Nauvoo

Our family so enjoyed our Nauvoo trip 2 years ago, that we wanted to go again. David thought it would be especially meaningful to visit Nauvoo right after finishing our Pioneer Trek. These pictures are terribly out of order. But I put this one first because we are right on the banks of the Mississippi River at the end of Parley Street. This was the place the Saints lined up with their handcarts and wagons to begin their own trek west. And just the day before, we had ended our trek experience. It was emotional to stand in that spot, after having experienced only a sliver of the challenges that they had faced. So much respect was gained for those Saints.

Dallin decked out in pioneer garb at Pioneer Pastimes, our most favorite spot to hang out.

 More pioneer pastimes

 Along came the band and asked Charlotte and Dallin to join in their parade! It was total adorableness!

 Even Grandma Bean joined us

 The girls attempting to pull a much smaller handcart than the ones we pulled.

 Sneaking a ride

 Everyone got their prairie diamond rings

 More fun on the banks of the river. We just had to take our shoes off and put our feet in the water

 These ladies were so patiently trying to teach my girls how to make rag rugs, but it was just too hard for them to grasp.

We only had two days in Nauvoo and the 2nd day was torrential rain the entire day. I spent most of the day with the kids swimming at the hotel and hanging out in our room, while David and Sandy went to the temple. We did really want to see the pageant that night, so we went into Nauvoo to hopefully catch the show. There was a break in the rain, in which the girls wanted to splash in some puddles. This one was much deeper than they expected with a good 6 inches of mud at the bottom. Charlotte lost her shoes and then we were searching with sticks until we finally found it! Luckily, I had learned from Trek how to search for lost shoes in the mud!!

 Adorable hat

 Walking up Parley Street, just imagine it lined with families who were leaving behind most all they had, to embark on a journey fueled mainly by faith alone.

 I love my little pioneers!

And I picked up this little reminder that I CAN DO HARD THINGS! (aka Trek) 

After fun times in Nauvoo, we had to drop Grandma off at the airport. It was an awesome 3 weeks with her!!!!