Nauvoo get-a-way

This weekend Doug and I decided to take a trip down to Nauvoo, Illinois since I had Friday off of work. We woke up at 5 am and hit the road, and Doug was doing everything possible to shave off as much time on the ride. I had to practically beg him to let us stop for a potty break, so he agreed to stop at some McDonalds in who knows where. It was the nicest McDonalds I think I have ever been in. I had to take a picture of the sink. It also was 100% employed by people over 80. That was kinda weird to see all the old people making burgers in the back. Anyway, we drove through Iowa, and had to stop on some bridge for a barge traveling on the Mississippi to pass through. I have never seen a bridge move into place, it was crazy. Once we crossed over the bridge we drove into Illinois!

 The barge chuggin its way down the Mississippi

 Once we got into Nauvoo, we drove up to the temple. It was so beautiful! It is built after the original temple built in 1846, which was later burnt down by those who drove the Saints out of Illinois. This temple was finished in 2002, and it is simply breath taking. There are so many details to the temple, and Doug and I learned a ton about the history and how the temple was built. Nauvoo is very small, and the main street consists of a few small hotels, a few tourist shops, and the temple. So we went into the local shops, talked to the owners and learned some cool things about the town. I absolutely loved the small town feel, even if it took us 20 minutes to walk up and down the main street and saw basically everything the little town of Nauvoo had to offer. We were able to take some pictures, but sadly the temple was closed for cleaning, so we will just have to return in the Summer to do a temple session. 

 Sunset over the Mighty Mississippi 

 skipping rocks 

 The LDS Saints were forced to leave their homes in February, dead of winter, and traveled in hand carts  and wagons just like this one!

 Doug served his LDS mission in the Peoria, Illinois mission, and he has a photo of himself as a missionary sitting just like this in his suit. I wish I had his original photo, but I don't, so just imagine Doug as a spry young man with a tie and name tag. 

 My attempt to be cool and copy Doug

 As the sun went down Friday night Doug and I found the headstones of Joseph, Hyrum and Emma. We didn't really know what to do in front of headstones, so we just smiled for the camera, ha. 

The next day was by far the best day ever. We got up early and found the stone bridge arch which is where Joseph kisses Emma for the first time in the Joseph Smith movie (for those of you who know what I am talking about) It was not really what I expected since the pictures and movies show something much more beautiful and lush than what we saw, but it was still fun to go and see. After we saw the arch, we then went through Old Nauvoo and went to the homes and shops that are still there from back in 1840's. We saw Joseph Smiths home which had a gorgeous view of the Mississippi. We went to the blacksmith shop and saw a nice man make us a horse shoe, and we also learned about how bricks were made. I loved being transported back into the 1800's and learning about an industrious and hard working people who loved God. My testimony grew tremendously and I have great respect for those who suffered and sacrificed so much so that I can have the Gospel in my life today. 

 After Nauvoo we went to a city called Carthage. This is where the prophet Joseph Smith was killed. It was amazing to see where he was, be in the actual room, see the very window he fell out of, and touch the actual hole that shot through the door and killed Hyrum. It was a very spiritual experience for me, and I really enjoyed learning new things about a story I have heard over and over again.

 The window that Joseph fell from after he was shot 

 Finally, after Carthage, we headed to Quincy, Doug's first area in his mission. He was so excited to go! He took me to see his old apartment, the park where he used to jog, his favorite look out spot where him and his companion would get a pizza and just eat it while looking out over the Mississippi River. I was happy to see him so happy and remember good times on his mission. We stopped by the local TCBY and got a treat, and then we headed to see Doug's favorite family, The Stillwells! It was fun to surprise them and come say hi to their family. The best part was when one of the children heard Doug being called by his first name and the little boy said, "Wait, your name is DOUG?!" haha, they only knew him as Elder Robinson, so it was pretty funny to see his little wheels turning as he made the connection that Doug = Elder Robinson. We had to head out to catch a show in Nauvoo that night but we had to turn around and get a picture of the Stillwells. Doug had a great time and we felt so welcomed in their home. Thank you Stillwells!

It was a wonderful trip and we loved spending time together. Our six month mark of our marriage was happily celebrated with the good people of Illinois and we can't wait to go back!