Cultural Hall

This is another great place from my Nauvoo vacation.

This was originally a Mason Hall. The Saints used it for any large function or gathering. Meetings, Dances, etc.

This is the third floor of the building. This room was amazing to me. At one point this building was damaged and the roof line was lowered to just 2 stories.
The floor remained though. This floor.
This is the floor where Joseph Smith drew a map, in chalk, of the Saints journey to the West. I just stood, stared and felt.

My Nieces and Nephews

It had been almost 2 years since I'd seen my sweet nieces and nephews. I had so much fun playing with them and getting to know them again.

Preston (the oldest) didn't want me to take a picture of him. I tried to respect boundaries but still be a fun Aunt. He went from a stinky little to boy to a hottie. I was shocked. His voice has changed and everything. Watch out for this kid.

Next, me and Paige. She is so much fun! So smart! Such high energy, she is up for anything. Totally reminds me of Savannah & Mason.
Then there's Emma and "Aunt Belissa" She's a little cuddle bug. She helped me to not miss my Delaney so much. They are so similar.

Next is Cole and "Isa" This kid cracks me up. He's 4 days older then Willson, but no where near as naughty. He'd say "Isa, Isa, Isa!" I'd say "What Cole?" He'd say "Hi" with the cutest smile.

And last but not least Graham. He almost made we want to have another baby. So sweet and tiny and cuddly.

Love these kids! Can't wait to see them again!

What my 5 year old thinks markers are for...

I can't get over this one.

I laughed so hard when she showed me.

Delaney has always loved to color on herself. Don't know why. Guess that's just how she rolls.

I'm back from Nauvoo

My Sister, Becky, and I flew out to visit our other Sister, Mary, in Nauvoo. I had an amazing time! I will post more about that later, but I wanted to get a few pictures up.

So, here our my faves...

Carthage JailThis is the site where the Prophet Joseph Smith and his brother Hyrum Smith were martyred. The Spirit there was one of peace. It was truly amazing. I left knowing that those men had done the Lord's work and there was nothing to be sad about. There's a quote somewhere, I'll paraphrase...

"...they lived great, they died great..."

The Homestead

This is the home that Joseph Smith and his family lived in when they first came to Nauvoo. Only the brown log structure is original, the rest was added later. It was amazing walking into that original room. You could just feel it.

This was their home. Amazing.

Nauvoo LDS Temple
No words to describe. I could have spent days here. What's truly amazing is that this was rebuilt just as is it was 150 years ago. With the exception of the modern upgrades needed (bathrooms & elevators) it was made to the original specifications. I was amazed by the colors, beautiful greens and yellows and dark stained wood. Gorgeous windows & fixtures. I talked to my brother-in-law about it. Those were the original colors used in the Temple. It was truly incredible.