Nauvoo Temple
As most of you know, we were able to go back to Nauvoo, St. Louis, and Nashville with my family for almost two weeks last month. It was the most amazing trip and we are so grateful for my parents who are willing to bring their poor children (and grandchildren) on such an unforgettable adventure. We made so many wonderful memories and had the most incredible experiences. I can't even begin to put into words how great this trip was and how grateful we are to have been able to go. Thanks so much for the memories parents. We love you so much and owe you big!!!
The beautiful Nauvoo
Boys and Erika in front of the statue of Christ at the Nauvoo Visitor's Center
Nauvoo Visitors Center
Mom, Matthew, and Dad enjoying the wagon ride ??? We actually all did even though it was so cold.
Trying to stay warm
Hyrum, me, Erika, and Gavin (asleep in her blanket) 
Carter and Justin
Andrew and Daddy all cuddled up 
Wagon ride...it was deceptively freezing!
"Welcome to Nauvoo" skit
Matthew and Andrew on the front row 
Just outside the Nauvoo Temple overlooking the view
Scenery from Nauvoo Temple Hill to the Mississippi River...gorgeous!
Family picture plus Carter (who wanted to be in it) in front of the Nauvoo Temple. I think all boys suits me well...don't you?!
My little men 
Carter and Andrew in front of the Nauvoo Temple 
Matt 
Tim pointing to his "I'm helping to preserve Joseph Smith's Nauvoo" sticker from the Community of Christ. What a great tour!
Hyrum with Daddy in front of his namesake's tombstone
Our family in front of Emma's, Joseph's, and Hyrum's tombstones. 
Upstairs in the Red Brick Storehouse...this is where the Relief Society was established!! 
The boys playing on the grass by the Mississippi River.
Outside the Red Brick Storehouse
Andrew making a rope at one of the Church's Nauvoo sites
The rope Andrew made
Andrew tuckered out and taking a nap on Grandpa during the Blacksmith demonstration
One of my other favorite parts of this trip. Gavin actually loved me!!! That little boy has an ability to make someone feel so special with his sweet love. 
Matt, Mom, and Dad in front of the Mansion house (and I guess Grandma too since she was on the phone.) 
Group shot before the two-mile handcart treck. This was one of our favorite things that we did. What an amazing experience!! 
Everyone got to take a turn. Here me and Erika (with Gavin on her back) are pulling the handcart.
Our two mile handcart treck definitly had its difficult parts. Lots of mud, hills, streams, and rocks. I think they tried to give a realistic (but much scaled down) sample of what it felt like. I can't imagine the difficulties the early saints endured. It was difficult enough and we had an empty cart, plenty of helping hands, and decent weather. 
Matt 'forging' the stream 
"For some must push and some must pull." Isn't Nauvoo beautiful?!
Dad reading one of the inspirational stories along the treck
Crazy trees. These thick branches of needles covered countless trees and were extremely dangerous. The Native Americans would use them for sewing needles and weapons. They were definitly intimidating little things.
Rainy day at Carthage
Best Buddies
The family in the room at Carthage where the martyrdoms occured.
What an amazing spirit filled this room. We were lucky enough to not have any tours after ours and were able to have time to sit as a family and feel of the spirit there. Tim and Justin sang "A Poor Wayfaring Man of Grief" and the whole experience was undescribable. 
Andrew sitting at the window where the Prophet was martyred
Hryum and me looking at the hole left by the bullet that killed Hyrum Smith
Window at Carthage where Joseph was martyred
Grandpa and Carter outside Carthage
Outside Carthage 
Umbrella sharing
Walk of Hope
Grandpa letting Andrew drive the car...now we have to tell him he can't always drive the car but that it is just a special thing he gets to do with Grandpa
This is the actual piano that has been in Studio B since it was started (and is still used today). It was Elvis's favorite piano and he tried to purchase it several times from the studio with no luck. Tim and Matthew were asked by the tour guide to play a piece for the group...so AWESOME!!!
