Old Nauvoo

    When we found out that the Blacks were performing in the Nauvoo pageant we knew we had to go see them. I had taken the kids previously, but it was super short. So I got a campsite and we headed out for 3 days. We met up with a few friends while we were there. The kids got to perform a bit too.

FoE friends! Monie lives near there and Kelli Jo was visiting so we were able to get together!

 After a fun visit, we saw the Nauvoo Pageant! The instant temple is my favorite part.

After the pageant, we chatted with Denise for a bit. Henry and Teddy had fallen asleep so they were a bit cranky, but the older kids loved it.

If you don't roast hotdogs over an open flame are you even camping?

Teddy found a new way to drink his water.

    On Friday I went to the temple and then went to get gas. Since I was in my dress without pockets, I put the keys in the cup holder. I needed to pick up some ice too, so I started the pump and went in for ice. After paying for the ice I brought it out and realized I needed to unlock the back door to put the ice in the chest. I hit what I thought was the unlock, closed the front door, and headed to the back only to realize that I had hit the lock button! I was locked out with no phone. I went into the gas station and explained my predicament and asked if they had a hangar. They didn't but a customer came with me to see if he could help. After a few laps around the van, he gives up and wishes me luck. I must have looked very forlorn because not long after a couple and 3 other guys came to my rescue. Working together they used the antenna, a crowbar, and a wooden backscratcher to hit the unlock button and save the day! I was very appreciative and can only thank Heavenly Father for helping me by surrounding me with generous and knowledgeable people. 

    Later the older kids went to do baptisms in the temple while I took the younger ones to play in old town Nauvoo.

Teddy tuckered out.

While playing at Pioneer Pastimes, Charles was recruited by a 7-year-old girl to keep house with her.

The pageant preshow was so fun. Denise played while several people danced. 

The girls played stick ball.

Henry played tug-a-war while Teddy and I made several whirrlygigs. 

This time we saw the British Pageant.

It was a beautiful performance. On our last day, we played in Nauvoo until lunch and then picked up some fudge from the fudge factory for the ride home.

The kids made good use of the play area at the campsite. We started with an oxen ride.

    At Brigham's house, I asked about touring the above-ground root cellar. The sisters had no idea about it so we just went to see, it was unlocked so I took the kids in for a bit to experience it. I think it's super cool. The trapped air between the brick layers keeps it cool even while it's above ground.

    The red brick store was a little disappointing, last year, before the acquisition, it was a bustling store and the kids loved the rootbeer they sold there. Now it is empty and lonely. The significance of the place was not lost on us though.

Our last stop was Lyon's Drug Store and Garden.

    It was a fun weekend, we learned a lot and tried new things. There is still so much we that haven't done or seen so we will have to return sometime soon.