Our first trip to Nauvoo!

What a perfect weekend this was for our family! The weather could not have been better, no crowds, beautiful 5 hour drive, cute little condo, fun restaurants, and the best part was that we could be with Joey and Ashley Orme just before they moved to Pennsylvania. It was the best and I can't wait to go back again. I am going to have to let the pictures do the talking because I took too many. (However, I am still kicking myself for not getting Baby Eliza and Ash in any pictures!) We love you guys! Thanks for making it all possible.

Hyrum on the left, Joseph on the right.
The Nauvoo Temple....truly stunning.

Bring out the wagon...

It is a miracle, I actually got some pictures of Josh on this trip.

(I usually have to bribe him with money to get a picture of him! It is pathetic!)

Is he cute, or is he cute??!

This may have been Maddie's favorite part of the trip; playing house, "pioneer style."

You may think this below is Dave, no, it is his almost look alike younger bro.

Dave makes this face when he is trying his absolute hardest. Joey just laughs.

Maddie took this picture, but I just love that "sly" face!

So much to say, but so little time...

I will say that sometimes I truly think I should have or would have liked to have been born in the early days of the church better than modern times. I would have loved to be a pioneer, lived off the land, and been a part of that great trek to Utah. But most of all, I long to have heard Joseph Smith teach and to have known him personally. To me, that would make all the hardships worth it. Nauvoo is a beautiful place. One day I will be able to know personally those great leaders and my ancestors who paved the way.

Happy 4th of July...

From the Orme's!

This past week we spent a day in Gettysburg and since then I have reflected a lot about what this country means to me. I love our great American leader Abraham Lincoln. I really needed to draw upon his strength of character and inspiration this week. I am grateful for this country we live in. This freedom did not come with out a cost. All the soldiers who have fought, and still fight for our rights, safety and freedom have blessed my life and I feel indebted to them.

GOD BLESS AMERICA!

Cute friends!

Maddie has decided that all she wants to do is play with friends. As soon as I pick her up from a friend's house, she is already begging me to play with another friend. It is sad to see that look of disappointment in Maddie's eyes when I come to the door. "Oh no, there is my mom again, coming to spoil all the fun!"

These are two of Maddie's best friends from her preschool, Ella and Lilly Chimbanda. Tyler is just trying to be one of the big kids!

This was the last day of school, out on the playground with Mrs. Robinson.

Summer time is the best! We are loving it!