We had a wonderful time in Missouri and Nauvoo. We flew to Kansas City then made a short stop at McDonalds for lunch and Kohls to buy some clothing (Juliana had dumped Phil's Coke on his lap while on the plane, and I forgot to pack my skirt). Then we headed to Liberty Jail. We headed to Far West then Adam-ondi-ahman. We took pictures as the sun set at Adam-ondi-ahman. We drove in the dark to Kirksville and arrived about 9:00. We found our hotel then hurried to find a restaurant before closing time at 10:00. The Pizza/sandwich place April suggested was very good, and they were kind to let us eat there, even though they were trying to close the place for the evening.
We visited April and kids the next morning before driving to Nauvoo. It was fun to see where they live. I like Kirksville. It is a nice town. We enjoyed the beautiful drive through Missouri. The kids were excited to see the Mississippi River and actually drive over it. We were all suprised how big it is.
We stayed in an old house right in Nauvoo. It is next door to the Boot Shop and just down the street from John Taylor's house, the post office, and print shop. We all enjoyed being right in the middle of the historic sites.
Things we enjoyed:
Wagon ride
Walking down the Trail of Hope to the Mississippi
Going to the Nauvoo Temple. (The adults attended a session and Josh, Jenicca, Chelsea, and Jocelyn did baptisms. It was neat to have their dads help and Grandpa Virgil. Grandma Marie and Great Grandma Monsen watched them.)
Rendezvous
Attending a Lecture by Susan Easton Black
Visiting the homes and other buildings
Getting Nauvoo bricks, Pioneer "diamond" rings, candles, rope, horse shoe, etc.
Having Worthingtons come visit and have dinner, then the men went to priesthood meeting.
Watching general conference at the visitor center
Finding where our ancestors lived
Visiting Carthage Jail
Staying in a very old house with Fullmers. It was the real experience--minus the wood burning stove and candle light, although the lights did go out right in the middle of dinner one night. Nobodody wanted to enter the basement with its dirt floor and that "creepy little boy" who was locked in the cellar. (Private joke)
Mom and Dad, Grandma Monsen, Ann, Paul, Dorine, and Gary came too. They stayed in the villas just outside of town.
We came close to missing our plane ride home from St. Louis, but with a little luck we made it home. A trip never to be forgotten.
