Nauvoo (Part 3)

 After meeting up at the temple, we went over to the Visitor's Center, looking at what tours and events were going on while we were there.  Based on our time frame (lunch, naps, tour availability) we were able to catch an oxen ride before lunch and heading back to our hotel.  The kids loved it and it was a super quick tour so that was nice since a covered wagon is not exactly a comfortable mode of travel for a pregnant woman :-).




After a little down-time at the hotel, we headed back into town to pick up tickets for the following days' wagon rides.  We ate dinner and then went over to see a musical that the missionaries put on called, "Sunset on the Mississippi."  Lots of singing and dancing and, surprisingly, Emily really liked it.  Christian wasn't feeling well and Juliana kept having to go potty (had to do a #2, but the porta potties available were a bit intimidating)...soooo....we ended up leaving a little early.  But, it still was a beautiful evening.

On our drive home, we saw the actual sunset on the Mississippi.

 The following day we were all up bright and early for our wagon ride through the countryside.  The ride itself was cool in that the kids liked being pulled by two huge horses.  However, the tour itself was tough for the little ones to sit through--the guide wasn't exactly engaging (sweet man, but soft, rather monotone and quiet voice), and it was kinda' long without much change of scenery (mostly farm lands...peaceful, but boring for little kids).  Next time, I think we'll give the carriage ride through town a try :-).  Even so, they all did relatively well, and loved petting the horses afterwards.

 After our wagon ride, we ventured over to the Blacksmith shop.  This was really interesting and we all learned a lot!  Everyone also got a "prairie diamond" ring too--a nail hammered into a ring shape.  The kids loved getting a souvenir :-).

One of the senior missionaries, showing us what a blacksmith did/does.
He was more engaging and very interesting to listen to :-).

Kari thought the forging of horseshoes was a little loud :-).

 Over lunchtime, we took the kids to the park while Kirk and Sara went to the temple.  (We were kept pretty busy making sure Henry and Juliana didn't fall off the playground equipment so we didn't take pictures.)  But, the kids all had a great time just running and playing together.  It was wonderful!

After lunch, we drove back to the hotel and put Juliana down for her nap.  Then, it was Cubby and I's turn to go to the temple.  Kirk and Sara watched the kids (they all went swimming after Juliana woke up).  We adults all agreed that this swapping so we could go to the temple was our favorite part---the temple was just so quiet and peaceful!!

After we got back and went to dinner, we headed back into Nauvoo to attend the Nauvoo Pageant.  It told the story of the founding of Nauvoo by the early Saints.

 The kids were pretty wiped out after this big day--Juliana actually stayed asleep while we carried her upstairs, changed her into her pajamas, and put her into bed.  Everyone else was asleep within minutes of their heads hitting their pillows.  It was quite possibly the easiest bedtime we've ever had!