We Got Away -

We made a quick little trip to Nauvoo this weekend. The family vote for favorite place visited was the Nauvoo Temple. Such a magnificent structure - the spirit seems to be magnified - jumping out and grabbing hold of anyone willing to feel.

Across from the temple are statues of Joseph and Hyrum sitting atop their horses.

It was here, on their way to Carthage Jail, where Joseph paused and said,

"This is the loveliest place and the best people under the heavens..."

This isn't the greatest picture but I'll try to depict what was going on. This statue is located in the visitor's center and has a short audio clip that can be played along with it. The Beloved and I were busy walking around looking at the other displays when I took a moment to glance around and search for Little C. When my eyes found him he was sitting there reverently on the bench staring at the Savior intently and listening to the audio message. It was a touching moment for a mother to observe.

The boys were sitting on the bench directly behind the oxen so they could get the best look possible. One of these large animals decided it was time to use the lavatory - which immediately sent Little C and Gadashio into a laughing spasm. Gadashio started laughing and pointing, giggling out, "silly doggy" -

... a little haggard by the end of the day and ready to feast....

Notice the still passed out child to The Beloved's right.

The Cabin Event -

We stayed at a campground owned by the Community of Christ Church.

$8 a night - bathrooms - showers - we had no complaints.

There was this little odd wooden playground set located in the cabin that the boys couldn't get enough of.

And, to my hearts content, a basketball hoop right out our door.

This campground facility is commonly used by youth groups so there are quite a few little messages littering the bunks. This one made us laugh especially hard when we discovered that the Community of Christ Church was formally known as the RLDS Church.

Way to go Mormon Boys! You'll help convert them all back yet :)

We visited the assumed burial place for Joseph Smith and his family which is still currently owned by the Community of Christ Church. The Beloved and I started discussing Joseph

Smith the III, the first president-prophet of the Community of Christ Church, and were wondering what it would be like when he was reunited with his father Joseph Smith Jr, the first prophet of the restored gospel, The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints. We thought he may at first give the "parents eye" and then of course immediately a huge loving embrace.

Like - "Joseph Smith III what exactly were you up to?" :)

These are some of our examples of what the "parent look" may be like:

Ummm -probably not - we were just trying to pass the time :)

Carthage Jail

The Beloved tastefully picked out a shirt that read, "I'm your Daddy" to wear to this historic church site. After this inappropriate choice was discovered by the Domestic Goddess in Training - he refused to let me take a picture.

This room is "the dungeon" where Joseph Smith and the others were held their first night at Carthage. This cell is where Willard Richards brought John Taylor after being seriously wounded, and hid him underneath the mattress to hide him from the mob. This action ultimately saved John Taylor's life, since the weight of the mattress mixed with the straw caused enough pressure to stop the bleeding.

Bullet hole marking in the door is believed to be the same bullet that caused the death of Hyrum Smith after hitting him in the face.

This is the room where Joseph and Hyrum Smith were martyred. After being shot, Joseph fell out the window -

landing near that well.

Nauvoo and Carthage were such solemn places. It made us reflect and ponder on all of the huge sacrifices that were made in order for the gospel to come forth and be heard.

"has the days of miracles ceased?
Or have angels ceased to appear unto the children of men? Or has he withheld the power of the Holy Ghost from them? Or will he, so long as time shall last, or the earth shall stand, or there shall be one man upon the face thereof to be saved?
Behold I say unto you, Nay; for it is by faith that miracles are wrought; and it is by faith that angels appear and minister unto men..."