City Beautiful

Over the past weekend we went on a weekend roadtrip to Nauvoo Illinois. It was a awesome experience not withstanding the usual ups and downs of traveling with kids. We were lucky enough to stay with our friends the Olson's who live in Burlington Iowa which is about 40 minutes from Nauvoo. Kyle and I were able to go to the temple which was our main purpose for traveling there since our Chicago temple is being renovated after a flood. It is a beautiful temple and has a special significance since it is the Prophet Joseph's temple, the one he started. It has a unique style from all the other temples and beautiful dark wood trim throughout. We all felt the connection to Nauvoo, the place our ancestors helped to build and it is a beautiful little city. On Sunday we headed to Carthage jail where Joseph Smith died. We were the only people there so we were able to take our time and really experience the spirit that was there. It was a very surreal experience to walk up the stairs and see all the rooms that I know from pictures, and walk in the footsteps of a great Prophet. We feel changed from the experience, and I must say it helped solidify my desire and need to return to Utah as I felt a connection to my roots and family and the importance of these things. We also enjoyed spending time with the Olson family. Abby was one my neighbors who watched Weston while I worked and so he spent a lot of time with her and Ben and Henry so he was thrilled to be reunited.