Nauvoo the city beautiful … the City of Joesph

Blog #55

By Kevin V. Hunt

So, you want to come to Nauvoo?  That is such great news.  You are not alone!  God has put into the hearts of many to come to His sacred and holy places of Nauvoo.  And why is it that so many people want to come to Nauvoo?  The reasons vary but most folks want to see and experience the history of the church, the prophets, the early Saints and their own ancestors who once lived, served, and grew in faith and fortitude here.  Some have had it on their “bucket lists” for many years.  It seems to be a yearning within all of us.  (And a warning … once you have experienced it, it can be habit forming – making you want to return again and again!)

Above: Kevin and Lou pulling their way to Nauvoo with grandkids Brodey and Lucy

It is a strong pull!  For many it has been a long-time dream.  A few people just suddenly decide to come here, but for most, it is a trip that takes considerable time, effort and resources to pull off a trip to Nauvoo.

TIME IS THE FIRST MAJOR CONSIDERATION

There are, of course, many “locals” (people within say about 4 hours of Nauvoo) – who are privileged to come here frequently.  For these people little is required in time and resources.   They can easily come for a day or two – and often can make multiple trips to Nauvoo over short periods of time.

These folks are truly blessed to be able experience Nauvoo often, but they are kind of the exception to the rule.  Wouldn’t that be nice?

Most people come to Nauvoo from “out west”, “back east”, or “down south” and their trips require much advance planning.  And coming to Nauvoo involves a major trans-continental journey that often takes six or more days just for the travel.  Take for instance … coming to Nauvoo from our hometown of Maricopa, Arizona or wherever our children live – in Nevada, Idaho, and Utah.  Unless you are a crazy die-hard driver like our son-in-law, Mike, it is generally a three day trip each way.  And then if you spend three or four days in Nauvoo (recommended), that makes it about a ten-day trip.  That takes some serious vacation-day planning – that is often not easy to come by.

HOW TO GET TO NAUVOO

It is not easy to get to Nauvoo.  You have to really want to get here.  It is not on the open trail.  It is a place kind of secluded away from much of the world.  Even the Church website is way too honest:  “As you prepare to travel to Historic Nauvoo, keep in mind that it is a small town in a rural area.  There are no direct travel routes to Nauvoo, and it is not close to any major city center.  No matter what form of transportation you choose, additional driving from another city will be required.”   (Source: “Travel Information for Historic Nauvoo”, churchofjesuschrist.org).

Many of my “peeps” (children and grandchildren) live around Maricopa, Arizona, where my wife and I are from.  Some of the family daughters live elsewhere – like Las Vegas, Idaho Falls and Lehi, Utah.  I could talk of any of these places but for the purposes of this blog article, I will focus upon Maricopa – though the same challenges plague those from Utah and beyond.

One internet source says that there are “9 ways to get from Maricopa to Nauvoo”. (and yesterday it said there were 8!).

The first option is to fly in an airplane.  And that is a bit tricky.  The closest major airport is St. Louis, Missouri.  This airport has the most flight and airline options.  But St. Louis is three and a half hours from Nauvoo.  That means that you have to rent a vehicle – or have someone (like Sister Hunt and me) to come to pick you up – and to take you back to same.

If you rent a car, most people who come to Nauvoo will need a BMW (that a “big Mormon Wagon”). And those are often not easy to come by – either in availability or sheer financial capabilities.  If you rent a car, you will need one for multiple days – for the duration of your trip.  If a Nauvoo resident (missionary or otherwise) comes for you, that is a 7-hour round trip to pick you up – and then another similar trek on the other end of your visit.

That same Church website noted above lists several potential airports: Quad Cities, Illinois (a 2-hour drive from Nauvoo), St. Louis Lambert (3 hours), Des Moines, Iowa (3 hours), Chicago, Illinois  (4 ½ hours), and Kansas City International (4 ½ hours)

Chicago is an almost equal distance away.  There are smaller airlines and airports within about two to three hours distance.  But to these places, the flights are kind of few and far between.  Allegiant Airlines flies into the “Quad Cities” in Illinois.  This is actually a good option for some (if you are lucky enough to have such an airport within a hundred miles of your home base).  But then you have the challenge of their flight schedules.  They usually have fights – both to and from – on one or two days (like Thursday and Sunday) and so that means that you get a two day and a half or a week-long stay option in Nauvoo.

Another challenge with the above airline, you have to take out a second mortgage on your home in order to pay for any “extra” luggage that you bring.  You get only one “free” personal bag – that is big enough for only a change of underwear and your toothbrush.

Take the train:  Amtrak serves many cities within a couple of hours of Nauvoo but trying to catch one from out west can be challenging – since Arizona, Nevada, Utah, and Idaho (where my kids are) have only two or three cities where they stop or pick-up.  My wife and I recently took a train trip to a grandson’s wedding.  We got on in Burlington, Iowa (35 minutes north of Nauvoo) and got off in Provo, Utah.  Since we are “old folks”, we got special deals and it was literally half of the cost of flying on an airplane.  The trip took about 29 hours each way.  The trip was long but very comfortable.  And a special perk was that we went through some very high and stupendous travel routes through the Colorado Rocky Mountains. 

Above: Colorado Rocky Mountains as viewed from Amtrak Train

Train personnel bragged that we saw much grand country that is seen only two ways – on a raft on the Colorado River, and on the train.  It certainly was gorgeous.  I would highly recommend such a trip.  It is “glorious and beautiful”.

Of course you can get in your BMW (“Big Mormon Wagon”) and traverse the country via your favorite route.  You can drive and drive forever, as Mike did, but for most sane people, about 500 miles is about the recommended miles per travel day.  And from our Maricopa, for instance, the distance is just a handful short of 1,500 miles.  That means three days and two nights of hotels and a lot of fast-food restaurants on the way.  And any parent or grandparent knows that if you are traveling with children, you also need to add two or three hours a day to accommodate the many “drink and drain” situations as they come up all too often.

WHERE DO WE STAY?

There are a couple of hotels in Nauvoo.  And many stay in hotels in nearby Keokuk or St. Madison.  But, remember if you stay that far away, you have to plan an extra half hour each way for every late-night or early-morning trip that you make to and from Nauvoo.

In today’s world, the Air B and B lure seems to be the big thing.  Everyone wants the “B’s”.  And that can be a great option.  Prices and facilities vary greatly but half the town seems to be on the “B” circuit.  There are seemingly a million places for accommodation around Nauvoo.  If this is your selected option, be sure to make reservations way early.  The places fill up fast – and especially during the July pageant month – when the show casts add an extra 400-500 or more people into the community for some extended stays.

My personal preference (for economy) and my wanderlust spirit (too many Boy Scout camping nights) would be to camp and stay in the Nauvoo State Park. 

Every time I drive by or through the State Park, I say to myself, “This is one of the most beautiful campgrounds I have seen in a “coon’s age”.  The campground has showers, running water, hiking trails, and even a small lake.  The challenge is to find the spot on the website to make reservations … but once you are there, you can make reservations for $20 to $30 per night.

Above: Camp Nauvoo in Nauvoo, Illinois

Camp Nauvoo is another great option.  This is a public campground owned by the Community of Christ Church.  This place has RV sites, a few cabins, tenting space and some large group use camping and other facilities.   There is opportunity for families, large groups, or whatever your group might be. Our family stayed in a cabin at Camp Nauvoo when we came here 28 years ago and as we were in the “City of Joseph” pageant. And we have such great memories of those fun times.

And for the really lucky folks, … if you are privileged enough, you might have a Senior Nauvoo Missionary Couple grandparent who can put you up – or put up with you.  (But they so love having you come!) That’s how our kids get their accommodations when we are blessed to have them come.  Every missionary home is different (though always small).  In our Simeon A. Dunn historic home, we have a nice full basement.  Though a bit “scary” for little kids, it really is quite nice.  We have a large vintage rag rug on the floor and we have a plethora or air mattresses and quilts that can provide close quarters and comforts even for a large family. 

(We had six children down there when our Marinda and family came, for when Jackie and family came– and also when Larissa and her two boys came.  One draw-back is that most of the missionary homes have only one bathroom.  (In our home, that means an upstairs trek – through the master bedroom – whenever you get the urge or want to shower off some of the Nauvoo sweat.)  (Thanks, humidity!)

WHERE TO EAT?

Well, there’s a challenge …  Keokuk and Ft. Madison have a plethora of the usual fast-food joints where you can eat.  Not so, in Nauvoo, however.  Dining space and options are hard to come by.  Sister Hunt and I always recommend our favorite Red Front Café (the only place open daily and year round) or Annie’s (seasonal summers).

The Fireside BBQ is really great but a bit pricy.  The all-you-can-eat buffet is the dream of everyone (including Sister Hunt and me).  The Hotel Nauvoo has been here literally for over 50 years (it was here when I was here in 1975) and is still going strong.  I am still waiting for the special occasion that warrants the cost.  And of course, there is Casey’s … a great place for pizza – but everyone else in town may have already beat you there … and they may or may not be able to meet your immediate needs.

We love the cost, atmosphere and yummy food of the little Mi Camino Real Mexican place in Ft. Madison.  This place is in Illinois, but it is truly a “legit” and great Mexican restaurant.

And shopping?  Dollar General is our big supermarket.  Surprisingly, they seem to have a bit of everything.  We have only been there a couple of times when they didn’t have what we went in search of.  There is a Wal-Mart in Keokuk – located about 13 miles south of Nauvoo (along the most beautiful river drive in the world). 

HOW LONG SHOULD I STAY IN NAUVOO

Many folks come here with the mistaken idea that they can see the whole place in an hour or two.  Wow, is that a mistake!   Couples and families with just older teens might be able to squeeze most things into a couple of very full days, but most other families and other serious visitors will want to spent several days.  We think that about four days might be the perfect plan.  There is just so much to do here … so much fun … so much history … and such a heritage, and so much to do generally … that you will welcome any moment that you can extend your trip for.

So much for all of the logistics.  Now let’s get into the fun stuff – the real reasons why folks want to come to Nauvoo …

NOW LET’S SEE WHAT THERE IS TO DO IN OLD NAUVOO

Now that we have all of the logistics taken care of, let’s explore the town a bit.  Of course, Sister Hunt and I are here on an 18-month mission.  We have total immersion.  We have history and fun in us every day – from the tips of our toes to the top of our ears.  And it just keeps getting better.  We just keep soaking it in and we love every minute of every day.

With our concentrated view, however, we might kind of have blinders on.  We are so used to all of this in our daily service opportunities that we might not be able to fully see everything from the viewpoint of the typical guests who come here.  So, in light of this, I thought that it would be good to share Nauvoo with you from the view of guests who come here … and specifically through the eyes of my own children and grandchildren who have come to really experience Nauvoo with us.  To do this, I will now quote extensively from some of the personal family experiences as they have written and blogged about them.  I will actually quote from multiple daughters (no sons have come yet) to help you get the full picture of what is available here.  I have also included comments and reactions that the various daughters posted in response to the experiences of their sisters. I know that you will enjoy hearing it straight from them.

THE STORY OF JACKIE AND FAMILY IN NAUVOO

Jackie and family – husband and four “tween” and “teen” children came last summer for several days. 

They took the big bird in the sky and got a car rental.  Marinda and her big man came with seven children in their BIG BMW  this summer and stayed for almost a week.  Larissa and her two funny boys came the next week.  Her man had a new job so had no vacation time to take.  They flew into Quad Cities. They arrived late on a Sunday night and we took them back to the airport four days later.  Each of these families stayed with us – and the parents got bigger air mattresses in our small living room as the kids were downstairs in our basement or cellar.

Kaylea and Lana still have a Nauvoo trip on their “bucket lists” for future. Kaylea has to recover from a shoulder surgery before she can come. Keith has a plan to come in September or October but those plans are still forming. Finances are the main issue for all of these children. Our son, Rusty and family have their plane reservations for early October. We look forward to their arrival and good times together in Old Nauvoo.

Many children and grandchildren – from various families – came to visit Kevin and Lou Hunt in Nauvoo.

Jackie and famiily came in the summer of 2024 – our first Nauvoo missionary summer. We had great times with them. That same week, Kaylea’s kids came to Nauvoo with their Texas stake youth group and Jenae’d daughter came with her Young Women group from St. louis.

Above: Jackie’s Nauvoo Photo Gallery

THE STORY OF JENAE AND FAMILY IN NAUVOO

Jenae and Paul and their four kids “brought us to Nauvoo” the summer before our missions – and that certainly made us want to return for more.  We rode Amtrak – the train – from our Maricopa town– up through Texas and to their home in St. Louis.  We had a unique experience in that we were able to stay in a nice Boy Scout lodge located at Camp Eastman near Nauvoo as we were here together. This worked out well.

We had to clean out the mostly unused (nowadays) lodge but once that was done, the camp made for a wonderful base camp for us.

Jenae wrote some of her thoughts and impressions about Nauvoo:

“Nauvoo the city of beautiful the City of Joesph

We had a trip planned to Nauvoo. It didn’t go quite as planned as we planned to be there a few days with my parents and family,. Tanner was in a play for the summer and they were on their tech week, The show director said Tanner couldn’t miss that whole week. She said, “Can you give me 3 days?” I said, “Can you give me 1…?” so this left us 24 hours in Nauvoo with our family and my mom and dad.

It was a, sweet day arriving in Nauvoo even though we knew we only  had two days there…. The city of Nauvoo always brings a peaceful presence as you enter the city. It was sweet too, to do the trip with my parents – after our own family trips, growing up in the Nauvoo pageant and participating in it for two summers …

The city holds so many sweet memories for our family and memories of bringing our kids when younger, Being there with my parents was a gift of time as well.

We toured the city, took in the atmosphere and beauty of Nauvoo and the rich pioneer stories and history. We toured some of the little shops and pioneer historic sites, took several wagon rides, visted the vistors’ center, and attended plays and musicals about Nauvoo with the performing missionaries. It was just a beautiful day 

We loved seeing and hearing about places my dad had been to or served in while on his own mission here and things my grandparents had done too on there mission here with the Nauvoo brick yard, Coolidge house and other things. We loved  walking the streets of  Nauvoo with my parents  and hearing the history of these things and our own legacy that is laced in witb Nauvoo and it’s history. Loved riding the carriage and my dad showing us where he lived as a missionary here and other things linked to our own family and grandparents in Nauvoo 

Above: Kevin and Lou Hunt with Paul and Jenae and family – in front of the brick kiln built by Jenae’s grandpa Elder Everett H. Belcher 1980

We finished the day’s activites in Nauvoo, as the night and evening crept in. We wanted to return to the cabin where we were going to stay which my dad had set up for us. We found out that our car wouldn’t start. This was a challenge as we already dealt with car trouble through the summer with other cars. It took us a bit to get our car working. Then we headed to Walmart to buy food, and things needed for the stay at the cabin. As we came out of Walmart our car again wouldn’t start. This became a challenge as it got later and nothing was open. Finally after hours and trying everything we could, we got the car to start. As we worked on it we prayed whie we worked on it. Finally Katelyn said a prayer with all her faith and I prayed that like the wagon wheels of the pioneers, that God witb fix our Ox, wagon or on this case our car 

We finally got it working and made it back to the cabin and set up beds all over the floor with air  mattresses,

it was a long night of trying to  get the car working. We charged it throughout the night but still didn’t know if it would even start the next morning. We planned to head to the temple with the adults to do a,session in the Nauvoo temple. We were going to have the kids drive over a bit later to meet us lo do Baptisms too. We wanted everyone who could to be in the temple. And we only had a few hours to spend in Nauvoo today as Paul had to head back to O’Fallon, llinois where we lived, so that Tanner could get back for his theater practice,and tech week and Trevor to hils football practice 

By a miracle the, car started in the morning. We headed out and made it to the temple even though being a bit behind with everything the night before with the car and setting up the beds, It was a blessing to be able to get to the temple. We did a, session with my parents 

It was a beautiful morning at the temple, I loved being in the Nauvoo temple as I remember walking the grounds of the temple when I was 14 and was there with my family in the pageant and there being no temple there but feeling a spiritual presence of a temple,. So it’s been special to see the temple there now and to know the sacrifices of the pioneers who built Nauvoo and the original temple 

As I sat in the Nauvoo temple a lady in the session leaned over and whispered, “I am glad you’re here.” She then showed me a butterfly on the art  mural… This was a sweet moment and meant a lot to me – showing that Heavenly Father was, aware of me sitting there today. 

The kids made it to the temple and it’s, was sweet to meet most of them in the temple for baptisms, Brianna, wasn’t 12 yet so she, wasn’t able to go in to do baptisms, so I was going to go meet the kids outside and go walk around with her, while Paul did baptisms with the other kids, But Paul said, “Jenae you should go today to do baptisms with the kids and I will walk around with Brianna on the temple grounds.”. I was like, “Ok,” but I was sad that Brianna and Paul wouldn’t be with us in the temple… I put on my white dress again and went to meet the other 3 kids and my parents in the baptistry..

It was a beautiful moment as I walked in in my whtre dress and seeing my other 3 kids lined up in there white jumpsuits and my parents by them in their white clothes… It was a beautiful memory and I’m grateful for the morning in the temple and the time in Nauvoo with our family even though we were only there one night and two days with everyone.

Paul did a small sketch outside the temple when out with Brianna that later helped inspire my mom with the idea of a small temple image on the new Nauvoo Temple Brick – that she and my dad later designed. And Brianna took pictures of beautiful flowers on the temple grounds 

We took pictures, at the Nauvoo temple with our family and my parents. Then the boys, Paul and Tanner and Trevor had to head out to drive back home 3 hours for Tanners theater and Trevor’s football. 

But despite the trial of our car not working or starting last night we were blessed to have a beautiful 2 days in Nauvoo together and at the temple with all our kids> My heart felt so grateful. 

I was grateful for time with our family and my parents in Nauvoo 

Us girls and my parents toured more of Nauvoo, saw the horses, visited other historic sites and attended more shows and enjoyed the  day in Nauvoo.

We went to area by the pageant stage to put stings out to save seats for the performance. It was fun to feel the excitement of the performance atmosphere. 

We also walked down the Trail of Tears and read stories of the pioneers, then ended at the river to look st the monuments of Joseph and Brigham.. What took our breath away was the giant lily pads with beautiful giant flowers there at the end of the path or crossing of the pioneers across the river.

We took in the scene and the beauty of the lilies and the flowers… I stood there imagining the pioneers crossing here and the many tears ahead of them and now that same spot of tears turned into something so beautiful… It was as if God took their tears and heartache and created something beautiful out of it… It was a good reminder that He can take our pain and heartache and turn it into to something beautiful.

Then as we left my dad said, “Jenae grab a picture of me and your mom standing at the edge of the river and little pads – with us holding hands looking out over the river then looking back “

.Who knew this would be symbolic for what was ahead and their own call to Nauvoo to serve as missionaries… Seeing the quiet of the lilies and beauty where there once was heartache was one of my favorite things in Nauvoo this trip and being at the temple with my patents and kids despite the car challenges beautiful moments of eternity to remember 

We then went to the pioneer carnival [the “Country Fair”] they do before the pageant We loved the pioneer carnival,. We took pioneer photos with the girls and my parents and the girls enjoyed pioneer activites like the May day pole, and wagon pulling. My dad got into – and got a bit hot – as he tried to pull all of us girls in the wagons. 

We loved the pageant. It was a beautiful reminder of the story of Nauvoo and that this story is in us and a part of us. It reminded us of being in the pageant when we were teens with my family and that too is part of our story and Nauvoo is a part of our story.. It was a beautiful evening in Nauvoo and the city beautiful and seeing portrayed the story of Nauvoo and also the Temple being bulit by the saints..

Above: A Scene from the Nauvoo Pageant

The next day we visited more sites and the visitors’ center. Katelyn and Grandpa went to the family history library for a while. They enjoyed their time there. We had lunch downtown at the same restaurant as the day before and it was affordable and one of the few places there to eat. 

The day was rainy and we wondered if we would be able to watch the pageant tonight. We went to the stage area again to put out a string for saving seats again for the British pagent. It was a, wet and drizzly day. The seats, were soaked and full of water so it didn’t look likely they would still  have the pageant tonight…. Throughout the day we asked some sister missionaries if they cancel the pageant. They said, “No they never do – it just always clears up..” And surprisingly it did just before the carnival and pageant.

We had experienced this ourselves years ago when in Nauvoo and in the “City of Joseph” pageant. There was rain and even a tornado warning before a performance but with prayers and faith of the cast and crew it cleared up for us to perform that night. And again we witnessed this tonight in Nauvoo as the rain cleared up for the performance… Brianna was so surprised and delighted she said, “Well I guess Nauvoo is a place of miracles …”

Also while at the pioneer carnival that night Paul called from home and said we just got news that Katelyn got a grant – saying that some military education money had come through for her schooling. We had submitted it twice and were still waiting and praying it weould go through as she was to head to school in a few weeks. This, was another blessing  and miracle in Nauvoo. We were so grateful 

I love the big flags of different countries – that they have come out before the performance. They had the, Welsh flag – which is from Wales where I served my mission, I loved seeing the flag bearers run on with the flags into the pageant – symboling the gospel going to all the world. Then the missionaries from all over Nauvoo coming up with lights that started on the stage and went out into the audience as they ran out with their lights. Then the missionaries came up on stage to sing as the pageant ended. Little did we know then that later my parents would  be called to  Nauvoo themselves on their own mission. We were all renewed in our own faith and journey and knowing how the “truth will prevail” as it says in the Pageant as they lift a big banner up with these words.

We all felt the spirit of Nauvoo and the pioneers and the truthfulness of God’s plan, His gospel, the history and legacy of the pioneers. Their story is ours as it says in the pageant. And it’s our story… It’s in us … it’s our story. We also talked of the image of seeing all of my siblings and their families each coming to Nauvoo one day with my parents. We didn’t know they would serve a mission here and many of the families would come to  walk Nauvoo and be here with my parents in this city. It was beautiful feeling the legacy of Nauvoo. I know we felt it and it is real.

By Jenae Merrill thoughts and reflections of Nauvoo trip 

MARINDA WROTE OF HER NAUVOO EXPERIENCE:

“It has been an incredible stay! Dad and Mom have been such amazing guides. We have seen way more than what we could have on our own. 

Above: Marinda and Mike and their children arrive in Nauvoo in their “BMW”

The biggest thing I have loved is that it is a place centered around families! It is beautiful to see how happy and kind everyone is to our big family. Everyone is so happy and smiling so big. It really is the City of Beautiful! 

I hope everyone can come and visit! It is such a special place. Thanks mom and dad for passing on your love of Nauvoo, our pioneer heritage, and testimonies of this restored gospel.”    

Above: Marinda’s Nauvoo Photo Gallery

JENAE RESPONDED ABOUT MARINDA’S TRIP

“This is so special Marinda!  I am so glad your family gets to be there while mom and dad are there.  What a special time!  We loved our time with mom and dad in Nauvoo even though we went with them before their missions.  It was still so special.  it’s such a beautiful place to be.  The Spirit there is so peaceful and it feels like home.”

MARINDA WROTE OF HER BRITISH PAGEANT EXPERIENCE:

Above: Elder and Sister Hunt (Center) singing with fellow missionaries in the Nauvoo British Pageant finale 

“Oh my goodness this was so, so,  so beautiful! All the missionaries got up and sang “Called to Serve”. I was so proud to be Mom and dad’s daughter! I am so proud of them for serving and sharing their testimonies with so many people. I am so thankful for the legacy they have carried on from their families and have passed down to us.”

JENAE WROTE AGAIN:

“This is so awesome. When we were there with mom and dad they were in the audience with us, so that’s so cool they were now up there singing with the missionaries. We didn’t think about that back then. The Spirit is so strong in Nauvoo. It helps us feel God’s plan, who we are, and our story too. Love this.

“That’s fun to see your kids at the pioneer carnival.  They do such a fun job for families. I love that everything is free and there is so much for families to do – with the shows, the carnivals, the wagon rides, and the history sites. 

Sweet to see your kids there Marinda.  I love it… But that hallway to the basement [with Mike].  So funny.  Looks so tiny with Mike in there. Haha”

MARINDA CONTINUES:

“My Snow College roommate, Tiffany, drove four hours to come hang out with us. It was so fun having her family here.”

LARISSA RESPONDED:

“Aww … looks like such a fun time.  That’s awesome that they have all those activities in the park for families.  I’m so excited to go there in a few days.”

MARINDA AGAIN WROTE:

“I love this picture so much!  I love seeing dad’s huge smile showing the kids doing all of the fun stuff.”

KAYLEA ADDED TO THE CONVERSATION:

“Mom and Dad look so happy having y’all there!!  I love all these pictures.  Everyone looks so happy and looks like they are having the best time!!  I love all the activities there are for the kids.  And so fun you got to see Mom and Dad perform and sing.  Sounds amazing!!  Proud they are my parents too!!”

LARISSA SHARED HER PLANS:

“Yeah, me and the kids are going from the evening of the 13^th to the evening of the 17^th.  It will be so fun.  Found a pretty good deal for the three of us to fly there on Allegiant, which flies to Moline, Illinois … two hours from Nauvoo.  Just got the tickets a week ago.  Ha, Ha!

Hopefully the kids do good on the flights. The flight home leaves at 9 pm and is a three hour flight plus the two hours to get to the airport and the hour drive from the Mesa gateway airport to home.. I hope the kids just sleep the whole time. Haha! Then our flight to get there leaves at 3 pm and gets there a little after 8 pm. I got a couple fun activities for them so hopefully that keeps them entertained.

[Note:  Sister Hunt and I brought our nine children to Nauvoo in 1996 and 1997 and we participated in the “City of Joseph” pageant.  We came on Amtrak for that trip … and that is an adventure for another time.”

Above: The Kevin and Lou Hunt family in the opening scene of the 1996 and 1997 pageants

Marinda sent a plethora of photos – but with no comments.

Among the photos that Marinda sent was one that she staged with her and two of her daughters.

Sister Hunt (Lou) was in a “City of Joseph” scene depicting one of the women’s statues. She had Larissa in her arms and Marinda trailing olong behind her. Marinda re-enacted this scene with her own children.

One of her sisters responded: The statue picture is fun of you Marinda and your girls. I love the picture dad found of us doing that pose too. That’s awesome.

Above: Lou Hunt in the “City of Joseph” white “statue scene” with Larissa in arms followed by Marinda

Note: When we were in the ancient pageant, our family took a classic photo on a bridge near the stage. Our kids came running from this bridge when we had the opening scene. Our photo then showed the children in descending age order going down the bridge. Now when any of the family members come to visit, we reenact this scene with each of them.

Above: A scrapbook page that Jackie created about our “City of Joseph” tours. Note her family shown “on the bridge”.

Above: (Top) Jenae and (bottom) Marinda and family doing the bridge scene

And of course, Larissa also needed to reenact the scene – even though she was too young to remember her own participation on the bridge.

JACKIE GOT A FLASHBACK MEMORY:

When Jackie was in Nauvoo, we happened to find some folks who were in the 1996/7 pageants with us. These folks caught us examining the “new stage” for evidence of the “old stage” (where we performed). If one looks hard, threre are still some hints of the old stage. Anyway,, the ladies began reminiscing big time. And before they knew it, they were up on stage together dancing the famous “City ofJoseph” dance that opened the show. And I don’t think that they missed a step – even after all of that time! (We have to admit that the dance is/was pretty unforgettable!)

MARINDA CONTINUES HER STORY

Another fun day!!! The fair activities and the band are here until August 2nd. It really makes each night come alive.

Fairy gardens, the kids dancing like the missionaries, Joseph Smith’s mirror and journal, and looking for fireflies. 

Mom and dad did so good today while we toured  Joseph and Emma’s different houses. They seriously just presented it so well. 

MARINDA SHARE SOME TRIP HINTS WITH LARISSA:

“It is super humid and really hot during the day. Bring little fans to help cool you off. I have never felt so sticky, smelly, and eaten by mosquitoes. Haha!! Bring bug spray. Just adding some little tips for those that are planning to come. 

It has been another amazing day!!!!! Seriously just love this place so much!”

Above: Kevin and Lou with Marinda’s children

KAYLEA WISHES SHE WERE HERE:

“Sounds magical!!!! How fun!!!! I can’t wait to go!! I may miss all the fun though if the band is home by the 2nd.  Reliving old memories!” [Note: The band and the “summer cast” of the Nauvoo Performing Missionaries did leave on August 2nd – but the “fall cast” of the Nauvoo Performing Missionaries will still be here performing through the middle of October!]

Note: We don’t really remember where we got the name of Marinda but for years, when I heard a name that I liked, I added it to a “potential names for future children” list. Perhaps I heard the name of Marinda when I served in my young mission to Nauvoo. Through the years, Marinda has never heard of anyone with whom she shared the Marinda name. So, when she got to Nauvoo, she was pleased to see the Orson Hyde home – and to learn that his wife was Marinda. Our Marinda was fascinated with the Marinda home, her name on the Relief Society quilt and even found one of the Nauvoo custume dresses that has the Marinda name. Marinda Hyde was a seamstress so could have designed dresses like these.

MARINDA TELLS IT IN HER OWN WORDS:

“We went and saw the horses, toured the sewing room/mail room.  (And they have a [dress pattern named the “Marinda dress), lots of tours, went to the Marinda Hyde house (was I named for her?) 

Above: Marinda and the “Marinda Dress” in the Sewing Room

Above: Marinda at the Marinda Hyde Home

And then we went to the stone-cutter’s tour. So much to see and do!

Above: Mike and kids at the Stone Cutter Lodge

Above: Marinda and family on the “Carriage Ride” (Note Grant – left below)

Grant’s expression on the wagon ride was so great – says it all!. He was all grumpy. He represented all of the kids being grumpy because it was hot and they were all tired. It was so hot and humid. Each day we had to take a break inside for a bit.” It was nice to have Dad and Mom’s house to relax, cool off, and eat in.

I ALSO WROTE ON THE FAMIIY SITE AS MARINDA WAS LEAVING:

“So fun to have had Marinda and family here.  They are an amazing family and it was fun to see them work and play together and they love each other. Fun to see them in action.  We shared many great activities together.  So great!”

MARINDA RESPONDED:

“Thanks Dad and Mom. It was an amazing week.  We love you guys!  After 17.5 hours of driving today, we made it home!!!”

LARISSA ARRIVED IN NAUVOO:

Larissa made it to Nauvoo with her boys and she made frequent photo and description posts on the family site:

Larissa warned us: “Here comes a picture overload. Haha! I will share more tomorrow but we packed a lot in today and had a fun day. We went to the horse corrals this morning to see the horses cross the street to the other corral to go eat. It was fun watching them and seeing the men get all the horses gear on to get ready for wagon rides.

Andy enjoyed the barn cat named Richard.

All the horses know their names and the Teamsters call each of their names one by one to let them into the corral to eat and they know exactly where their eating spot is. F.Y.I: They only have male horse and male oxen.

Two of the Teamsters were taking one of the wagons to the area where they do the wagon rides and since we were standing right by the wagon, the Teamsters asked us if we wanted to ride down the road with them. That was fun. Dad drove the car down there while the rest of rode on the wagon. Dad was waiting for us there by another wagon when we got there.

Then the kids wanted corn on the cob for breakfast.  We were talking about it either this morning or last night so it was on their minds and mom already had some cooked that was in the fridge. Haha.

Then we went to the Scovil Bakery tour and they give guests a gingerbread cookie at the end of the tour.

Above: Sister Tammy Hunt giving a tour at the Scovil Bakery

Then we went on our scheduled wagon ride which goes through the town and they explain what each building is as you drive by it. Then we went on a different wagon ride [the “Carriage Ride”] that takes you through the a different area [up through the woods] and they told several stories of some of the pioneers.

Then we went to where the parade was going to be with the marching band.  We joined the parade. We walked down Main Street.

We went on a ride pulled by the oxen (above).

We also went to the visitors’ center and watched a short film about the saints settling in Nauvoo. It was fun to see the temple model in the visitors’ center and the carved sunstone that was on the top of the temple.

Tuesday, Mom and I went to the 7 am session at the temple.  Thanks to dad for watching my kids. The Nauvoo Temple was so amazing and beautiful. Such an awesome experience.

After lunch we went to the fudge shop for a treat and I got a little souvenir for the kids. Then we did a tour at the Lyon drug store where they would sell medicine, spices, fabric, yarn, etc.

Another fun day and we packed it in all day today.

The kids learned how to make a rope today, made candles, learned how to make a barrel, learned how bricks are made. We had fun making barrels with Grandpa.

Above: Elder Hunt teaching grandsons the trade of barrel making

They had fun putting all the “luggage” in the rectangle area as if they were putting it all in the wagon.

Andy was wearing the rope he helped make on his head. Haha

I checked out the sewing room while dad took the kids to save seats (with a string) for the pageant.

The kids had a great time playing several pioneer games at the Pioneer Pastime area.

We went back to Mom and dad’s house for a break.

Grandma (Mom) told us how her father – my Grandpa Belcher helped save the Coolidge house, the white one [with the German writing and which is right across the street from mom and dad’s housel  I got a picture of mom in between the Coolidge house and their Dunn home.

Like all of the sibllngs, we got a photo at Grandpa Belcher’s brick yard:

Above: Jackie and family with Dad and Mom at the Belcher Brick Yard

Above: Jenae and famiy at the Belcher Brick Yard

Marinda and clan at the brick yard

And also llike all of the siblings, we got a photo at the Lucy Mack Smith home where our grandparents served on their mission.

Above: Jackie and family at the Lucy Mack Smith home

Above: Larisssa and family at the Lucy Mack Smith home

We toured the boot shop and learned how they made shoes.

We toured the little school. The kids had fun there drawing on the chalkboards. Pretty interesting that they spelled words phonetically. Andy wrote his name then the sister missionary spelled it phonetically. Andy was being so funny and “wrote” the sister’s name which was a bunch of random letters. We asked him what it said and he said, “That’s how you spell her name (the sister missionary) in 1846 “. It was pretty funny that he was so spot on with the date. Haha!

We also went to the brickyard as well.  The clay gets mixed up in this big mixer and then they press the clay into some molds.

The pageant was fun to watch. Andy was asking lots of questions about Joseph Smith during it and was fascinated with him so it was cool we got to go up front and “meet” him after the performance.

Yesterday we went to Carthage Jail. It was so cool/sad seeing that and it just made all the stories of Joseph feel more real – standing in the room where Joseph and Hyrum were shot. Pretty crazy! While we were in that room the sister missionaries played the song, “A Poor Wayfaring Man of Grief” and I could feel the Spirit so strong listening to it and thinking about what they went through in that moment.   It was cool to see the bullet hole in the door when Hyrum was shot. Then Joseph was shot and fell out the top window and fell down by the well where we were standing.

Above: Larissa and Andy in the “Martyrdom Room” and then at the well below the window where Joseph fell.

We went to the “Women’s Garden”.  We took a “boy version” by the statue with the mom holding the baby and the daughter behind her.  When we were in the “City of Joseph Pageant years ago, Mom played the role of that statue mom and Marinda and I were in the scene with her.  I tried to make a heart for the picture but I was too tall. Haha

We also got a photo of the mom and her son …

We went down to the river and I got a good video of the eagles nest with the eagles flying above it. We got some great sunset photos too.

KAYLEA IS AMAZED AT ALL OF THE GREAT FUN AND PHOTOS IN NAUVOO:

“I loved all the pictures and videos Larissa!!! Soooo fun to watch them all. Looks like your kids are having so much fun. I love all the activities they have for the kids. What a great place to visit!!  I loved watching them race in the sack.

Oliver was so fast! And cool to see Mom and Dad showing the Brick making process. The eagle flying was soooo cool!! Wow.

LARISSA CONTINUES HER STORY:

Mom and Dad were at the Sarah Granger Kimball home today (Wednesday) so we dropped them off and did the tour with them before heading off on our day. Andy was pretty grumpy, during the tour but it was fun to hear mom and dad giving the tour.

Above: Elder Kevin and Sister Lou Hunt in front of Sarah Granger Kimball Home

Tonight we went to the “Sunset on the Mississippi” production by the Nauvoo Performing Missionaries.  The kids went up with the band and played an instrument. 

LARISSA WROTE TO LANA:

“Lana & Spencer do these people look familiar? [Lana’s step-father in law] Haha! I thought he looked familiar. Haha! They are in the Browning Gun Shop tour with us right now.”

Above: Larissa with Delwin – father to Spencer

MARINDA REFLECTS:

“I am always amazed at how small the world is when it comes to connections.”

LARISSA AGREES:

“Katelyn will recognize this sister missionary who took us on a tour. She served with Katelyn when on her “outbound” mission in Colorado. She wasn’t her companion but they would see each other sometimes.

A couple days ago we toured the Bakery and the lady giving the tour was one of the other Sister Hunts who is serving here.

Above: Sister Tammy Hunt giving tour at Scovil Bakery

She just loved Andy and Oliver and was laughing at everything they were saying during the tour. She asked what the big wooden paddle by the brick oven was used for.  Andy said it is for pizza. Haha! It does look like what you would use to put pizza in a brick oven. He said that it was used for pizza a couple times. Earlier that day Oliver was saying that he had a 4 year old brain because he is 4 years old and Andy was saying he had a 100 year old brain  and we were telling Sister Hunt at the bakery. Towards the end of the tour Oliver said, “Ughh, is it done yet?” Haha! They were saying some other stuff as well that I can’t remember.

The next day when Sister Hunt saw us again she said she had some stickers for the boys because she didn’t have them with her the day before. She was really excited to give them one but they weren’t too impressed with the ones she had because they weren’t snakes. Haha!

Above: Sister Tammy Hunt with Andy and Olliver

This is her trying to give them a sticker and they just kept saying no because they weren’t snake ones. Haha”

We also saw her on our wagon ride yesterday and we waved to her and she waved back and blew a kiss. Andy and Oliver made a card to give to her. He drew her a snake on it. Haha! The other side is her and him hugging. I didn’t realize she would be leaving today to be out of town for a bit so we weren’t able to give it to her today.  Andy was bummed about that. She later told me that the boys were the highlight of her week. So cute.

KAYLEA REFLECTS AGAIN ON THE NAUVOO FUN:

“Oh my gosh!!!  That’s adorable, Larissa!!!  I love the notes they wrote to her!!!  Maybe you can do a video call when mom and dad give them to her.  So Cute.   Your kids say the CUTEST things!!!

Crazy you saw Spencers Dad and step mom!  And a sister that knew Katelyn!!  Crazy!!

BACK TO LARISSA:

Mom has Sister Hunt’s number so she called her this morning to see where they were giving tours and she said they were headed out of town but we talked to her for a few minutes.  I also sent her those pictures of their cards and explained what was on the cards.  Oliver mostly scribbled on his, but on the back of the card which I didn’t get a picture of was three kind of straight lines and those were snakes too.  Ha, Ha!

JENAE REMEMBERING THE NAUVOO GOOD TIMES:

“Marinda I loved all your sweet experiences in Nauvoo and all the photos of your family there. That’s so fun.

And Larissa I love seeing you guys there and all the cute things with your kids and mom and dad and Nauvoo. So fun!  Dad and mom look so excited to have some of their grandkids there to see them in Nauvoo. What a special time for you all.  I  love all the videos and cute pictures and the bakery story that’s cute. Haha!

LARISSA CONTINUES:

We went back to the Pioneer games place.  The reality of trying to get one picture with the kids in costumes was a challenge.  Andy was not having it. Haha! He kept covering his face with the hat and taking his hands out of the end of the sleeves. The shirt was too big for him. Hope you enjoy the bloopers.

KAYLEA RESPONDS:

“Ya’ll look so cute in pioneer clothes!”

BACK TO LARISSA:

This is the best picture we got. Haha. The top green piece kept coming off since it wasn’t held on by anything. Haha.

We went to the Zion’s Mercantile store.  I got some souvenir pennies with the Nauvoo Temple on them.

On our last day, we went again for cookies from the Scovil Bakery. I asked the kids what they wanted to do again today on our last day here and they wanted to get another cookie.

We did a couple of wagon rides on Monday and the kids wanted to do it again yesterday and today they wanted to go again one last time. Haha!

Here are some cool pictures I got of the horses today. I love the color of these horses. So pretty. Their wavy hair is cool too.

Oliver bent way down and looked at the horse.  He said, “I can see the hooves. That’s why his down like that. Haha

Check out this huge flower!

We went to the gun shop this morning. The kids were restless for the tour but Andy did like seeing all the guns.

We toured the Stoddard Tin Shop today.

We also did the Temple City tour this morning because mom and dad were giving tours at this place today. It was fun to see pictures of the temple plans. The purple  pineapple walls in one of the houses was fun too. The pineapples represent wealth. It was cool to see a fancier house. That piece of furniture with the big blue square at the top is a piano and it also looks fancy.

The kids enjoyed the stone cutter part of that Temple City tour. They got to see the limestone, chisel it, check out the sand paper which is some sand put on a rock then you rub two rock together with the sand in the middle, and trying to pull the heavy limestone.

Above: Sister Hunt and Andy try to lift the heavy Temple stone with the block and tackle.

We went to the William Gheen home the man,  Brother Gheen died in his home and the funeral was in his home. That is a coffin by dad.”

LARISSA APOLOGIZES AND THAN REFLECTS UPON THEIR EXPERIENCES:

“Sorry for all the overload of pictures and videos from the last few days. Glad you enjoyed all of them. We are on our way to the airport now. Our plane leaves at 9 pm. Looks like we will get back to Arizona around 7:45 PM (Arizona time) so hopefully that will give us enough time to check our bags and get through security. Haha.

I will second what Marinda said after her trip, if you haven’t come to Nauvoo you should really see if you can make it work to come – especially when the pageants, band, and the performing missionaries are there because it is such an amazing place and has such a special spirit there. Take advantage of mom and dad being there when you have a place to stay and being able to see them in action. Standing in the places Joesph Smith stood and the rest of the saints was truly amazing. Then seeing how much they sacrificed and everything they had to make on their own and carry with them was so cool and just really makes all the stories of them come to life.

Andy was really fascinated with Joseph Smith – especially during the Nauvoo pageant.  He was asking mom many questions about him through the whole performance. I hope he will always remember what he learned there. It was so fun to see it all through their eyes and seeing them do all the fun activities.

Above: Andy and Oliver meeting the Joseph Smith character

We saw the Joseph and Emma Smith properties yesterday. This was the first home Joseph and Emma lived in while in Nauvoo.

We also saw the Smith Family cemetery.

Then we toured the red brick store where Joseph worked. Joseph Smith had an office upstairs where he received a lot of revelation for different things. It was cool to see that.

Above: Larissa and boys at Joseph’s Red Brick Store

Then we toured the blacksmith and wainwright shops. There they did a demonstration where they showed how to make a horseshoe and made us a mini one. Each family got to take one home. It was interesting to hear how they made the wagon/wagon wheels in the wainwright section of the tour.

We also toured the printing shop yesterday and learned how they had to place the letters, put ink on the printing press and getting the printing onto the paper.

We even found a dinosaur in Nauvoo. Haha! This dinosaur Noah and the Ark museum just opened up a month or two ago. Someone in Nauvoo told us about it. We didn’t have time to go through the tour but did see the room with the big Dino head and took a picture with the Dinosaur outside.”

KAYLEA AGAIN WISHING SHE WAS HERE IN NAUVOO:

“I love this!!! I wish we could come before the pageant is over and the band leaves. It’s sad we can’t come till later in August. We were tempted to drive there this last Tuesday. If we had had the money we would have. We’ll have to wait till August when we have some cash coming in. And hopefully I’ll be kind of recovered from surgery and be able to have a more enjoyable time.

LARISSA WITH TIME AT THE AIRPORT:

“Today I decided to go to a short performance called “Sisters in Zion”. It was so beautiful. The performing missionaries did such an amazing job. They sang “As Sisters in Zion,” “Amazing Grace” and more of the “Sisters in Zion” song and in between the songs they each had talking parts. Three of them told a story of a pioneer in first person viewpoints. They did it so beautifully. Their singing sounded like angels or something. It was amazing to experience. I just felt the Spirit so strong and their voices just filled the whole room in the small Cultural Hall there. The kids were entertained with my calculator on my phone and my watch while I listened . I am so glad I went to it. It was one of my favorite things to experience in Nauvoo. It was cool to hear the stories of some the sisters of the time and all they went through.

The room was very full so we sat on the side bench on the other side of the aisle. There were still a few people coming in so I put both my kids on my lap instead of just Oliver to free up one more space. A lady came in and I pointed that she could sit by us. She seemed happy that there was a seat for her. I said, “You can sit there as long as you don’t mind my kids.” And she said she didn’t mind and that she was a mom too. She said she was only there for the day and wouldn’t be there tonight to see the pageant so she wanted to come to some kind of performance. Her kids were off with their dad at a different location. I was tearing up during the performance and at the end I looked over at her and she had tears coming down her cheeks. I gave her a hug and said she was doing a good job and that it was nice to meet her.”

MARINDA AND KAYLEA COMMENT:

“I am so excited you guys got to go!  It looks like you are having a blast!”

Kaylea:

“That’s awesome Larissa!! Sounds amazing!!  That’s sweet about your interaction with that lady. You’re very sweet.:

WHEW! MADE IT HOME!

“We made it home at 1:40 AM Nauvoo time, 11:40 PM here. I am so tired. Haha! Packed a lot in while we were there. Thanks mom and dad.  It was so fun!”

JENAE – WRITTEN ON THE 24TH OF JULY:

Happy pioneer day mom and dad.  Love you both so much – You’re loved. I love the faith, and legacy and how you have shared your own modern pioneer missionary journey with us every day in Nauvoo.  Love you both”

After her sisters made their Nauvoo trip, Jenae shared some of her own “cliff” notes and memories of her Nauvoo trip:

Wagon building everyone that could help, would help

Everyone did something there, was something for everyone to do

Lucy Mack Smith home kitchen was the heart of her home. She loved her kitchen space for gathering  family and guests all were welcome.

Sunset on the Mississippi play

Their story is our, story and lives on in us,

The pioneers were driven from their homes, with an unknown future

Sister Crockett

It’s, always a beautiful day in Nauvoo

Paul’s car not working…  Katelyn prayed – still took a bit after prayer, I prayed that like the pioneers with their, wagon wheels breaking, I was praying over my, wagons… God would hear our prayer and answer the kids prayer to have car working…. Starting working about a few hours.

…. Thoughts  after the trial of our faith comes the blessings 

When Saints were driven out if Nauvoo… They prayed Heavenly would remember their sacrifice 

 Joseph Smith… I know he loved us… Joseph Smith: “If I never return remember I love you,” Joseph was patient, kind and genuine

Salvation cannot come without revelation 

A religion that does not require sacrifice is not sufficient

Pageant 

Live so the angels can’t be restrained 

Nothing could erase what Nauvoo did for the Saints – the spirit of the saints, their legacy had  been built in Nauvoo 

In the darkness comes, a light 

The story of Nauvoo, the story of God’s story 

Trail of Hope… Stories: “The Last thing I did was to tidy up  rooms, swept floors, shut door and faced an un known future”

Faith  in Christ they would go where life was good and God took them 

 Kids area pioneer pastimes 

On wagon ride song came to mind you don’t have to push a hand cart to be a pioneer 

When Joseph left to be murdered he said to Hyrum “Well this is the loveliest city on the earth  with the loveliest people you will ever meet”

Letters of Emma and Joseph 

They were often apart but tackled challenges together 

Quote in play reminded me of Paul and I through letters on our mission and time, apart with military assignments we have had, worked through challenges together even when apart 

Together in there letters though apart in challenges

Though they were often separate with their circumstances but were, always one in heart. 

And thinking back … Raining all day in Nauvoo on the day we were going to go to pageant we  asked will they still have the pageant… Yes it is never canceled it just clears up… Even when we were at the “City of Joseph” pageant years ago with thunderstorms and a tornado worming it was not canceled…. Super rainy then cleared up just before the pageant performance ..

Brianna after seeing the rain clear up as the pageant stated…. She said wow I guess Nauvoo is a place of miracles 

Words, from Pageant 

We honor the seekers of truth as, we are, seekers of truth 

In the youth the flames burn bright 

British pageant 

Rather be a part of something that matters then something that doesn’t

We must give up things that are good for the cause of Christ 

Older couple in cast said, “Will you travel to Nauvoo with me if it’s, a, step to heaven then yes … and then “I did change I let the light in.”

We all have times of darkness

As a, seed won’t grow if not planted …

This is our story still bring written 

We come from St Louis to Chicago 

We are in the picture, it’s our story. It’s God story

JACKIE LATER WROTE PASSIONATELY OF HER NAUVOO MEMORIES:

Jackie also had opportunity to reflect on her trip to Nauvoo and this beautiful sacred place. Her words are inspiring and joyful in the Nauvoo Spirit:

We had been planning on going to Nauvoo for years and were saving money so that we could. It was just an added perk to have my parents serving there at the same time. We started in Ohio and were thrilled to be able to go into the newly acquired Kirkland Temple. We felt the spirit strongly there and at the John Johnson farm where wonderful powerful experiences happened. We were even more excited to continue on to Nauvoo to see my parents and experience everything there.

What a remarkable, unforgettable experience as a family. There were wonderful shows and performances; bagpipe and brass bands parading down the street to create this special feeling. With all the service missionaries walking around town you could almost envision life in the 1800’s. The spirit of Nauvoo is just a sweet feeling. The stories you learn about are real people and many of them ancestors.

The pageants and pre-show carnival just gave a family friendly atmosphere of good wholesome fun. The kids loved unplugging and playing pioneer games. And of course we learned more about the pioneers with every tour, movie, or show.

My most favorite memory was walking back up Parley Street alone with my youngest son. He was recounting everything that we had learned over the last week. He was most excited about Carthage and recounting everything that transpired there. In his little head he was just trying to process everything that we had experienced. He felt the need to express himself and requested art materials. When we got home, I made sure he had the needed art materials to create his masterpiece. He worked so hard on it. He wanted to display the pioneers fleeing Nauvoo in the middle of winter. He painted snow in his painting but because it was a white canvas the snow can not be seen. He told us when he finished his painting that it “is not what you see, but what you feel” referring to the snow in his painting.

But that would sum up our trip to Nauvoo. It’s not what you see (and there is much to see in Nauvoo) but it is what you feel. You just can’t help but feel something special as you walk the streets of Old Nauvoo, picturing life as it was. I feel like another sweet moment of Nauvoo, is when my, now missionary daughter, testifies a sweet testimony of Joseph Smith because she was there and felt the spirit of Nauvoo.

MY OWN REFLECTIONS:

Old Nauvoo … What a great place. The Spirit is so strong here. It is truly amazing. Everyone who comes here can feel that strong Spirit. And once here, we all want to share our memories and feelings of the Lord’s sacred spot. And once Nauvoo is experienced, most folks want to experience it again and again. It’s a feeling … and it it is true!

FAITH … SACRIFICE … COMMITMENT … LEGACY … PIONEERS OUR OWN ANCESTORS … PROPHETS WALKED HERE … THE LORD IS HERE IN HIS HOLY PLACE.

If you have not had the Nauvoo experience, maybe it is time that you come.