Nauvoo

We had the awesome chance to finish off our summer with a trip to Nauvoo Illinois. Carter's brother Casey lives there running the whole place for the church. We knew we might never get such a great opportunity again so we jumped at the chance (plus we have really been missing the Cluff side of the family and were thrilled to spend time with many of them).

Some of these are phone pictures so they are not super, but you get the idea. This is Nebraska. Not a beautiful drive, BUT Nick and Corie live there and we were SO lucky to get to see where they live and stay with them! We loved every minute of it.

I have no idea where the heck we are in this picture. The kids were just thrilled to be out of the car.

Benson liked being out of the car too. We got to follow Benson and Albree (and Paisley) there. We loved spending extra time with them too!

My kids were troopers. It was a 20 hour drive. Much of it looked like this. Aren't my girls sweet?

Well hello Iowa, aren't you pretty?

When the kids weren't sleeping, watching movies or playing ipods (thank you modern technology!) I tried to entertain them with random inexpensive toys. These pipe cleaners were supposed to be for Gwen, but everyone loved them.

Especially Gwennie.

Oh I mean, Especially Jackson. This is his rendition of the Monopoly Guy.

This guy right here, was focused, patient and calm. As usual. I think he's cute too.

After what seemed like will over 20 hours, we finally arrived, and it was thrilling! My kids LOVED seeing the mighty Mississippi River!

And there it was in all its glory......The Nauvoo Temple. I have been waiting my whole live to see Nauvoo for myself. It did not disappoint.

Casey and his family welcomed us and we were able to see the cute farmhouse they live in right in the center of Nauvoo. What a priceless experience they are having.

On one of the first days there we made a short drive to see Carthage Jail. Here is Court out in front. Love her, love her, love her. One of the reasons this trip was so important to us was because it might be out last summer together as it is Courtney's senior year. Tears!

 Brothers. Just like Joseph and Hyrum. There was such a sweet feeling at Carthage. It was beautiful.

 Here is Gwen being her cute self, about to do something naughty. Respect Joseph and Hyrum Gwen.

Jackson by the original door and original bullet hole from the gun that killed Joseph. This trip was also special because Jackson is 14, the same age as Joseph when he had the first vision. Amazing

The upper window was the one Joseph fell from after he had been shot.

 

 This is where all of the Cluff family stayed.....the Nauvoo house. It was so fun to all stay under one roof. SUPER crazy, but fun. My kids had a blast with their cousins who they don't see very often.

Here are most of the kids. Holy cow, right!?

We took many a carriage ride. Gwen loved the horses and Bowen love posing for pictures.

The buildings were beautiful. We were able to visit almost all of them. Inside they would explain what each building was for and how it worked.

 The kids love the Blacksmith shop where they each got a ring made from a horseshoe nail.

This is the Mississippi river where the saints crossed on the trek west.

The focal point of the city. A temple on the hill. Courtney ad Jackson got to do baptisms for the dead in the temple. They also got to do baptisms for some very special family members, who are dead. They said it was the best part of the trip. All of the adults got to do a session as well. I have to agree with my kids that it was the best part of the trip.

The Post Office

The Gunsmith

This was a darling puppet show at the fair that hey hold before the Nauvoo Pageant begins. Gwennie loved it. She even got her own sock puppet.

Bowen tried the stilts.

Cooper tried the stilts.

Even Carter tried the stilts. He got the hang of it too! Jackson was off trying to find cute girls who were in the pageant.

Stetson and Sophie at the square dance. Cute cousins.

Daddy and Gwennie dancing.

Gwennie and Ryker.

Colton and Stetson being too cool for school.

Jackson wiating for the Pageant to start.

Some of the Cluff gang.

And some more.....Don't look so excited Bowen.

The Pageant. So stirring and beautiful. So much talent too!

LOVED it!

This is where Joseph, Emma and Hyrum are buried. All of the kids really loved it here too.

Josephs parents.

This is what my whole existence is about. these six. I love them dearly.

It is because of the temple they are mine Forever.

 Having some fun at the outhouse.

This was another cute play we got to see. It was a fun one for the kids.

Gwennie loved the music in this play and danced and danced.

They helped her make a paper hat for a parade before the play.

This little family is special! We loved being with them so much. Paisley is rockin the bonnet!

Some of the cute grand kids at the parade.

Coop took good care of his little sister and marched with her in the parade.

She always makes us laugh.

Her stage debut

Just had to include this picture of my sweet Bowen. Don't you just want to squeeze him? I do. Every. Single. Day.

This girls LOVED music and dancing.

Jackson and Gwen posing buy the beautiful horses.

Our Trip to Nauvoo was a trip of a lifetime. One we will never regret taking. Spending time together with our families is what it is all about. Visiting the place where much of our religion took root was just what my testimony needed. Oh how grateful I am to Joseph and his family, for those early saints who gave everything, absolutely everything to the Lord, to us and to our religion. Thank you Pam and Ben, Casey and Barb for giving us this awesome opportunity,. We love you!