Twirling in a Meadow: Midwest Church History Trip

Summer is flying by and it is crazy and sad. However, I feel pretty accomplished so far. We saw a lot. Still so much more we want to do and see... but still we saw A LOT. My family took a few kids that are still at home and drove across country. They stopped at a few National Parks along the way, spent a night in Iowa City and started the trip back in Nauvoo Illinois. We drove back with them and stopped and saw everything relating to our Church history on the way to Idaho! So much fun and SOOOO tiring. I love looking back on these pictures. Pictures have a way of just reminding you of the good times. Babies were definitely whining, wetting their pants, and throwing fits in the car. However, indispersed throughout were fun things to see, amazing stories heard, and silly coincidences and conversations. Looking back, I learned so much about God's church and the sacrifices that helped it endure through its trial ridden beginnings.

It was HOT HOT HOT most days! Madi spent her time shuffled between Grandpa, Dad, and Uncle Hunter's shoulders when her little legs were worn out.

Nauvoo, Illinois

We stayed here for 2 and half days and could have stayed more! There is so much to do and see. We learned about what life was like in the city of Nauvoo and toured renovated homes that showed artifacts and gave a little history about certain known people. We even saw both pageants while in town!

Touring Wilford Woodruff's home

The Women's Garden is right outside the visitor's center. They had so many beautiful statues depicting women. I bet in the Spring, these flowers are beautiful!

The podium at the School of the Prophets. They told us this was like Nauvoo's MTC!

Above the School of the Prophets they had record books of people that resided in and around Nauvoo. We looked through them to find our ancestors, their occupation, and where they lived! We found one of my ancestor's lands. (pictured below). They other owned land and farmed or ranched it quite a ways outside of Nauvoo. We didn't go out that way. :)

One of our 'claims to fame'! We descend through the Ashby's from my Mom's side of the family.

We rented a house right outside of Nauvoo that was just a skip from the Mississippi River! Madison and Uncle McKay at the banks!

This girl sure loves her Uncles! (Hinckley, McKay, and Fielding pictured)

This girl had A LOT of trip trauma.

The county fair that happens in the evening before the pageants was a blast. We wished we had another night to try out more activities. I even tried the stilts! :)

My mom was definitely the best...like for real!

Tug-of-War!

Grandpa bought us all some snow cones!

Waiting for the pageant to start and watching the sunset!

We took an oxen ride! I was climbing aboard the wagon when one of the teamsters commented that I may not have made it to Salt Lake City and would have had to hide in the wagon to hide. He said that the Indians liked the Red Heads and would barter to trade for them. My husband pointed out that he is an Indian! We had a good laugh.

This gal spent a lot of time in my arms, way more then she ever does at home.

Learning how to make rope!

Posing at the quarry overlook

We walked East on Parley street to the Mississippi one afternoon and read plaques along the way about the pioneers and their trek west. We came across this one about a Pottawattamie Chief! This is the tribe my husband (and daughters!) belong too!

The view the pioneers saw as they left their Temple and their city!

Touching the Mississippi where the Saints crossed and began the walk across the plains

Carthage, Illinois

This is where the Prophet of the Restoration: Joseph Smith was martyred. The original jail still stands! They have a beautiful tour through the jail. There really is a sad, yet peaceful spirit at this location. Carthage is definitely a highlight of the Nauvoo part of this excursion.