautiful view of Nauvoo from the top of the tower. Then it was time to go.  Matt's parents left right after getting changed to go and relieve  Hannah and Hannah.  Jacob and Tally wanted to show us where they lived.  So we headed over to their apartment which happens to be right above the Nauvoo fudge factory.  It is pretty much across the street from the Temple.  Very convenient!  Their apartment is huge, and I love how they have it decorated.  Nice place to live.  It would be hard for me knowing that Fudge was just downstairs.  I Love Fudge!  After we were done seeing their apartment we headed downstairs to buy some.  We ended up getting the chocolate peanut butter fudge, and the dark chocolate orange fudge.  Oh they were delicious!  Then we headed back to Mom and Dad's. We ate lunch, and relaxed and chatted for awhile.  Then it was time to get ready for pictures.  Our family wore blue.  The girls and I wore  fancier blue shirts, and capris, while Matt wore one of his blue Superman shirts, and shorts.  I think it suit us and worked well for our little family.  I wasn't sure how I wanted to do the girls hair.  I was thinking about asking Rachael to do it, but she had her girls hair to do.  Then Brenda asked if she would, and Rachael did, and then Jacob and Tally asked and Rachael did.  She did all of the girls hair even Maddie's while I did Kenzie's hair.  6 girls.  I'm a perfectionist, and it drives me crazy.  I'm so glad Rachael was able to help me out, she is amazing!  Thanks Rachael. The pictures were going to be taken in Nauvoo.  Tally's Dad was going to take the pictures for us.  I think the picture taking was better this time.  The kids cooperated so much better than the family picture in 2007.  Tally's Dad did a really good job, and Jacob did too.  Thanks Tally's Dad, and Jacob!  It was fun afterwards to take pictures with our own camera of everyone.  I love this family! We headed back to Mom and Dad's changed and had left overs for dinner.  Pizza was going to be ordered, but there was too many left overs in the fridge that needed to be eaten.  Then we played bunco, not the traditional way, but it worked and it was fun.  Jacob and Tally had a box full of stuff from their wedding that they had never used, and weren't going to use.  The prize that everyone really wanted was the ultimate slice and grate from pampered chef.  Josh and Brenda had the most bunco's so they got to choose first, and of course they chose the slice and grate.  Jacob and Tally had the most wins, but they didn't want to choose from their box.  They just chose candy from the big plastic bin that Rachael brought.  Oh yeah I forgot to mention that my sweet dear sister in-law bought $30 worth of candy from Winco's bulk candy section.  LOL  I love you Rachael!!! =)  So Matt and I came in 2nd with the most wins.  It was such a fun day. We went to bed, and zonked.  We had another busy day in the morning. Wednesday June 13, 2012 Today  we had a full day planned.  We were going to Nauvoo again.  At all of the Church sites they have Missionaries called to do the tours, the plays, everything that might happen.  They are dressed up like the pioneers would be dressed.  Our first thing on the agenda was to go see a play called “Just Plain Anna Amanda.”   "Come along with young Anna Amanda as she learns how important every person is, regardless of who they are or what job they have. This delightful musical production is a humorous view of Nauvoo as seen through the eyes of a child."   It was really good.  We saw it the last time we came out.  The kids really didn't interact, but this time they did.  They loved it!  At the end of the play Anna Amanda asked McKenzie if she wanted to come up on the stage and help her.  McKenzie was just to shy and shook her head "No".  Clara went up though in Kenzie's place.  It was so cute!  Anna Amanda told Clara that she was important, and then she went through and pointed at each of the kids and said they were important too.  After the play was over all of the actors went outside and you were able to go and meet them, and talk with them.  The girls couldn't wait to go and talk to the actors. Next we went to the Family Living Center. We got to enjoy hands-on demonstrations of weaving, bread making, rope making, candle making, barrel making, and pottery.  It was all very interesting.  Jacob and Tally had to leave during part of it to go to a Dr. appointment for Jacob.  They left their kids with us.  We all helped out and made sure they were taken care of.  I really wanted to help, so I made sure to watch for an opportunity to help.  They did really well with us, the youngest had a hard time with everyone but Grandma.  She at least let me hold her for awhile.  I'll take what I can get! We took a break after seeing some of the activities, and went to an area where we could eat lunch and experience pioneer past times.  "Pioneer Pastimes revisits the days of long ago when imaginations and a few basic items energized children for hours! Here you will find great activities for everyone, including pioneer games, stilts, stories, and a child-sized log home!"  The kids loved dressing up like pioneers.  I think we were there for over an hour.  They had so much fun. Then we went back to the Family Living Center to finish the rest of the activities that we didn't get to do.    After that we went to the Scovil Bakery to see the restored bakery and 1840's bustle oven.  We got to sample a gingerbread cookie.  They were good.  We then went and saw Heber C. Kimball's home.  Jason is related to him, and wanted to see it really bad.  It was a nice home.  After that we went and saw Jonathan Browning's house and gunsmith shop.  Matt was in heaven!  Him and his guns.  The backyard of the Browning home  had an excellent view of the Nauvoo Temple.  After the gunsmith shop Jacob and Tally came back.  We headed on over to get a spot to watch Sunset on the Mississippi.  Family entertainment featuring songs, music, games, stories and dances of the pioneer era. Jacob and Tally left to go and pick up Pizza so we could watch and eat.  Before the play started they had all of the kids around decorate paper hats to wear in a little parade before it started.  I was helping Maddie, and Jacob and Tally's youngest.  Then the missionary actresses and actors took the kids and paraded them around the audience and onto the stage.  Our girls, I didn't worry about as much.  I was worried that  Jacob and Tally's youngest  was going to freak out at any moment.  She didn't, she took right to the Sister Missionary who held her hand and helped her along the way.  The sister missionary her first name just happened to be the same as her's.  I'm so glad she didn't freak out. Our favorite thing that they did was one that was like American Idol, but with acting instead.  They had people in the audience that were the actors run onto the stage.  They were hilarious.  They did a little improv on making eggs, and more.  They did it in slow motion, and fast motion, and kung fu style.  It was hilarious!  The kids were laughing so hard.  After the play was over the BYU ballroom dance company was on tour and were going to perform right after.  We decided that we would stay.  They were awesome!  Lot's of talent there.  Jacob and Tally left before it started because their girls were really tired.  All of the kiddos did really well.  Maddie fell asleep about half way through it.  She woke up at the end, and saw all of the pretty sparkly dresses and was in heaven.  It was the perfect way to end the night. Thursday June 14, 2012 I think this was the day that Rachael and I were able to run to the bridge and to the spot that we turned around to come back home.  We walked across the bridge to Iowa, and back, and then we ran to the part where it went uphill.  We saw an older man outside of his house and asked him if he knew how many miles it was across the bridge.  I think he said it was 2.  He told us that their was an 80 year old woman that lives by him who runs across the bridge and back everyday.  That was motivating for us.  We told him thanks and headed on our way.  We decided that if an 80 year old woman could run up hill so could we.  So we did.  It was awesome!  We got back just in time for breakfast.  We ate and hurried and got ready. We had more things to go see in Nauvoo.  On the way to the visitors center Dad and Mom were in the lead.  They took a different way.  We drove past the mansion house, and the cemetery where Lucy Mac Smith, Joseph Smith, and Hyrum Smith are supposedly buried.  I wish I was paying more attention.  I really wanted to see those places.  The church doesn't own the rights to the mansion house or the cemetery.  I can't remember which church does.  Anyways they charge for tours.  That's the good thing about the LDS church everything is free.  After driving by, we drove down the trail of hope, and inspiration point.  When I saw this I wanted to go back and walk the trail of hope.  Then when we got to the Visitors center we went and got our tickets to ride in a wagon around the country side of Nauvoo while talking about people who had lived in certain areas and other events that had taken place.  We had some time to kill so we decided to go and ride in an oxen  cart until it was our time to go on the wagon. A yoke of real oxen pull you in a covered wagon across the "Mormon Trail" in the record time of ten minutes! The Ox Cart was a neat experience.  We got to touch the Ox, and learn more about them.  The kids loved riding in the cart.  It was a short ride, but worth it!  Then we headed over to the wagon ride.  Nauvoo is one of the most delightful villages in the country, and a wagon ride is a unique way of seeing the beauty you might otherwise miss. The tour is approximately one hour and is narrated by a tour guide. See the sites, hear the stories and learn the history! The whole tour was so informative, and the country side was so beautiful.  It's hard to believe that Nauvoo was just a swampy mess when the saints first got there.  They made it so beautiful.  The kids did an awesome job, and we all enjoyed it.  After the wagon ride we headed back over to the visitors center to go see the Monument to Women Gardens.  This memorial highlights the women's contributions to and influence on the home and society.the woman statues in the back of it.  They were very inspirational, and very uplifting for us woman. Then it was time to go eat lunch.  We went to the park that is right out the door of Jacob and Tally's apartment.  It was a nice park, and so nice that nobody else was there.  Jacob and Tally had to leave again because Tally's younger brother was taking his endowments out because he was leaving on his mission soon.  We took the girls again for them.  We stayed at the park and played for awhile longer.  Then we went to the brick yard, and learned the technique of how bricks were made in that era.  Each family received a brick that said Old Nauvoo on it.  Then we went to the Webb Brothers Blacksmith Shop we Viewed demonstrations of blacksmithing skills using 1840's equipment..  At the end everyone got to choose a prairie rock to have.  A prairie rock is a fancy bent nail that the pioneers used as wedding rings.  They are really neat.  The girls were so excited to get one.   We had a little time to kill after so we went to check out the souvenir shops.  We weren't sure what we wanted.  Everything that we did want was very pricey.  We checked out 2 different shops.  At the second one The guys went outside to wait for us girls to come out.  I had taken Maddie to the bathroom, and then went to find the others.  When Jason went out one of the shop owner started talking to him.  We talked for a few minutes with him, and then he said to come on in for a free ice cream cone.  That was really nice of him to do that, and the kids really enjoyed it.  I told him I didn't want one, but he still gave me one anyways.  It was a nice treat.  We said our thank you's and left.  We needed to get back to where our cars were parked.   When everyone was back together we all headed to Carthage to see the Carthage Jail.  The last time we came it wasn't that great of an experience because our kids were so little.  They were tired and cranky, and didn't want to be quiet, and hold still.  We all felt terrible like we had ruined someone else's experience because of our kids.  At least that's how I felt.  I was really looking forward to this visit since our kids were older. Visit the restored Carthage Jail, where Joseph Smith, the first President of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, and his brother Hyrum were martyred. Tours begin at the Visitors’ Center with an 18-minute film on Joseph Smith’s life. You can also enjoy a walk through the beautiful gardens, where a life-sized statue of Joseph and Hyrum Smith pays tribute to the brothers. Trouble for Latter-day Saints in Nauvoo increased when the Nauvoo city council issued orders to destroy a newspaper press that had printed criticisms against the Church. This act angered the newspaper’s supporters and neighboring citizens. To bring calm, Governor Thomas Ford promised the council members full protection if they would submit to arrest and go to Carthage for a trial. Notwithstanding the promise of protection, Joseph Smith felt that he was “going like a lamb to the slaughter.” Joseph and Hyrum Smith arrived at Carthage on June 24, 1844. The next day they were released on bail, but they were detained after being falsely charged with treason, a charge stemming from their activating the Nauvoo Legion to protect the citizens of Nauvoo. Although only Joseph and Hyrum were under arrest, others remained with them in the jail. John Taylor's watch was damaged when he was struck by a bullet and fell On June 27th, four men were held in the jail’s upper bedroom: Joseph, Hyrum, John Taylor, and Dr. Willard Richards. A group of men with blackened faces and guns rush toward the jail. The four men tried to hold the door against the mob, but Hyrum was immediately shot and killed. The mob forced the door open just as Joseph turned to leap out the window. He was shot twice in the back and twice in the chest as he fell from the second-story window. John Taylor was shot four times but miraculously survived. Willard Richards escaped without even a hole in his clothing. The Saints in Nauvoo grieved the loss of Joseph and Hyrum, but remained at Nauvoo for almost two more years. The jail was constructed in 1839-40. In later years it was converted into a house. It remained a private home until 1903, when The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints bought it,then restored it in 1938. A beautiful bronze statue of Joseph and Hyrum Smith, memorial quotes, and new landscaping were dedicated in 1989. Memorials to the Testimony of Joseph Smith Plaque No. 1. “I was born in the year of our Lord, one thousand eight hundred and five on the twenty-third day of December…so great were the confusion and strife among the different denominations that it was impossible for a persona as young as I was….to come to any certain conclusions who was right and who was wrong….” [Joseph Smith History 3, 8] “While I was laboring under the extreme difficulties caused by the  contests of these parties of religionists, I was one day reading the epistle of James, first chapter and fifth verse, which reads: If any of you lack wisdom, let him ask of God that given to all men liberally and upbraideth not; and it shall be given him….” [Joseph Smith History 11] “…I at length came to the determination to ‘ask of God’….I retired to the woods to make the attempt. It was on the morning of a beautiful, clear day, early in the spring of eighteen hundred and twenty. I kneeled down and began to offer up the desires of my heart to God….I saw a pillar of light exactly over my head, above the brightness of the sun, which descended gradually until it fell upon me.” [Joseph Smith History 13, 14, 16] Plaque No. 2. “When the light rested upon me I saw two personages, whose brightness and glory defy all description, standing above me in the air. One of them spake unto me, calling me by name and said, pointing to the other…’This is my beloved Son, hear him…” [Joseph Smith History 17] Plaque No. 3. “I never feel to force my doctrine upon any person; I rejoice to see prejudice give way to truth, and the traditions of men dispersed by the pure principles of the gospel of Jesus Christ.” [Joseph Smith, Jr. 1844] Plaque No. 4. “Patience is heavenly, obedience is noble, forgiveness is merciful, and exaltation is godly; and he that holds out faithful to the end shall in no wise lose his reward.  A good man will endure all things to honor Christ, and even dispose of the whole world, and all in it, to save his soul.” [Joseph Smith, Jr. and Hyrum Smith, 1844] Plaque No. 5. “When a man has offered in sacrifice all that he has for the truth’s sake, not even withholding his life, and believing before God that he has been called to make this sacrifice because he seeks to do his will, he does know, most assuredly, that God does and will accept his scarifies and offering, and that he has not, nor will not seek his face in vain.” [Joseph Smith, Jr. 1835] Plaque No. 6. “And now, after the many testimonies which have been given of him (Jesus Christ), this is the testimony last of all which we give of him; that He lives! “For we saw him, even on the right hand of God; and we heard the voice bearing record that he is the Only Begotten of the Father. “That by him, and through him, and of him, the worlds are and were created and the inhabitants thereof are begotten sons and daughters unto God.” [Doctrine and Covenants 76:22-24] This time around was so much better. We came at the right time. We got on the last tour of the day. It was our family and another little family with a mix of different aged kids. I felt the spirit so strong. At the end of the tour we were allowed to take pictures of the room where everything happened. As we were leaving the Elder our tour guide told us to turn our flash off and hold our camera up to the bullet hole in the door. The bullet hole was like a frame for the window that Joseph Smith fell out of. What a perfect end to the day. Friday June 15, 2012 Today we were going to celebrate Josh and Brenda's youngest child Caitlynn. She was turning 2 today. We were also going to celebrate each of the kids birthdays as well. Mom had a friend that she felt inspired to ask to see if she would help make a cake for Caitlynn, and cup cakes for the other kids. We were going to celebrate at the adventure zone. The last time we came out to Nauvoo we were able to go to the adventure zone, and it was a total blast. Outside they had go carts to race on a racing track. Inside they had a video arcade, a huge play zone with the nets, and slides, they had pool tables. We really had fun. Well it went out of business, and the people who owned it are trying to see the business. Everything is still there, except for the go carts. The video games weren't on and working either. The point is though that Matt's parents have connections with the people who owned it. They were able to rent out the whole building.  Before we went to the adventure zone we had a few stops to make. The first one was picking up the cake, and cup cakes. Then stop at Annie's frozen custard. Mom and Dad know the owner really well. They told her that they would bring us to try some. We tried it last time we came, and it was super yummy. Anyways I think the owner wasn't going to be there when we could come. She made arrangements with someone to let us in, It was pretty neat being able to go in before they were even opened. We tried a little bit of each flavor: Chocolate, vanilla, and orange. Yum! After trying the frozen custard, we needed to stop by the Nauvoo Temple and let the kids go and touch the Temple. They were so excited to be able to touch it. To go up and down the stairs to the Temple as well. Next stop Adventure Zone. The kids were anxious to go and play. Once inside the kids took their shoes off, left socks on and started playing in the play zone. The adults got stuff ready for lunch, and got everything else ready too. In the back room they had a huge projector screen, with chairs, and couches. Matt slid the couches and chairs together, and I think either Jacob or Jason helped set up the wii on it. Matt and Jacob were able to play some pool, and then play wii with some of the kiddos. Then it was time to eat. We had sloppy joes, chips, grapes, celery & carrot sticks. After eating most of the adults went and played in the play zone with the kiddos. It was a blast, and a major workout. It was fun acting crazy with the kids. Oh to be that young and agile again, sigh. After playing in the playzone we got ready to celebrate Caitlynn's birthday. Rachael and I had planned some games for the kids to play.  First we did the Balloon pop. Tie a balloon to each player's right leg with a three-foot length of string. When everyone's outfitted, assemble the kids in the garage or a room with lots of open space. The goal is to pop the other players' balloons by stomping on them. Once a kid's balloon is popped, he's out. Loud, wild, fun. I think Maddie won this one. Then we did another Balloon game that Jacob and Tally came up with. I don't know the name, but you blow a balloon up, aim it at a target, and let go. The person closest to the target wins. It was hilarious! I think Breanna won this one. The next game was Statues. Played to music, all the players move round while the music is playing, when the music stops the players freeze like statues, anyone who moves is out. Start the music again and repeat as until there is one statue left. Then play again. That was cute one to watch. I think Emily won this one. We played the Toothpick Marshmallow Tower Game:  Supplies: Toothpicks, mini-marshmallows, adult supervision   ShareThis - Email this Game to Friend! or Click to Bookmark  Hand out a set amount of toothpicks and marshmallows, maybe 20 and 15, to each team and or individual.   Divide the guests into equal groups or pit individuals against each other.  Each group should be given toothpicks and mini marshmallows. Inform them they have a set amount of time should be given (we suggest 5 minutes) and must build the tallest tower possible out of only the toothpicks and marshmallows given.    That was fun.  Each family was a team.  Matt was our builder we helped stick toothpicks into the marshmallows and he built it.  Matt and Jacob's design was very similar, but in the end ours won, it stood the longest. We played Catch the Dragon's Tail  Equipment Needed: One rag or flag per dragon  Divide the children into teams of six or eight.  Have the children in each team form a line and then put their hands on the waist of the person in front of them to create a "dragon."  The last person of the dragon, or tail, is given a rag to hang out of the back of their pants.  The object of the game is for the head to catch the tail and pull the rag from that player.   If he succeeds he will become the new tail.  The old tail does not become the new head, he stays in his same order.  This game can be given a time limit in case a player is having trouble catching the tail.  We had Emily and McKenzie as the each line leader.  I can't remember exactly who was in what line, I just remember that Emily's line won. We played indoor Bowling.  We only had 8 plastic water bottles so we modified it.  Matt got 2 matts' from the play zone, and laid them down as the bumpers.  We used an orange for the bowling ball.  It was cute to watch these kids bowl.  In the end I think McKenzie won. The last game we played was pin the tail on the donkey.  That was fun to watch as well.  I think Clara won that one.  Caitlynn didn't even get a chance to do most of them because she fell asleep. After playing all the games we decided to watch a movie on the big screen while Caitlynn slept and then do cake when she woke up.  We watched "Facing the Giants".  Excellent movie!   Product Description In six years of coaching, Grant Taylor has never led his Shiloh Eagles to a winning season. After learning that he and his wife Brooke face infertility, Grant discovers that a group of fathers are secretly organizing to have him dismissed as head coach. Devastated by his circumstances, he cries out to God in desperation. When Grant receives a message from an unexpected visitor, he searches for a stronger purpose for his football team. He dares to challenge his players to believe God for the impossible on and off the field. When faced with unbelievable odds, the Eagles must step up to their greatest test of strength and courage. Some other movies that I have seen by these people is Fireproof, and Courageous.  There is a bunch more that I want to see by the same people. While watching the movie we ate from the huge candy box, and made a huge dent in it.  Thank goodness.  This movie was really moving, and It made me cry.  It was so good.  After the movie was done Caitlynn had woken up from her nap, and so we sang Happy Birthday to Caitlynn and let her try to blow her candles out.  We had put a candle in each of the cup cakes as well and sang happy birthday to each kid and let them blow their candle out.  They had fun!  After cake, we cleaned up everything.  We had one last movie to watch that was fitting for this whole trip.  We watched 17 miracles.  I had seen it before.   Product Description As part of the Willie Handcart Company, Levi Savage (Jasen Wade) feared that leaving late in the season would lead to despair and death. What he learned was that for every tragedy, there was a multitude of miracles. Brought to you by filmmaker T. C. Christensen (Praise to the Man; The Work and the Glory), 17 Miracles will open your eyes to the unbelievable but true stories of the Mormon pioneers as you have never seen them before.  This movie was really touching.  It was so hard to see these pioneers suffer, but was amazing to see the miracles that happened to them along the way.  Also I think it was half way through the movie when we heard pounding on the roof, we realized it was rain, and all of us had our windows open.  It was funny to see all of the men jump up and run to go close the windows!  After the movie was done we cleaned up everything and left the building the way we found it.  We headed back to Mom and Dad's. This was our last day here at Mom and Dad's we were leaving in the morning.  We got back to the house and got things inside, and then had a family prayer.  We said our goodbyes to Jacob and Tally and their kids.  Then we got our kids ready for bed.  Then because it's tradition Matt's Dad gave Father's blessings to each of his kids.  I've asked him each time as well because my Dad is no longer alive.  I find the blessings very comforting, and helpful.  Matt went first.  In his blessing it talked about his work, and that he would have a better work schedule, and that he had a lot of love, and that he would be able to show his love and affection more.  It talked about kid or kids born into our family.  Next was Josh, and then Rachael.  Their blessings were really good too.   Then I asked if he would give me a blessing.  It was a good blessing, and made me feel better about things.  My blessing talked about Matt's work as well, and that we would have more normalcy in our lives.  It also talked about me being loved.  It talked about the kid or kids mentioned in Matt's blessing.  When I heard this I thought in my head but how will I know when the time is right.  Then Matt's Dad said you will have a burning desire in my heart when the time is right.  You will know.  I started to cry, because I have struggled with this for so long.  I've gone back and forth with wanting to have more kids, and not wanting to have more kids.  I didn't want to have more kids just because those around me were doing it.  I wanted it to be for the right reasons.  I guess apparently i'm not done having kids.  Only time will tell, who knows when I will have that burning desire in my heart.  Finally the last thing Dad mentioned in my blessing was to be patient.  Patience is not my strongest suit.  I'm working on it.  It was the perfect way to end the night and our vacation to Mom and Dad's.  We said goodnight, and got some laundry started, and the things that we could pack up packed up.  I also stayed up late talking with Rachael and jason.  We were trying to figure out our plans for the trip home.  What we wanted to do.  We wanted to go walk the trail of hope before heading back home. Saturday June 16, 2012 We woke up bright and early and got things packed up.  We helped clean up the house.  I had a chance to talk with Matt's Mom in private.  She wanted to ask me what I thought about my blessing with the kids.  She was worried that I hadn't handled it very well.  She has told me before the last time they came to Utah that she has seen a little toe headed boy running around our house.  She brought that up again while we were at their house this week.  She and everyone else like to tease me.  It doesn't bother me.  She had asked Dad if he just said what he did about kids because everyone else was teasing me.  He had told her no, he felt very strongly to say it.  That was comforting to hear. We thought we were going home with a lighter load, nope we were going home with just about the same amount of stuff.  Matt's parents were trying to get rid of things.  I would ask out loud do I have use for this?  Dad would say sure you do, just take it.  It made me laugh.  Thanks Mom and Dad for the "stuff"! I'm really going to miss them when we leave.  I really do consider Matt's parents my Mom and Dad, they're amazing people.  The Nauvoo area has done them well.   Then it was time to go.  We had a family prayer and then we said our goodbye's.  I thought I would be a blubbering mess, but I wasn't.  I teared up when Rachael said goodbye to Mom.  She was crying.  Then we got in our cars and left.  I didn't start to cry until we left the Gas station. Our last stop was the Trail of hope.  I wanted to see the  mansion house and the graves, but I missed them again.  Dang it!  We parked by the seventies hall.  Dad told us to go in and ask for a paper that had a description of all the plaques on the trail of hope.  We decided to have a tour of the building as well. The Seventies Hall was home to worship services, instruction and lectures. Nauvoo's first library was located on the upper floor.  They had a book you could sign if you had an ancestor that was a seventy.  We were all able to sign our names because Christopher Layton who is a great great great great grandfather was a seventy.  After the tour was done we asked about the copy for the trail of hope.  The Sister missionaries didn't know what we were talking about.  Maybe the papers were located at the visitors center.   The Trail of Hope: The Trail of Hope is a moving experience year round In the concluding dedicatory session of the Nauvoo Temple, President Hinckley of the LDS Church, made a special request of all those who were then in Nauvoo. He asked everyone to take a few minutes to “walk down Parley Street to the waterfront,” to the landing on the Mississippi River from which the early Mormons departed Nauvoo and crossed into Iowa on their westward trek. He asked people to leave behind the comfort of their air-conditioned cars, to walk along this historic path and take time to read the plaques along the Trail of Hope. Thirty markers contain quotes from journals and letters of early pioneers as they got ready to begin the great trek to the Rocky Mountains.  At the edge of the river stands the Pioneer Memorial and “Exodus to Greatness” Monument. The Pioneer Memorial contains the names of many of those who died along the Mormon Trail and surrounds the “Exodus to Greatness” Monument, a stone mounted bronze frieze of the Mormon Trail. The trail of hope was a very spiritual experience.  It was neat to be able to walk and read the plaques as a family.  I think the adults got more out of it than the kiddos did.  We told the kids that if they stayed with the group and didn't run ahead that a surprise would be waiting for them at the end.  That got their attention, and they stayed with us.  These words were from the plaques on the trail of hope:   1. “Our camp resounded with songs of joy and praise to God -- all were cheerful and happy in the anticipation of finding a resting place from persecution in some of the lonely, solitary valleys of the great interior basin whithersoever we might be led.” Orson Pratt 2. “How well I remember what a hard time (father) had breaking in the animals to draw the wagon. There were six cows and two oxen. The oxen were well broken and quite sedate. But the cows were wild and unruly…while Father was breaking the cattle, Mother was praying…many nights when we were in bed asleep…she would go out into the orchard…and there pour out her soul in prayer, asking the Lord to open the way for us to go with the Saints.” Margaret Judd Clawson 3. “I stopped my carriage on the top of a rolling prairie and I had a splendid view. I could see the Saints pouring out & gathering like clouds from the hills and dales, grove and prairie with their teams, wagons, flocks and herds by hundreds and thousands as it were until it looked like the movement of a great nation.” Wilford Woodruff, 1846 4. “Last evening the ladies met to organize…Several resolutions were adopted…If the men wish to hold control over the women, let them be on the alert. We believe in equal rights.” Louisa Barnes Pratt, June 7, 1846 5. “The thoughts of leaving my family (for the Mormon Battalion) at this critical time are indescribable. My family consisted of a wife and two small children, who were left in company with an aged father and mother and a brother. The most of the Battalion left families…When we were to meet with them again, God only knew. Nevertheless, we did not feel to murmur.” William Hyde 6. “So we have both suffered. We must help one another and the Great Spirit will help us both.” Chief Pied Riche, Pottawattamie Tribe, June 1846. 7. “A large amount of labor has been done since arriving in this grove. Indeed the whole camp is very industrious. Many houses have been built, wells dug, extensive farms fenced, and the whole place assumes the appearance of having been occupied for years….” Orson Pratt, May 10, 1846 8 “He died in my arms about four o’clock. This was the second child which I have lost, both dying in my arms. He died with whooping cough and black canker. We are entirely destitute of anything even to eat much less to nourish the sick.” Hosea Stout, May 8, 1846 9. “There on the bank of the Chariton River, I was delivered of a fine son. Occasionally the wagon had to be stopped that I might take breath. Thus I journeyed on. But I did not mind the hardship of my situation, for my life had been preserved, and my babe was so beautiful.” Zina Huntington Jacobs Young 10. “My last act in that precious spot was to tidy the rooms, sweep up the floor, and set the broom in its accustomed place behind the door. Then with emotions in my heart…I gently closed the door and faced an unknown future, faced it with faith in God and with no less assurance of the ultimate establishment of the Gospel in the West and of its true, enduring principles, than I had felt in those trying scenes in Missouri.” Bathsheba W. Smith 11. “We hurried to pack some food, cooking utensils, clothing and bedding, which was afterward unpacked and strewn over the ground by the mob as they searched for fire-arms. Mother had some bread already in the kettles to bake. Of course she did not have time to bake, so she hung it on the reach of our wagon and cooked it after we crossed the Mississippi River.” Mary Field Garner 12. “The fall of 1845 found Nauvoo, as it were, one vast mechanic shop, as nearly every family was engaged in making wagons. Our parlor was used as a paint shop in which to paint wagons.” Bathsheba W. Smith 13. “Those of us who can remember when we were compelled to abandon Nauvoo, when the winter was so inclement know how dark and gloomy the circumstances of the Saints were, with the mob surrounding our outer settlements and threatening to destroy us and how trying it was to the faith of the people of God. The word was to cross the Mississippi and to launch out into an unknown wilderness-to go where, no one knew. Who knew anything of the terrors of the journey thither, or of the dangers that might have to be met and contended with? Who knew anything about the country to be traversed? Moving out with faith that was undisturbed by its unknown terrors. It was by faith that this was accomplished.” George Q. Cannon 14. “I was in Nauvoo on the 26th day of May, 1846, for the last time, and left the city of the Saints feeling that most likely I was taking a final farewell of Nauvoo for this life. I looked upon the temple and City as they receded  from view and asked the Lord to remember the sacrifices of his Saints.” Wilford Woodruff 15. “Some had covers drawn over their wagons while others had only a sheet drawn over a few poles to make a tent. Sometimes these rude tents were the only covering for them. While keeping the watchman post in the darkness of the night… I wept over the distressed condition of the Saints. Toward the dim light of many a flickering lamp have my eyes been directed because of the crying of children, the restless movements of the aged, infirm and mournful groan of many suffering from fever. These have made an impression on my mind which can never be forgotten.” Gilbert Belnap 16. “With this advanced camp of the great exodus there had come a brass band, led by Captain Pitt. After encampment was made and the toils of the day were over, the snow would be scraped away, a huge fire or several of them kindled within the wagoned enclosure, and there to the inspiring music of Pitt’s band, song and dance often beguiled the exiles into forgetfulness of their trials and discomfort.” B.H. Roberts 17. “As Sarah Leavitt and her daughters tried to comfort her sick husband, he began to sing, ‘Come, let us anew, our journey pursue…’ He sang the hymn as long as he had strength to sing it and then wanted Elisa (one of his daughters) to sing it. He died without a struggle or a groan.” Sarah Leavitt 18. “The suffering and sadness of that camp I shall never forget. It is impossible to describe the cries of the hungry children, the sadness of others for the loss of their loved ones. What a terrible night of misery. We didn’t even have a light, except a candle which flickered out in the wind and rain as it was carried from one place to another.” Mary Field Garner 19. “Prepared for the night by erecting a temporary tent out of bed clothes. At this time my wife was hardly able to sit up and my little son was sick with a very high fever and would not even notice anything that was gong on.” Hosea Stout 20. “…here we all halted and took a farewell view of our delightful city…We also beheld the magnificent Temple rearing its lofty tower toward the heavens…My heart did swell within me.” Newel Knight 21. “I was five years old when we started from Nauvoo. We crossed over the Mississippi in the skiff in the dusk of the evening. We bid goodbye to our dear old feeble grandmother, Lucy Mack Smith. I can never forget the bitter tears she shed when she bid us goodbye for the last time in this life. She knew it would be the last time she would see her son’s family.” Martha Ann Smith 22. “Without fire, and something warm to eat, all would suffer through the night. Seeing no other way I emptied a large valuable chest, highly prized, split it up with the hatchet, and soon had a warm supper; then in the freezing storm, we crowded into our wagon and remained there through the night.” Benjamin F. Johnson, Recollections 23. “I was the mid-wife, and delivered nine babies that night.” Jane Johnston 24. “When a boat sank while attempting to cross the Mississippi, a number of Saints were tossed and sported on the water at the mercy of the cold and unrelenting waves.. some climbed on top of the wagon…while cows and oxen were seen swimming to the shore from whence they came.” Hosea Stout 25. “I had a small flock of sheep which I had not time to sell. These I left, together with my house and lot, the former containing my furniture and books.” Priddy Meeks 26. “Early in February, multitudes of the people commenced to cross the Mississippi, and from their encampments in the forest of Iowa. In regard to the terrible sufferings that followed, the terrible snow storms and rains that continued from February until May, causing such floods and mire, distress and suffering and consequent sickness, as perhaps has never before been known to the lot of Man” Erastus Snow 27. “Unless the people are more united in spirit and cease to pray against counsel, it will bring me down to my grave. I am reduced in flesh so that my coat that would scarcely meet around me last winter now laps over twelve inches. It is with much ado that I can keep from lying down and sleeping to wait the resurrection.” Brigham Young 28. “We bade our children and friends goodbye and started for the west. Crossed the river about noon… I knitted almost a mitten for Mr. Sessions while he went back to get some things we left.” Patty Sessions 29. “I was not large enough to keep out of the way of the wagon at all times and consequently had my feet and leg run over two or three times when jumping out of the wagon to stop the team.” Gideon Murdock, age 6 30. “We had nothing to sweeten anything until the Lord sent honey dew, which we gathered from the bushes until we get all the sweets we wanted. I also boiled maple juice and got cakes of maple sugar.” Jane Johnston Their surprise was inspiration point, and getting to take off their shoes and stand in the Mississippi river.  Inspiration point is the widest point of the Mississippi river.  Joseph Smith liked to visit this point.  He found solace here and relax.  Awesome view of the Temple from this point.  The kids loved getting their feet wet, Kenzie would have went swimming in it if we weren't watching.  We would have let them play a little bit longer, but a storm was blowing in, and we didn't want to get rained on.  We also had a lot of driving to do today, and we still needed to stop at Winter Quarters.  We divided out our lunch to eat while driving, and left.   As we were driving I talked to Matt about our blessings.  I asked him what he thought of them.  Matt is not a man of a lot of words.  He said they were really good blessings.  I asked him if he believed that his Mom really could see spirits.  He said he did.  He said since she in the condition that she has been in for so long is so close to the veil herself.  I asked him if he believed if she really saw a toe headed boy running around our house.  He said yes, and I said good so do I. As we were driving the sky got darker and darker we were heading right into the storm.  We heard on the radio that a storm watch was in affect for Des Moines county.  We had 60 mph winds, and rain that was pouring down so hard that we could barely see.  It was really scary!  We kept watching for funnel clouds.  I didn't want a tornado to happen.  Scary!  It was so nice that we were able to make it through the storm without stopping. About Winter Quarters Beginning in the year 1846, members of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints began establishing communities along the Missouri River in both Iowa and Nebraska. Approximately 90 settlements were created within seven years, the most well-known being Winter Quarters. The Church headquarters was located in this area for a time, and, though important in LDS Church History, the Iowa era is often lost between Nauvoo and Salt Lake City. The Church as a whole actually lingered in Iowa longer than it did in Nauvoo.  Winter Quarters, located where the city of Florence, Nebraska is today, served for a time as the headquarters for the LDS Church. Though it was the name of one of the largest and most elaborately organized settlements in the area, the term "Winter Quarters" is commonly used to refer to the general area of the Middle Missouri River Valley where the 90 Mormon settlements were located. This is due to the fact that these settlements along the Missouri River literally served as the "Winter Quarters" for thousands of Latter-day Saints who were making their way to the West. Winter conditions in the Midwest made for less than satisfactory travel, so it was necessary to find a place to spend the winter before continuing the journey in the spring. Many Saints stayed in the area for several years so that they could grow food and gather supplies to prepare themselves for the westward trek. By the mid-1850s, most of the Latter-day Saints had left the area and set up new homes in what would eventually become the state of Utah. The story of this era in LDS Church history does not begin at the Missouri River, however.By 1844,the Mormon town of Nauvoo, Illinois had become one of the largest cities in the state, with approximately 11,000 residents. After the martyrdom of the Latter-day Saint prophet Joseph Smith, the city continued to grow as converts streamed in from the British Isles and other foreign countries. Mob violence eventually forced a massive exodus from Nauvoo. Under the direction of Brigham Young, the Saints left their homes and crossed the frozen Mississippi River into Iowa in February 1846. As stated in the Journal History of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, "This tale of courage amid suffering began on 4 February 1846 when the first wagon . . . left Nauvoo and thus started the fabled exodus of the Mormon pioneers." The trek across Iowa was arduous as the spring rains made travel by covered wagon almost impossible in the deep mud. However, the Saints pressed on until they reached the Missouri River on the border between Nebraska and Iowa. Here they stayed for the Winter of 1846-47, resting their wearied bodies and animals, and preparing themselves to head west to the Valley of the Great Salt Lake. Though Winter Quarters served as a refuge for the Saints, sickness and the elements took their toll on the tired travelers. Death was an unwelcome yet frequent visitor to the pioneer settlements. Over 300 faithful Saints are buried at Winter Quarters, with countless others resting in obscure cemeteries along the banks of the Missouri River. Many lie in unmarked graves. These valiant Pioneers gave their lives in pursuit of finding a place where they and their families could live and worship in peace. Many of those who died at Winter Quarters left faithful posterity who pressed on to the Salt Lake Valley and accomplished the realization of the hopes of those who had died before their journey was through. Others among those buried at Winter Quarters include young children whose small bodies could not withstand the biting winter cold. The graves of both old and young serve as a solemn reminder of the high price that has been paid for religious freedom. The tragedy and the triumph of Winter Quarters serve as an inspiration to generations of descendants, both literal and spiritual, of these courageous pioneer Saints. ". . . [The Saints] were forced to leave their homes with less than two weeks of provisions and flee into the middle of a winter which froze the mile-wide Mississippi River . . . . Yet in spite of their tremendous afflictions, [they] generally remained objective and even retained a cautious optimism. Though they suffered, they lived; hence they had reason to thank their Creator and Sustainer of Life" Dr. Susan Easton Black, "Suffering and Death on the Plains of Iowa," BYU Studies, 1981). "These Saints were not cowards, trembling with fear from the rigors of the arduous trek or the unknown dangers lurking in the western wilderness. They drew upon inner strength to persevere. Courage marked their every footstep as they pressed on to the Rockies. We can learn from their example" (Dr. Susan Easton Black, "Courage - The Unfailing Beacon,"Ensign, March 1997). "It has been referred to as the tragedy of Winter Quarters, but there was no tragedy here, for tragedy spells defeat and disaster. This was the victory of Winter Quarters, for here was faith and hope and charity raised to their loftiest pinnacles, while greed and selfishness were brought low. There are times and places in the life of every nation when great spiritual heights are reached, when courage become a living thing, when faith in God stands as the granite mountain wall firm and immovable, while hardships, want, hunger, sickness, sorrow and death beat down to crush. Winter Quarters was such a time and place for the Mormon people" (President Heber J. Grant, September 20, 1936, dedication of theWinter Quaters Monument). You can learn more by going to this link: http://winterquarters.byu.edu/ We made it to Winter Quarters just in time for their last tour. The tour started out with a video.  The sister missionary took us to a small room, and pulled out a bin with toys that the pioneer children would have played with.  The kids got to play with them for a little bit, and then she started the movie.  She told the kids to listen for the word mud puddle.  She wanted to know how big it was. The video was very good, the kids sat well for the most part and listened.  The mud puddle that the sister missionary asked us to listen for was 6 miles long.  What these pioneers had to go through, just amazes me. After the video the sister missionary took us on a tour around the visitors center.  During the tour Caitlynn wanted me to hold her.  I would hold her for a bit, and then put her down.  Then she would come right back to me and want to be picked up again.  She didn't want any one else.  I find it funny that after the blessing that Dad gave me that all of a sudden the kids flock to me.  I think I was walking on air.  I love it when kids love me, it makes you feel so good. Anyways back to the tour.  They talked about the boat that they traveled on from England.  She told us that one of the captains back then had said that all the boats were good for was transporting Mormons.   We got to go inside a replica of one of the cabins that they stayed in.  2 families usually stayed in one cabin.  With the 2 families the total number of people staying in these tiny cabins was about 14 people.  The kids got to see what it was like to pull a hand cart.  We learned that the odometer was invented by Orson Pratt.  We got to see a replica of the one he invented and how it worked.  Those were just some of the things that we learned, there was plenty more to see. After finishing our tour we were able to walk across the street to the Winter Quarters Temple, and monument.  On the way we were able to see fire flies.  The kids loved them!  They kept on chasing them and trying to catch them.  They were everywhere.  So neat to see their little butts light up!  Then we touched the Temple, and walked around the grounds to the winter quarters monument.  The monument in the cemetery there was a bronze memorial that listed all the names of those who died, and for those unknown pioneers who passed also.   When we were done just after 9 pm we left, filled up our vehicles with gas, stopped at a grocery store to get some food, and headed for our campground just after 10.  Our campground was a couple of hours away.  We didn't reserve the campground because of the having to reserve 2 nights at a time when reserving online.  We did make it to our campground around midnight, but they were completely booked.  We spent some time deciding what we were going to do.  We decided that we were going to drive for as long as we could and spend another night in a rest area.  When we left the campground it was so humid.  Our car windows fogged up so bad.  It was really hard to keep them from fogging up.  We drove until 1 or 1:30 in the morning.  We actually slept better at this rest area.  In the morning, there were no bugs, but our windows had condensation on the inside because of the humidity.  We all couldn't wait to get to South Dakota into a dryer climate. Sunday June 17, 2012 We left the rest area and headed for our camp ground in South Dakota.  We had about a 6 hour drive ahead of us.  Our plan after reaching our camp ground was to go and see Mt. Rushmore. South Dakota is not a fun state to drive through.  There is nothing around.  It is flat. until you get to Black Hills South Dakota.  I'm still trying to figure out which state I liked driving through the most.  Wyoming, Iowa, Nebraska, and South Dakota.  They all suck to drive through!   We had no problems getting to our camp ground.  We saw Mt. Rushmore as we were driving to our campground.  It was huge!  Pictures don't do it justice.  We reached our campsite around 5 or 6 in the evening.  Our campsite was right next to a beautiful lake.  It wasn't a KOA, so no flushing toilets, or showers.  We thought the kids were going to have a hard time.  They actually did really well! After the first trip of using the scary potty, I sat down at the picnic table and took off my shoes.  They looked swollen.  I asked Rachael and Brenda if they looked swollen to them too.  Yep they said.  They were huge, and they hurt. I have never had my feet swell so much not even when I was pregnant.  I got scared because swelling is definitely not normal.  Matt rubbed my feet for little bit, and I kept them elevated for a little bit, but we still needed to get camp set up, and dinner made, so we could go see Mt. Rushmore. The men got the tents set up, and the woman got the food ready.  We were going to let the kids roast hot dogs over the fire, and the adults were going to have tinfoil dinners, with a yummy black bean salsa dip.  It turned out so yummy!  Learned a couple of things.  First: Frito's are yummy with black bean salsa dip.  Second:  Don't put cheese on your meat until after you take your tinfoil dinner out of the fire pit.  Yeah it will burn.  Luckily it didn't ruin our dinner.  After eating we changed into pants, because it was starting to cool down.  I didn't want to change in the tent, or the bathroom so I went up to the car and had Matt stand guard.  I could barely get my leg into my pants, and button them up.  I actually had to lie on my back to do so.  I started to cry because I thought I had gained so much weight on this trip.  Matt just hugged me and reassured me that I hadn't gained a lot of weight, that it was because my legs had swelled like my feet.  It took me a few minutes to calm down.  I wanted a blessing when we returned from Mt. Rushmore.  Then we went to see Mt. Rushmore. We were able to see the closing ceremony for the night.  It was so awesome!  We started saying the pledge of allegiance, and sang the national anthem.  Then the park ranger talked about how Mt. Rushmore came to be, and then showed a video about it too.  While the video was playing the mountain where the faces were lit up.  After the video was done the ranger came back out and wanted everyone who had served in the military to stand up and come up on the stage.  Matt was able to stand and go up on the stage.   When all the Men and Woman who had served were on the stage, the park ranger asked 4 men on the stage to help take the flag down while everyone else saluted it.  Then she had all of the people on stage speak into the microphone and say their name, and which branch of the military they had served in.  Their were actually a couple of World War 2 veterans there.  Not too many of those around any more. At the end we went to the souvenir shop and found a neat magnet of Mt. Rushmore, and then headed back to our camp site. When we got back the kids got in their Pajamas, and we roasted marshmallows for smores.  I elevated my feet, and Matt put a cold wet rag on my feet.  Then it was time for the kids to go to bed.  They were all so tired, it was a long day.  After getting the kids to bed, I had Matt, Jason, and Josh give me a blessing.  Then the men took care of the fire, and put the food away.  I actually slept pretty good.  In the morning my feet were still swollen, but not as bad. Monday June 18, 2012 Today we were heading for home.  It was going to be another long drive, about 10 and a half hours.  We got up, had a hot breakfast, cleaned up camp, and headed out.  We left around 10:30 in the morning.  We ended up having a lot more stops.  The kids kept having to go to the bathroom, and it was never at the same time.  We always made our kids go when we had to stop for someone else.  They really had to hold it for some stretches of driving because there was no where to stop and go, but outside of the car.  That wasn't going to happen unless we really had too. We stopped at the Independence Rock monument rest area to have a late lunch, or early supper.  It was so windy.  Jason got the camp stove out, and we had grilled cheese sandwiches, fruit cups, chips, and capri suns.  It hit the spot.  We were going to find somewhere nice to go into and eat, but we were just wanting to get home.   Independence Rock Named for a fur trader's Fourth of July celebration in 1830, this huge rock became one of the most famous of all Oregon Trail landmarks. The giant piece of granite is 1,900 feet long, 700 feet wide, and 128 feet high. The landmark was a favorite resting place for travelers along the trail. Called the "Great Register of the Desert", more than 5,000 names of early emigrant were carved on this boulder. Starting the trail in the early spring, emigrants along the Oregon Trail hoped to reach Independence Rock by July 4, Independence Day. If they had not arrived by then, they knew they were behind schedule. As we were heading back to our cars, Jason dropped a grilled cheese sandwich.  Matt picked it up and threw it. One of the seagulls that was flying around was on that sandwich in 2 seconds.  He picked it up in his beak and flew off a little ways, and then landed and snarfed that sandwich down.  It was hilarious!  Poor Nicholas wasn't going to be eating his sandwich after all.  I don't think that Nicholas minded that much.  Our next stop was Rawlings Wyoming to fill up with gas.   When we stopped to fill up with gas it took us forever to get out of the gas station because it was a bathroom with only 1 toilet in each bathroom.  We had some of the kids go in the men's bathroom.  Also after we all left and got into our cars the two woman working at the gas station walked to the front door opened it up, and stood inside smoking.  I have never seen that before. I couldn't believe that.  It is so unprofessional.  They didn't even bother to stop smoking when a customer walked in.  I'm glad they wren't smoking when we were inside. Our next and last stop was supposed to be Jason and Rachael's house.  As we were driving we started seeing the signs for The Little America, and the 50 cent ice cream cones.  We started joking about stopping and getting one.  It Didn't happen though, we just wanted to get home.  In between Evanston, and Green River Josh got on the walkie talkie and said Breanna really had to go to the bathroom.  We stopped at a rest area not to long after that.  It turned into about a 20 min stop.  We were all a little irked, but I think it was a blessing that Breanna had to go to the bathroom because just after we passed Morgan Utah their was a huge accident that had happened.  One of the cars we saw was upside down.  We either would have been in it, or witnessed it. We reached Jason and Rachael's house at midnight.  The kids stayed in the car and slept while we got our trailer hooked up to Matt's car.  We got a few other of our items, and used the potty.  We talked a little bit about the accident.  Brenda said that Breanna really had to go to the bathroom.  They tried to have her hold it, and she did for a little while.  She then started to cry because she had to go so bad.  I'm so glad that Josh and Brenda finally said something, so we had to stop.  I really didn't want to be in an accident or witness one.  Matt and I said our Goodbyes, and left.  We didn't get home until about 1 in the morning.  We got most of the car unpacked, the girls to bed, and didn't get to bed until about 2 in the morning.  We slept hard.  It was nice to sleep in our own bed again! This trip was such a neat, awesome, spiritual experience!  I'm so glad it happened.  It was fun seeing all of the kids together having fun.  It was especially entertaining to watch and listen to Nicholas throughout the whole trip.  He is hilarious.  He is 3 years old, and so stinking cute!  I loved it when he would say Uncle Matt.  He would yell and growl it.  I loved it when I passed him and he would say that's my Karen.  She's nice.  It just melts my heart.  I love that boy!  I love my nieces and nephews.  They all just really melt my heart with each of their little personalities.  It was fun spending time with my in-laws, who I do consider my brother's and sister's, and parents.  I have so many memories to hold dear to my heart.  Thanks Mom and Dad for letting us all stay at your house, and pampering us.  Thanks family for making this experience great, I love you all! Pictures of our trip:

Upper floor of the Liberty Jail

Entrance to the Liberty Jail.  Left to right: Daylin, Madisynn, McKenzie, Clara, Emilie

Dungeon of the Liberty Jail

 Left to Right: Daylin, Breanna, Caitlynn, Nicholas, Clara, Madisynn, McKenzie, Emilie

Madisynn, and McKenzie in the Liberty Jail visitors center.

The Kansas City Temple

Touching the Kansas City Temple.  Left to right: Daylin, McKenzie, Breanna, Madisynn, Emilie, Clara, Matt.  What a bunch of goof balls!

The Kansas City Temple

The St. Louis Arch

Inside the Arch 630 feet up in the air.

Kenzie, and Maddie in the Arch.


Views from inside of the Arch:

Coming down the steps from seeing the Arch.  Left to Right; Jason, Nicholas, Emilie, Rachael, Josh, Caitlynn on his shoulders, Breanna, Clara.

Petting the carriage ride horse outside of the Arch.  Left to Right: Nicholas, Emilie, Breanna, McKenzie, Clara, Madisynn.

Riverboat Cruises.  Wish we could have gone on one!

Waiting in line outside of Oklahoma Joe's.  


Random pictures that Jacob took at Mom and Dad Layton's house on Monday June 11, 2012

Left to Right: Rachael, Karen, Tally outside Mom and Dad Layton's house.  Such a cute little house!

Madisynn

McKenzie

Matt

Karen.  Wish I could have smiled normal.

Maddie with her huge bubble.  So stinking cute!


Tuesday June 12, 2012.  Family pictures, and Bunco:

Getting ready to get pictures taken.

Mom and Dad Layton

Just the siblings.  Left to Right: Jacob, Rachael, Josh, Mom, Dad, Matt

What a cute little family!  Left to Right: Daylin, Brenda, Breanna, Josh, Caitlynn.

What a cute little family! Left to Right: Nicholas, Jason, Emily, Rachael, Clara.

What a cute couple!  Tally and Jacob.


A few shots of our cute little family:

I like this one the best!  The other pictures are nice, but something was off.  Mom and Dad said Maddie needs her glasses.  That's Maddie, that's who she is.  We listened and put them on her.  I agree this is Maddie, and our family. 


Random shots that Matt and I took:

 McKenzie

 Clara

 Madisynn and McKenzie

 Breanna

Madisynn

Maddie said she was like Arial the little mermaid coming up out of the water.  She is so stinking cute!

McKenzie the little mermaid.

Madisynn and Mckenzie mermaid sisters.

Clara took this one of McKenzie.  Kenzie has been obsessed with peace signs!

Kenzie took this picture of Clara.  These 2 girls were pretty much inseparable the whole trip.  They were BFF'S.  Darn, I should have taken a picture of the 2 of them together. 

Tally's Dad took this picture.  I love it!  Daylin and Nicholas.

I love this little Nicholas!  I can hear him saying Uncle Matt in his growling voice to Matt.  It is hilarious!

Brenda, and Catilynn.  Love these guys!

Kenzie took this picture of Dad and Mom.  Cute!


Matt and I taking pictures of the Grand kids with Grandma and Grandpa.  They turned out way cute!:

What a cute couple!  Brenda and Josh.

Tally and Karen.  Love this picture!

I love my Sister's! Left to Right: Rachael, Brenda, Tally, Karen 

The family playing bunco!


Making rope:

Pioneer past times park:

 Maddie on our little horse stick.  I think the horse had seen better days!  She loved it.

 Kenzie dressed like a pioneer.  What a cutie!

 Maddie on a bigger horse.

Dad Layton, and Matt holding Maddie on her stilts.

McKenzie and Breanna in what used to be an outhouse, outside of the Scovil bakery.

Nicholas had fallen asleep.  Matt had to get him his Gingerbread cookie from the Scovil Bakery.  He found the perfect place for Nicholas to find it when he woke up!  Nicholas was very happy that his Uncle Matt got him a cookie.

Jonathan Browning Gunsmith shop.

Kenzie in what I think is the gunsmith shop.

View of the Nauvoo Temple outside of Jonathan Browning's gunsmith shop and home backyard. 

 The Ox cart:

The girls thought it was pretty neat that they got to touch an ox's horns! 


Waiting for our tour of the countryside to begin:

 King and Max the horses that pulled our carriage.  Maddie and Emilie.

 Kenzie petting Max.

 Maddie petting King.

Our tour guides in the background.  They were awesome!


Pictures at the Monument to Women Gardens:

 McKenzie and Madisynn inside the visitor's center.

 Maddie sitting by Joseph and Emma Smith.

The Brick Yard:

The Carthage Jail:

The family before going into the Visitor's center.


The Jailer's cell:

The girls in a holding cell.

Mom and Dad Layton inside Carthage Jail.

The girls standing at the door of the room where Joseph and Hyrum Smith were Martyred.  That is the bullet hole of the bullet that killed Hyrum.

Our family standing at the window that Joseph fell out of when he was killed.

The bullet hole in the door framing the window that Joseph fell out of.

 The top floor window is the window that Joseph fell out of.

 Our family with the statues of Joseph and Hyrum Smith.

Mom Layton outside of the Carthage Jail.

McKenzie and Madisynn touching the Nauvoo Temple

Left to Right:  Clara, McKenzie, Emilie, and Madisynn touching the Temple.


Winter Quarters:

The statue out front of the Visitor's center.


Displays inside the Visitor's center:

Madisynn in front of a replica of the Nauvoo Temple.

McKenzie in front of a replica of the Nauvoo Temple.

Left to Right:  Clara, McKenzie, Emily, Breanna, Madisynn pulling the handcart.

 The kids looking at a replica of the Salt Lake Temple.

Maddie and Kenzie in front of a replica of the Salt Lake Temple.


Winter Quarters Temple:

 View from the visitor's center.

 View from the sidewalk just outside of the Temple grounds.

On the Temple grounds.

Left to Right: Clara, Daylin, Madisynn, Emilie, McKenzie, Caitlynn, Breanna, Nicholas touching the Winter Quarters Temple.

McKenzie on the Temple grounds.


Mount Rushmore:

At our Campground before heading home:

The lake right by our campsite.  I wanted to go jump in so bad!  I would have if we weren't so short on time.

Madisynn

Emilie and McKenzie

Independence Rock: