Mom and Dad Visit

My parents came into town last week and it was so fun to have them here.  We went shopping, went on walks, had the missionaries over for dinner and went to Nauvoo over the weekend. 

We got to Nauvoo late Friday night.  We went swimming in the hotel pool and then to bed.  The next morning my parents got up early and went to the Temple.  When they got back we went on a wagon tour of Nauvoo.  Greydon ended up falling asleep about halfway through the tour. 

 We spent some time in the Nauvoo visitor center and then went and got lunch.  Since it was raining we headed over to the Family living center (it's indoors).  We learned how to make barrels, pottery, rope, bread, candles, and spinning wool. 

 The kids also found a box of pioneer toys and were entertained for quite some time, it's amazing the things kids can do with a simple box of different shaped wood blocks. 

 After the Family Living Center we toured several houses, the school, bakery, and other buildings.  We then went back to the hotel and did some more swimming and relaxing.  That night we went out for pizza and then to see the play "Rendezvous in old Nauvoo".  It was quite entertaining and the kids enjoyed it. 

 The next morning we walked the Trail of Hope and read the journal entries they had posted along the trail.  We visited the Mississippi river where the pioneers crossed on their way out of Nauvoo.  It was really hard to imagine having to leave that beautiful city in the freezing cold winter.  How grateful I am for their sacrifices and faith. 

 Asher learned to point on this trip, and I love it, I think he has the cutest little pointer finger.

 We then headed about 30 miles south to visit Carthage Jail.  They showed us a movie about Joseph Smith and then took us on a tour of the jail.  This was my favorite site to see. It was really interesting to learn more about Joseph Smith.

 On the way home we had to make a quick bathroom break :)

 Today we went to the Mall to play in the play area and do some window shopping and then we headed over to Gray's Lake.  They have a 2.5 mile trail around the lake, plus a bridge and paddle boats to rent.  After the lake we stopped at Zombie Burger for some dinner.  It's one of our favorite new restaurants that we have found in Des Moines.  Thanks mom and Dad for coming to visit and especially thanks to my Dad for mowing the lawn for us (not an easy or quick task).