Our ward went up to Nauvoo for a camping trip this weekend. It was loads of fun. We still don't know folks very well, so this was a good opportunity to get to know them better. We were stoked when the Bishop pulled out his guitar and others brought out their fiddles. They had an extra mandolin which I was thrilled about; it's been a very long time since I've played with anyone. We had a regular old hootenanny until midnight or so.
This was Benjamin's first campout. Although he fell asleep on the way up and didn't get to enjoy the campfire, when we woke up in the morning he was gleefully surprised. He looked around in the tent with a curious grin. He loved the woods and running around with the older kids.Benjamin woke up at 6:30 and he and Paul went on a walk down by a nearby reservoir and then up to the Temple. Nauvoo was breathtaking in the morning. The sky turned smokey red as the sun came up, and the Temple looked like it was on fire.
Neither of us have been to Nauvoo since we were kids, and it was quite an experience. We all walked down Parley's street which goes straight down to the Mississippi. It's the street the Saints walked down when they left the city for the last time. There was a calm reverence there like a cemetery, but it felt happy and peaceful with the rebuilt Temple gleaming in the hills above. It is a really special place, and everyone should come out to see it, and while you're at it you can visit us!
That is so cool! How close are you to Nauvoo? We will totally take you up on the offer to come visit...someday after we finish school and have a real job and money. :)
ReplyDeleteLiz and I were in Nauvoo this summer. Like you, I hadn't been there since I was a kid. We were able to do a session while we were there. What a great experience.
ReplyDeleteWow--that picture looks like it belongs on the front of a calendar, or something. Gorgeous!
ReplyDeleteWe're about 3 hours away from Nauvoo, and by the way, we actually didn't take that picture of the temple...our batteries had run out by then, so we found this online. I wish I could take credit, though!
ReplyDeleteThat's so much fun you guys are so close to Nauvoo and that you got to go on a ward campout there! I so much want to come see the temple there...like the Farrells, someday when we have money.
ReplyDeleteVery cool! Two good things rolled in to one. Camping and a historical visit. I bet it was amazing!
ReplyDeleteJosh and I were just talking about visiting Nauvoo, he's never been. I forgot y'all are so close, you know Indy is only a hop, skip, and a jump away! We ought to get the crazy lads together one of these days.
ReplyDeleteBenjamin's reaction to the tent sounded cute. :) We wish we had heard the mandolin! Cool, guys. Love, Miriam
ReplyDeleteI am glad that you were able to go on the campout. It sounds like it was a really fun and memorable time. Keep posting, I love it!! MOM
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