2nd Summer Trip to Nauvoo

TJ's Aunt Gina and her family were in the Nauvoo pageant this summer for a week. I have never seen the pageant and TJ had not seen the new one so we jumped at the opportunity to go. It was so fun watching them and seeing and hearing about the experiences they had through doing it. There is definitely a distinct spirit to Nauvoo and we're so glad we've had the opportunity to go twice this summer.

When we first arrived Wednesday afternoon we met the Fullers for some delicious PB&J's for lunch and then we watched a small play about the letters Joseph and Emma had written to each other.

Cohen and the actor for Joseph Smith

Fuller family with Emma & Joseph

Us with Emma & Joseph

After we headed back so the Fullers could begin to get ready for the shoe. Gina getting her hair done by Karalee. Before the show started they have a fun country fair where they have all of the old pioneer games, dancing, and pulling handcarts. It was so much fun but it kept raining. We loved the pageant except for the fact that it rained the entire time. We were videotaping the play and Cohen did not fall asleep so I had to hold him the entire time so we didn't get any pictures of it. It was amazing though and we were so proud of our little pioneer actors and actresses.

TJ with Devin and Sterling in there costumes.

Long couple of weeks for Mike...got to get a nap in any moment you can.

Rachael and Cohen

This is just a cute little boy I took a picture of...I honestly have no idea who he is...another great thing about Nauvoo, everyone is so friendly.

Thursday morning we woke up and made it by 8 am to the Trail of Hope. It was awesome and many of the actors and actresses from the pageant gave beautiful rehearsals of pioneer stories.

Down by the Mississippi River

The Anderson's who did not survive the journey west. My dad said he didn't think we were related to any of them though...oh well. It amazed me that the pioneers could leave this beautiful town they had built up from a swamp...and leave their beautiful temple they had worked so hard for.

That afternoon we went back to the Fuller's villa where they were nice enough to make room and let us stay with them. Cohen took a nap and then we went and walked around down town and the temple. We then went to the visitors center and went to another short play about the women in the relief society. If you haven't been to the women's garden it is a must see. It is definitely one of my favorite things in Nauvoo.

Us with most of the Fullers before they left to go perform again on Thursday. Thanks guys for the great time...we loved sharing it with you!!!

Before we left town we met up with some of the Karlindsey's and had dinner at the buffet. It was again very delicious. Thanks Dayna, Brynne, and Braden for including us in your plans.

We then headed home and TJ had to work Friday morning. I unpacked then started packing for a weekend trip to Lake of the Ozarks with friends.