Nauvoo

In October we went to St. Louis and met up with D.J.'s parents and grandparents (who spent a couple of weeks vacationing in Branson, Missouri) to go to Nauvoo, Illinois. While in St. Louis, we visited the Gateway Arch. D.J., Elise and I had been before, but it was Grandma Audrey's first time to the top.

3 generations at 630 feet!

After St. Louis, we drove to Nauvoo, a city with great significance to the members of our church. Here our ancestors and predecessors built a beautiful city out of Mississippi River swampland and most importantly, began building the Nauvoo Temple.

We were lucky enough to attend a session in the newly dedicated temple with Bob and Candy while Grandma and Grandpa watched Elise. Getting there was an adventure! The night before, I realized I forgot my temple recommend and both D.J. and I needed dress clothes. Candy let me borrow a skirt, and Grandpa Joe graciously offered his Sunday clothes for D.J. to wear.

D.J.'s ensemble was a little tight and not his usual style, but it worked! Thanks Grandpa!

The temple workers verified the active status of my temple recommend, and we entered the temple. It was a magnificent experience! The temple is beautiful. We are glad to have visited such an uplifting and inspiring building!

Being there made me think of a quote by President Hinckley, who-- speaking of the Salt Lake Temple and the Nauvoo Temple-- said,

"They look toward one another as bookends between which there are volumes that speak of the suffering, the sorrow, the sacrifice, even the deaths of thousands who made the long journey from the Mississippi River to the valley of the Great Salt Lake."

D.J. and Elise on the temple steps.

Elise and Grandpa Bob outside the temple.

We toured Old Nauvoo, and saw all of the historical sites. One of my favorites was the home of Brigham Young, my great-great-great grandfather. The missionaries there were so excited-- they asked me to sign a special book reserved for all of Brigham Young's descendants.

Another highlight of our visit to Nauvoo was an old-fashioned wagon ride. Elise made friends with the horses.

We traveled down Parley Street on the wagon; the same way the saints went as they left their beloved city of Nauvoo. Looking back, we could see the temple spires above the trees.

The wagon driver quoted Newell Knight, a Nauvoo pioneer, who said,

"...here we all halted and took a farewell view of our delightful City.... We also beheld the magnificent Temple rearing its lofty tower towards the heavens... My heart did swell within me."

We imagined the families; mothers, fathers and children, about to forge a frozen river (they left in February) looking back at the temple, and then turning toward the unknown. What humility and faith!

Before leaving for home, we drove to Carthage, Illinois to visit Carthage Jail, where the Prophet Joseph Smith and his brother, Hyrum Smith were martyred. We felt the Spirit so strongly there!

We drove back to West Lafayette and spent a few days at our house before everyone flew home. It was a great vacation!