Summer Trip 2008

We try to go on a family trip every summer. This last June we went to Nauvoo and Chicago. It was a very fun vacation. We flew to Chicago and then rented a car and drove down to Nauvoo for three days. While in Nauvoo we visited all the church historical sites. To tell you the truth I wasn't too excited before on going to Nauvoo but once I was there it was really a great experience. The kids had a blast! At Nauvoo they have at one of the sites a barn that has different stations manned by missionaries that teach you some of the skills that the pioneers had to know and learn in order to survive on the farm. They showed how to make rope, candles, thread or yarn. They demonstrated how they cooked their bread and meals. It was a very informative demonstration. We had a very good time. We also went on a wagon ride around the town and the missionaries pointed out various sites along the way. While we were in Nauvoo I took Syndey and Kate and we went to the Nauvoo Temple to do baptisms for the dead. It was a great experience and the temple is on a beautiful site overlooking the Mississippi river. Also we had a little mishap while in Nauvoo. I didn't look properly while backing up the rental car and I backed into a missionary's car. lucky her car wasn't damage too bad but the rental car had a nice big dent in the back fender. Luckily for me I bought a Garmin GPS for the trip and found a body shop in Keokuk, Iowa. They fixed the dent for only $50 bucks. So dropped the family off in Nauvoo and while I was waiting for the car to be fixed I walked across a bridge that spanned the Mississippi river. It was a fun day.

Chicago 2008

The Mighty Mississippi! (The kids were tired after a long drive, can you tell?)

We also drove over to Missouri so the kids would get another state crossed off their list. While we were on our drive we passed this park and the kids were begging to stop and play on playground.

Me and Matt having a Chicago DOG!

The Nauvoo Temple

After Nauvoo we back to Chicago. Let me tell you, if you travel a lot a Garmin GPS is a life saver for driving in areas you are not familiar with. We got to our hotel after 4-5 hrs on the road and the kids were happy to go swimming at the hotel. Once in Chicago, we used their L-train to travel around the city. I bought passes for everyone so it was a very convenient way of getting around the city. We went to the Field Museum and the Shedd Aquarium, the Alder Planetarium, the museum of science and Industry and also the Sears's tower. It was quite a busy four days in Chicago. But the best part is that we also went to a Cubs game and watched them beat the Atlanta Braves 11-5. The following are some photos from our trip.

Carthidge Jail