Nauvoo the Beautiful.
I love it. I've had the opportunity to make a "pilgrimage" there every 9-ish years, so it seemed fitting to take my 3rd visit before I turn 28.
Last time I was here, it was for the Nauvoo temple open house which was a real testimony building experience for me. The visit before, I remember walking around the foundations of the original temple. It makes me so happy it's been rebuilt and is just as beautiful as I remember. Anthony and I took turns with Ira, so we could do some work inside.
Ira now has a version of the word "horse," but to see one up close kind of freaked him out. Petting one was the last thing he wanted to do.
We took a fun little ox ride and I realized I didn't know anything about the animals. I had no idea they were just trained steers.
O.k. This looks really stupid unless you are an Ellsworth girl. It's tradition for my sisters and I to pose behind this statue, and also to pose randomly with almost every other statue in this garden. But I'll spare you.
Howdy! Yes, we dressed him up. No, we didn't pose him like that.
The game tent rocked!
Anthony really wants me to watch Herby with him someday. I've been resisting, but maybe this was a sign.
Staying up past bedtime to watch the pageant.
Ira was incredibly grumpy for the first chunk of the play, but after a diaper change he calmed right down and we were able to enjoy the rest of the play. It was fabulous. I have to admit, I think I enjoyed the "Songs by the Mississippi" or whatever it's called, even more. The cast was so talented I started crying during the America medley!
Carthage Jail.
Ira looks appropriately serious, but this is just before he left to frolick in the shady grass. Which now that I mention it, is what he really wanted to do during the entire trip. Take about 2 months worth of toddler non-cooperation and squeeze it into the 2 days in Nauvoo, and that gives you a little idea of his pleasantness level.
The graves.
The Mississippi
The Mansion House
Nauvoo Intermission: This is my first fondant cake I made a couple weeks ago. I made it for John's birthday in honor of his mega biking trip. What was it called? The Painjunking Pilgrimage or something? The boys assisted in the assembling and last minute touches.
O.k., these are so out of order. We stopped by the Spam museum on the way down to Nauvoo. It was awesome! The thought of eating spam kind of makes me sick, but Anthony has fond sentiments for it.
Yes, that is a spam shirt he's wearing.
Alright, love you guys! Have a good week!
