Pat and Family


Pat and her family came for their visit May 26-31.  That includes Marion, Pat, Diana, Jared and his wife Mikael. Trent couldn't make it but Saba came with Rehan. They flew into St. Lewis and drove the rest of the way.  They had accommodations at the Woodruff Hotel.  It was late when they got here so we went up and helped them settle in a little and then they came over to visit our apartment so they could see where we live.

A Sunday Stroll in the Women's Garden


Memorial Day Picnic

On Monday it was Memorial Day so we went to the Nauvoo City picnic. As missionaries we are encouraged to support the local activities. 

Grandma Pat with Rayhan


Next we went to the Visitor's Center where we got tickets for the shows, "Just Plain Anna Amanda" and "The Promise".  Pat's family really enjoyed "The Promise" and saw it twice while they were here. We also saw another film about Oliver Cowdery and the translation of the Book of Mormon. We toured the Family Living center and learned how the pioneers made rope, barrels, pottery, candles, rugs, and bread in a bustle oven.  

Other activities and tours included the Print Shop, the Brick Yard, the Browning Gun Shop, the Blacksmith shop and the wheelwright.  We also took a ride on an ox cart and a carriage ride where we were told stories of some of the early residents of Nauvoo and their contributions in building the city.

Pat, Saba, Marion, Diana, Jared and Mikael in Print Shop

Learning about the printing press and type setting from the sister missionaries


Site of quarry for the stones to build the temple


Saba, Rayhan, Diana, and Pat near quarry


Model of a temple Sunstone


Elder Nelson with great-grandson Rayhan


Learning how to make wagon wheels

At the blacksmith shop


Marion, Mikael and Jared at the blacksmith shop

One of the things that surprised us was to realize how small the wagons were that carried the belongings of the pioneers across the plains.  The wagon bed measured 3 feet by 11 feet.  They were all made the same so the parts would be interchangeable. By the time they were loaded with the necessities there was no room for the people to ride. Most of them walked all the way.  The good thing about the oxen was that they moved at a rate that was just right for the people walking. This cart we rode it was an exact replica of the ones the pioneers used.  In the push to leave Nauvoo, Brigham Young had all wagons made the same size to speed up production.



Enjoying an Oxcart ride

Saba, Rayhan, Dianna and Pat

On Tuesday morning, after we attended our final Family Search class, we attended a session in the Nauvoo temple.  Dianna stayed at the hotel to tend Rayhan.  Everyone enjoyed the spirit that resides in the temple.  It is a wonder how the early saints sacrificed to build such a large and beautiful building as the Nauvoo temple.  

Pat, Jared and Mikael leaving the temple

Pat and Marion


Elder and Sister Nelson with their daughter Pat

Each evening Monday thru Saturday, the Nauvoo Band, the Young Performing Missionaries and The Senior Site Missionaries all join together to put on an hour long show called "Sunset on the Mississippi".  It is a fast moving variety show that has something for everyone to enjoy.

The show Sunset on the Mississippi.  President and Sister Irion to the front of us on the right


On Thursday, the day Pat and her family left for Saint Louis, we all met for breakfast at the restaurant, "The Blue Apron".  There are not many eating establishments in Nauvoo but the ones they have are good as was the company this morning.  The bad thing about visits is that they come to an end.  We enjoy spending time with any of our family that come to see us.


Final breakfast at the Blue Apron






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