Nauvoo/Birthday

Dave's mom, sister, and I went to Nauvoo at the end of July. Kirsten had her 4th baby Troy three weeks before our trip. I made her come to relax and enjoy a few days of peace and quiet. Well... I am not so sure she had that, I talk a lot. I hope that she at least enjoyed a break from all the responsibility.
Our GPS took us on a few fun adventures that weekend. This is when we were lost in corn land!
We got to Nauvoo late Friday afternoon. We walked around a bit. I have been 1 other time with Dave but it was in December so it was nice to go when it was green and warm!
Renee, Kirsten, and Baby Troy at the temple.

While we were walking we asked some sister missionaries the best way to make sure we get seats for the next evening (which was the last night of the pageant). They said that it wouldn't be crowded that evening if we wanted to go that night. We ended up going Friday night and I was so surprised at how few people there were. There were a lot of empty seats. I was worried it would be hard to find seats and long lines to the places we wanted to go since it was the last of the pageant but it was not the case.

Us before the pageant

The pageant was so good! I am glad I was able to go.

The next day we went to a few shows and walked around. I ran into my friend DeeAura at one of the shows.

We went on the Ox ride
As you can tell in some of the pics it was a little humid! Troy was such a good baby the whole trip, I was amazed. I had fun cuddling with him most of the trip!

Kirsten and I

Sunday morning we went to Carthage Jail. It was probably one of the more spiritual experiences of the trip. The missionaries giving the tour said a lot of things that made me think. I am so grateful for Joseph Smith for having the testimony and courage to stay true to what he believes in so we can have the truth today. He went through so much that it would have been easy to give up but he didn't. He gave his life! I also admire Emma for all she went through. Because of Joseph Smith we know that God the Father and Jesus Christ are 2 separate beings, God knows each and every one of us, when we truly ask and put forth the effort of reading our scriptures, praying, and having faith we can receive answers to our questions, and so many other things that make our life so much better.
It was a great trip. I am so glad to spend time with them and hope we can do something like this every year!

It was my birthday while we were in Nauvoo. I accidentally deleted a bunch of pictures from this day somehow this afternoon...I am sad!
Dave met us at the house Sunday afternoon. He had made chicken kabobs (my favorite) and grilled them. We had a way good lunch. He had a cake for me and we all relaxed and have a fun evening. The next morning we went to the Shed Aquarium before he had to go to work. We took some fun pictures but oh well. It was fun to do something with him since we don't get to do many things in the summers.
The week before Dave surprised me and took me shopping for some new clothes, we ate at five guys, and got a Jamba! It was a good day as well. Here is a picture from that day. It was a good 26th birthday!