Nauvoo

Happy, Happy, Happy Day to Kim and Joyce! Two weeks ago we got to caravan up to Nauvoo (with our trailers) and enjoy their sealing. It was absolutely wonderful. They had decided to take the plunge while their good friends (Bert and Garna Randall) were still there on their mission. Kim and Bert are friends from college days, and obviously so good of friends that Kim's first child (my husband) is his namesake. They are also the ones who introduced Kim and Joyce and set them up on their first date. Amazing how life travels in circles, isn't it? We had such an enjoyable time. Thank you to Kim and Joyce for providing the excuse (very kind of you ;)), and thanks to Bert and Garna for the wonderful hosts (I've never had better.)

Here are some favorite pictures from our trip;

Bert, Garna, Kim, Joyce, Me and Bert immediately following the sealing

Enjoying some of the historical sites on our first afternoon
(The weekend immediately following Labor Day is
the perfect time to visit. Nice weather,
no crowds, and everything still open)

Cute couple, don't you think?

Grandpa's version of a hug

One of the few times Hy voluntarily touches Cache ;)

The next morning in front of the temple

Their 'anniversary' will be easy to remember, it's shared
with Calder's 13th birthday.

Saturday we decided to do an early morning hike (6:15ish)
from the top of the hill

Down to Parley Street

Continuing on Parley Street
Reading the markers of the saints' journal entries
from when they were driven out

Meeting up with the rest of the group that came later

One of my favorites

Finally making it to the Mississippi

GREAT walk!

Ox cart ride

Bert giving the wagon ride tour (excellent job)

My Bert enjoying the tour, with two very cute kids

Carthage Jail

And a final stop at Liberty Jail on
our way home (Oops... Hat Calder, Hat.)

We only had one small mishap.
Maddie seriously misjudged her fencing skills as she, Calder, and Pal
played pirate at the campground.
Thanks to Dad, she now looks much more authentic. And bonus, she
gets to keep the eye!

The whole trip was enjoyable from beginning to end. We really missed Justin who had to stay home for two tests and work, but when we got home we saw that he had been well cared for. Uncle Calvin and Grace had stopped by, kept him company, and took him out for pizza. They also left the best birthday present for Calder ever! Four new arrows with different tips for his bow, a cowhide sheath, and Skittles. What a great time all the way around.

So glad we're all related to each other for eternity.