Nauvoo. To the early Saints, it was a refuge, a gathering place. It was a place of peace and growth, a short lull in the storm of their history. From the time I learned that the family reunion would be held at Steven's sister Karen's home in Nauvoo, I was excited to go.
Family. This was the first time in several years that the kids and I had been able to see some members of Steven's family. (Steven was able to see them more recently when he flew out to David's wedding a few years ago.) The kids got to know cousins they had never seen. They got to celebrate mock holidays with their grandma. Steven's grandparents were in attendance, and this was a chance for the kids to get to know their great grandparents while they are still around.
We spent a wonderful week there, spending time with family, watching the shows, exploring the
historic buildings, visiting the temple, and soaking in the Spirit that permeates the area. It would take too long to write about everything we did, but here are some photo highlights.
Monday we arrived late in the afternoon, but still got in a few activities before bedtime:
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| We went swimming with the family at a nearby indoor pool. |
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| At a family home evening, Great-Grandma Maureen taught the kids a song about a hunted rabbit. |
Tuesday the exploration of Nauvoo really began. We visited several shops, including the bakery, the post office, the tin shop, and the many displays at the family living center. Other events included:
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| We watched the play, "Just Plain Anna-Amanda" at the Cultural Hall |
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| Josh and Peter practice walking on stilts. The vests were provided by Grandma Kathy. The hats were given the boys by Karen; someone there in Nauvoo makes them. |
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| John helps the wooden bear climb the ropes |
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| Hannah explores a playhouse. The dress and bonnet were also made by Grandma Kathy |
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| After the variety show, "Sunset on the Mississippi", Hannah gave her bonnet to Steven to hold. |
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| After the "Sunset" show, the cousins played on the stage. |
Wednesday's main event was a trip to
Carthage Jail. Following that trip, some of us also toured the Joseph Smith homes and store owned by the Community of Christ. We noticed that the tour guides there didn't bear testimony as the missionaries who gave tours of the LDS owned sites do. Here are some of the pictures we took at Carthage:
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| The kids sit in the window from which Joseph fell |
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| Family picture outside the jail |
Thursday we got up early to attend the Trail of Hope, where we were able to hear cast members share experiences of the saints in Nauvoo. Several times I was moved to tears. It was a great morning devotional! Other events of the day:
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| We took a carriage ride, where we heard many stories about the Saints. |
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| The kids liked the horses |
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| We watched the show, "High Hopes and River Boats" We also saw "Rendezvous", performed by the senior missionaries. |
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| We visited the fudge shop. Delicious! |
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| We went to the carnival preceding the Pageant. The kids received sock puppets. |
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| They also got to pull/ride in a hand cart. |
Friday began with family pictures, followed by a trip to the Nauvoo temple. That evening we enjoyed the fun and games at carnival once again, followed by watching the Pageant:
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| The Pageant itself was spectacular! I loved the story, the gospel teachings, the music, the way the temple was built, and especially the strong Spirit I felt. |
Saturday we saw more of the sights of historic Nauvoo including:
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| We took a ride in an ox cart |
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| We visited the brick yard |
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| The kids visited the school house. |
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| We also saw a couple vignettes that day, one called "Youth of Zion", the other called "Go Ye Into All the World" about the early missionaries. |
Sunday we attended church, then spent most of the afternoon relaxing at home. That evening we attended a performance by the Pageant cast entitled "Our Story Goes On". Once again I loved the music and the powerful Spirit that I felt.
Monday morning we loaded up the car and headed off on the last stage of our journey.
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