Andrew and Family








The Visitors Center was a popular place because of the shows and displays and because it was air-conditioned.  The  Christus provides a nice backdrop for any family picture. There is a metaphor here with Christ's out-stretched arms embracing us with His watchful care and radiating light to guide us in our every step.


The mandatory picture in the oxen wagon.  If everyone gets in the wagon there is not much room for the food and supplies needed for the long trip.


Getting ready for a carriage ride.  This ride goes North of Nauvoo through the thick woods that the original pioneers faced when they first came to Commerce (Nauvoo).  There is a narrator on each ride that relates stories about individuals who lived in Old Nauvoo.  One of the stories was about Addison Pratt who left Nauvoo and his wife Louisa and his family for a 5 year mission to the South Pacific. He was promised by Joseph Smith that if he was faithful he would be reunited with his family.  He arrived back in Salt Lake from his mission just four days before his wife arrived.


Andrew and Tanner on the carriage ride.  Not as exciting a a modern video game.


Making friends with the horses before the wagon ride.  This ride travels through Nauvoo and talks about out the various points of interest as the wagon goes by them.


Miles waiting for his turn on the wagon ride.


Andrew's family waiting for the West theater to open so we can see "The Promise."  This is the show that features all of the young preforming missionaries that is based upon events that occurred in Old Nauvoo.  The show is fast moving and very entertaining.

Before the show begins the missionaries stand at the railing of the balcony above our heads and sing, "When two or more are gathered in my name....."




The sunset from the hill in front of the temple.  Our Father in Heaven often provides a spectacular show from this location.  Each evening is different from the ones before.



Jessica, Brooklyn and Raeley (behind) stand up on the bench to get a better view of the setting sun.




Miles and Benjamin at the Pioneer Past Times playing with the kinds of toys the pioneer played with when they lived here 175 years ago.  They are still fun to play with today.



Brooklyn, Raeley and Miles taking a breather with Grandma and Grandpa.  It is hard work trying to see so many things.

The above photos show some of the things that Andrew and his family did while in Nauvoo.  They also visited some sites such as the brick yard, the blacksmith shop and other locations.  Brooklyn also received her patriarchal blessing while in Nauvoo.

There were a number of joint activities with both Amie and Andrew and their families.  On Monday, everyone joined together for a wagon ride, lunch and then attended the show "The Promise" put on by the Young Performing Missionaries.  They are very good and everyone enjoyed their performance.  That evening we all went to see "Sunset by the Mississippi"  This show has the YPM's, the Nauvoo Brass Band , and the senior missionaries.  It is a fast moving program that has something for everyone.  After the show we all went to Anne's Frozen Custard shop for some good ice cream.  She has her own recipe for her ice cream mix and it is very  good.  All bowls were clean before we left.

On Tuesday afternoon everyone except Miles, Benjamin and Marge, went to the temple to do baptisms.  Everyone very much enjoyed their visit to this historic place.  After finishing at the temple, we walked to the Nauvoo Hotel for their very good buffet.  The food was good and everyone ate their fill.  After dinner we wandered back to the front of the temple to soak in a bit of the temple spirit and to watch the sunset.  It was a peaceful evening allowing everyone to relax and enjoy Nauvoo.

On Wednesday, we all attended the flag raising at the visitors center celebrating the Forth of July.  We then spent some time in the Women's garden.  Both Amie and Andrew went to the Land Office to look for ancestors that lived in Nauvoo.  We all went on the carriage ride at 11:30.  That evening we attended "Sunset on the Mississippi" for the second time.  After this show we traveled to Parley street to see the presentation by the YPM's call the "Trail of Hope".  It is a walking show where small groups go from station to station to see a YPM give a story from the journals of the people who lived here at that time.  They begin just at sun set and by the time it is finished it is dark and we were at the river's edge.  It was amazing to stand there and put oneself in the shoes of those who made that trip the first time. It is very moving and helps one better understand the dedication and commitment of the saints that went West.

On Thursday, both Andrew and Amie started for home.  We enjoyed vising with each one of them and were grateful that they took the time to drive out and see us.


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