Nauvoo Take 2

My parents work in the Nauvoo Temple of Tuesday afternoons so they were gone... We decided to go back to Nauvoo and see a few more places - this time we would really see things we haven't seen before. We started with the Trail of Hope. You walk down Parley Street and read quotes from the pioneers who made the trip so many years ago, as they were being forced from their homes, their city, and their temple. They had such faith and strength to go into the unknown in search for peace and following the prophet of God.

Then we made our way back to the car... what a trek.
Because my camera was still not working correctly I didn't get very many pictures, but here are some that I thought turned out nicely.

We went to the Living Center - which is a place we have been before but we all wanted to go again - to see how to make rope, candles, bread, rugs, barrels and yarn. It was really fun. We also stopped by the cultural hall and saw lots of quilts and enjoyed dancing on the original dance floor on the third floor of the building. We stopped by the bakery as well - for a cookie. I think we stopped by one or two other places but now I can't remember. What a fun time to be with my kids.

Firepit dinner

When we got home from Nauvoo we had a cookout in the backyard. We had hot dogs, watermelon, potato chips, avocado, and soda pop. We all had a great time! After the kids were done eating they ran off into the woods to explore. What fun!

We thought about having S'mores again but decided not to simply because we had other things to do - showers and bed! What great memories we are creating!

Let's go to Old Nauvoo

With the sunshine we decided to head on out to tour some of the sites we haven't seen in Nauvoo. We were so excited that the weather was finally cooperating with us. The kids all wanted to stop by the brickyard when we passed it, so that was our first stop. 

 

We walked to Lucy Mack Smith's home and then went back to the car. I was planning on going to the visitor center to get a map and figure out where the places were that we haven't been to yet, but we passed the gunsmith, tin smith, post office, and print shop and everyone wanted to stop. We've been to all those but the kids wanted to go so we went.

We actually went to the gunsmith and then the tin smith, then the kids wanted to go play at the kids area for a bit. I let them go and they had a great time dressing up, pretending and playing games.



Camdilyn enjoyed her time in the stroller inspecting flowers while she basked in the heat of the sunshine!

Ben worked on and improved his stilt walking skills!

Cute kids!

We made it to the print shop and they all worked together to see how the printing press works to create a book.

 

It was about this time that I realized my camera lens wasn't working. It has been acting up ever since I left the camera outside (back in Michigan, after our kickball game in the backyard) and it got rained on. The camera would give me an error, I would have to turn it off and take off the lens and then turn it back on. It would usually work and take more pictures but while I was trying to get pictures of the kids doing the activities it just wouldn't take any pictures. I decided to do a little trouble shooting: is it the camera or the lens? I switched to my telephoto lens and it took pictures just fine. So it's the lens and I am now limited in my picture taking ability because I have to stand farther away. Oh well. It was a great trip to Nauvoo. We went mid-morning and got home in time for dinner. I couldn't believe how long we stayed. The kids didn't whine, or complain, or even mention lunch (which we totally skipped). I am very grateful that my mother went with us.



The sun is Shining! Woo Hoo!

Finally!

We have been in Keokuk for almost a week.

It has been rainy and then it got cold.

We were so excited to see all the rainbows

because that means sunshine!

 

Deer and fort

We love the woods in the backyard. Today we saw 5 or 6 deer running around the yard and the neighbor's yards. A couple older and a few younger. It is always fun to watch them.

 

We also like the woods because there are all sorts of things for us to do out there. Well, for the kids to do. Gaffa decided he wanted to build a fort with the kids. We had a fun time and the kids were all excited about it.

Not really tall enough for them to get in but it will be fun to play with and around and on. It was a great activity.

Sister Tukuafu Bread

It's a favorite with my kids and we eat it every time we come to Grammy and Gaffa's house. I guess I should make it at home but then it wouldn't be special when we visit. Three of the girls were able to help and we'll make it again so the other kids can help. It is fun because it is baked in cans. The girls enjoyed kneading the dough.

They did a great job and it turned out delicious!

S'mores!



It finally stopped raining but we didn't want to go out to the fire pit on the soggy grass, so we had s'mores in the driveway. It worked out just fine and we ate the entire bag of marshmallows and all the chocolate! I think we'll have to do that again!

 

Yummy, gooey deliciousness!



Beautiful day!

Today was a perfect day so we had to take advantage of it! We actually drove through the Shiawassee park and enjoyed seeing lots of beautiful sites!

Autumn is on its way.

Turtles on a log!

It was very nice and amazing to see so much protected land for the animals.