Norm and Marge Nauvoo

Martin's Cove was a powerful experience for us.  It created two opposing emotions.  The first was a feeling of sadness for the horrific suffering that the saints in the handcart companies endured.  Over 20% of the people died from hunger, exhaustion and exposure.  The second was the feeling of admiration for the saints that survived the experience.  Many of the journals and testimonies stated that even though things were difficult beyond measure, they were grateful to be able to come closer to God because of it. They set an example for us to be able to deal better with our challenges and problems that are minor when compared to theirs. The following pictures only scratch the surface to depth of feelings that come from visiting this holy place. Martin Cove welcome sign Example of a old fashioned log cabin Original ranch building Ranch owner's house This property was homesteaded by the Sun family in 1872.  It was a successful work...

Neil, Marge and Mary Jo It was nice to see Neil and Jo again. They are doing well with family and other activities.  

We had a bit of time so we visited the Church History Museum.  Afterwards we went through Temple Square.  The flowers are out and it looks like spring.

We took the opportunity to stop and see our friends from Tacoma, Jay and Naomi Eastley.  Jay and Norm were in the bishopric together in Tacoma and the families have stayed in touch with each other ever since. Jay and Naomi have been working on the Joseph Smith Papers project for about the past ten years.

Michael and Kili Miles, Tarah, Tanner, Elie and Dave Our family in Utah Valley normally gets together on fast Sundays. They had a special get together to help send us on our mission.  Andrew smoked some pork loin which was delicious.  Afterwords people visited with each other until it was time to put the children to bed.  It is a great tradition that helps keep our family close to each other. Meg, Norm, Raeley and Brooklyn Raeley, Brooklyn and Jessica

Raeley, Andrew, Tanner, Miles, Jessica and Brooklyn We went to church in Andrew's ward and afterwards had a nice dinner and a fine get together with those who could come.

We stayed  four nights with our son Tom, his wife Lisa and daughter Meg.  Lisa grows a great garden and has a pruning business.  You can see the nice flowering tree in the background.

We had a nice visit with Michael and Kili.  They are both dong well.

Norah, Karianne, Logan and Tanner Barney It was fun to visit our oldest granddaughter and her family.  They have two cute children now.  Norah enjoys make believe games and has become friendly with us.  Logan is about to take off walking. So good to see them happy and doing well. Logan, Norm, Norah and Marge Logan and Tanner Norah and Karianne

On Friday night several families joined us to go to the Jordan River Temple open house.  It was a nice way to join with a number of family members in a temple.  We were also interested in this temple because it was were Dave and Tarah were married and the Jordan River Temple was designed by the same architect as the one who designed the Seattle temple.  What changes were made here could be made in the Seattle temple as well.  Here are some pictures taken at the end of the tour. Most of the family that came to the open house Grandma & Grandpa with our grandson Michael and his wife Kili  Hunter, Justin, Benjamin, Taylor, and Amie Earl with their grand parents Norm and Marge

We had a nice dinner and visit with Reid, Marge's brother and his wife Linda before heading to the Jordan River Temple open house.  It is good to get together with family.

These proud parents, Susan and David Allsop, are holding the newest addition to our family, Elaine.  She is a warm cuddly baby that can melt ice from 20 feet away.  Is there anything more fun than holding a new baby?

Dave Tarah and Ellie Ellie hard at play with her mom's phone We had a nice visit with this family which enjoys having "Love at Home".

Lunch at Saba's favorite restaurant called "The Blue Lemon" near Temple Square where she served her mission. Rayhan Hammond Saba Hammond

We stopped by the Heiner's lovely home to say good bye before we start our mission.  We are grateful that we still have time for more visiting and sharing those memories we have had over the years.

Shauna hosted a gathering of Norm's siblings and spouses.  The dinner was great as well as the conversation. It was good to get together again.

Taylor, Benjamin and Hunter at Benjamin's first soccer game.  It seems too cold for soccer.

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