"Beautiful Place"

It is peaceful and beautiful here.  Being outside in the lush greenery and stillness of the air, no matter how many people are around, makes it very difficult not to just sit in a quiet place and ponder.  I can understand how Joseph was able to ponder and commune with the Lord here.   

Community of Christ Day

With Jamie at the C.o.C. visitors center.

 

 The first home of Joseph and Emma when they arrived in Nauvoo.  The white portion of the home was added later.

 The burial spot of Joseph, Hyrum and Emma.  The LDS church and C.o.C went in on the nice head stones.

 The remaining portion of the mansion house.  So sad we couldn't take pictures inside.  We lucked out and got the only LDS tour guide working for C.o.C (formerly the RLDS).  We also had just me, Bruce and Jamie, so he let into Joseph and Emma's room so we couldjlook in his closet and see the staircase built into a false wall that lead to a space in the attic where up to 5 people could hide.  It was very cool!

 J.Smith Sr. and Lucy M. Smith burial site in the Smith family cemetery

 Upstairs in the rebuilt Brick store of Josephs were the R.S. was organized and the Book of Abraham was translated.

Down Town

Down town is so charming and welcoming, I could go there every day.

The bagpipers walking down the street, starting the day.

 This little bike was tucked into these bushes growing along a white picket fence outside a cute little building in down town. It was a picture perfect moment.

 This is the actual library,

 and Laundromat.

St. Louis Missouri

When we landed at the airport in St. Louis, I of course headed straight to the bathroom.  The first thing I noticed before you walk in is this:

From there we went to go see the St. Louis Arch.

 My favorite part was when we started up to the top, I took a picture of Jaime and I in the pod that takes you up.  Jaime is afraid of hights and was very nervous.  Just as I snapped the picture the pod moved and jolted, she was terrified, but didn't want to look scared.  It didn't work.

Take two!

Nauvoo Illinois July 27th - July 31st 2011

Papa Ross was going to Nauvoo with his family and Cindy couldn't go with him. He did not want to go alone so he decided to Jamie and I with him.  We stayed in Ft. Madison Iowa across the river from Ill and about 25 minutes away.  We were able to see really everything and feel the spirit of Nauvoo.  The shows, people, shops, homes, Trail of Hope and temple were and are life changing.