Nauvoo

Melanie, Brendan and I took a four day trip to Nauvoo recently during my break in October. What a great experience that was! Melanie had never been there before and although I had been there, my memories were fading beings that it has been nearly 10 years since I had been there. I must admit, however, that I now understand why my parents waited until their children were in high school to make the trip from Idaho. Brendan was an angel, but he doesn't quite understand the importance of the Carthage Jail or the like. Regardless, it was a great family outing. Brendan showed his first fear of animals, or anything for that matter. When we went to the visitor's center there were some Klidesdale (spelling?) horses waiting to take people on short tours. I took Brendan over to pet them and he was having a great time--he still absolutely LOVES horses. I put him there on the little platform to pet the horses and then took a few steps back to try and get a good picture of him. Just then the horses jolted there heads up and over so they were right over his head. He didn't like that very well. It spooked him, which then spooked me and nearly left me needing to change my pants. Everywhere we went he asked to see the horses and when possible I took him to try and feed some horses some of that grass that's greener on the other side. I feel bad now that we are back in South Bend because I don't know of any horses that we can take him to see whenever he wants. I wish we could find some for his sake.

My favorite place had to have been our visit to Carthage. What a neat place that was! Listening to the story of how those men (Joseph, Hyrum, John Taylor, and Williard Richards?) were treated (both the good and the bad) was truly touching. Such a great feeling of peace and comfort. It was one of those times when you just want to stay there and absorb it all, but the sweet little sister missionary is kindly pulling you out of the room so the next group can enter. I wish you could remember those feelings that vividly every time you thought about it, but unfortunately those memberies fade over time. :-(