On the road...through bear lake and then Wyoming....
This was a great family trip. We loved getting to see different places
and our first adventure was the Zoo in Omaha. Can I just say that that
zoo is amazing and it will be even more next year. The live exhibits in
the habitat is so cool and you feel like you are there...well almost.
We got to see some monkeys up close...aren't they so cute...
Indoor waterfall...so cool.
We were in the aquarium...with the big fish..the sharks.
Next stop was Winter quarters.
We even found some pioneers pulling a handcart.
Then on to Independence, Missouri.
Across the street from the visitors center is the site that the Prophet Joseph dedicated for the temple. It was dedicated the 3rd August, the same day we were there, many years ago. It was a special spirit to feel that we walked where the Prophet walked. The saints went through so much there. The spirit is very present to testify of their sacrifice.
There were pioneers there too...just not dressed as well as the last ones but they had a horse and wagon.
We went swimming of course it was a hit. This hotel had a slide and it was pretty fun. I even tried it out.
Next stop....Liberty Jail. This was interesting because they rebuilt the jail and then have it inside the visitors center. It was an exact replica and I read that in a way it was a temple because the prophet was there and received some powerful revelations there. My testimony was strong before but it was strengthened greatly by seeing these places.
We walls were four feet wide which is amazing to see up close. The space is not big at all for men of six feet tall.
Far West....
We stopped and had lunch in Far West. It is in the middle of no where and it is hard to imagine anyone having a problem with the saints being there but apparently it had around 5000 people there which is hard to believe. There are the corner stones for the temple still there and this monument.
Nauvoo...the beautiful.
The Mississippi River was beautiful and so big. It had lily pads and big white flowers all over it. Not what I had expected at all.
Ready to move our bags in again...carts come in very handy when they are available.
The kids had the chance to play with toys that the saints would have played with at the time they were there. Very different from what they were use to but still entertaining.
We went to quite a few of the original buildings and they were so cool to see and feel the spirit that was there. The temple was in view most of the time. It was so beautiful. The pictures don't do it justice.
Lucy Mac Smith home had the steepest stairs..they were like climbing a latter almost. What an amazing mother, woman.
This is the town that is there now...not much there..
The temple was gorgeous. I had to take a picture every time I saw it and inside was breathtaking too.
The sunset was just beautiful.
There were a few show that we got to see and this one was my favorite. A nice sister missionary let Miley try on her bonnet after the show. Love....
This was such a wonderful place to take our family. Even though our kids are young they felt the spirit of this place and loved it there. We want to go back again.
Carthage...
Every time I think of this I sing the song from nashville tribute. This sacred place was so peaceful and the spirit so powerful. My little Jeffery had tears in is eyes like his parents. It truly is a holy place that the Prophet died with his brother at his side.
This is the window that he pushed though to save the lives of the other men that were with them. I loved every moment of this place. My testimony has been strengthened and I know that Joseph Smith was and is a Prophet of God. He restored Christ's church to the earth and sealed his testimony with his own blood. I know because I have felt the spirit testify it to me and I cannot and will not deny that. What a great trip to share with my little family.
