Nauvoo, IL

We decided since Jason had some time off we would go down to Nauvoo, IL for a short little family trip.  Last time we were there was 4 years ago, Olivia was only 4 months old, Madi 1 and Savannah 3, so they understood it a little bit better this time.

We left Wednesday morning and went straight to Carthage Jail.  After that tour we went to see the Temple and the Visitor Center, drove around a little bit, then went back to Keokuk, IA for dinner and swimming at the hotel (always a highlight no matter where we are). 

Thursday we checked out of the hotel and spend the whole day touring Nauvoo.  The map they give you has 44 things on it...we did 19...pretty good I thought.

We had a great time and I think the kids really enjoyed it too.

 Carthage Jail

Nauvoo Temple

Valley below the temple...it's such a beautiful place.

BEAUTIFUL flowers around the temple.

On the steps of the temple...it always seems to be really bright when ever we try and take a picture in this spot.

Around the back of the temple.  Madi thought this would be a better place for a picture.

One of the Original Sun Stones

Joseph and Emma's house

Joseph and Emma's Mansion

being crazy waiting for the carriage ride. :)

Inspiration Point...where Joseph would come to get away, think and ponder

Covered Wagon Ride with real oxen

Making our family rope

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Trail of Hope looking back at the temple.  Even though they knew they would be leaving the temple they had a very stong desire to finish it and so they could recieve those ordinances and blessing.  Jason made the comment,"it just shows how it's not the temples that are important, it's the ordinances that happen in the temple that are important."  I had never thought of it that way but it's so true. 

Down at the "M I S S I S S I P P I"  River.
Jason drilled it in Savannah's head how to spell it.

What a blessing it is to have the knowlege of the gospel, to have temples and the blessing that come from them.  We are grateful for all those who sacrificed so much for the gospel so we can have it today.

latest project

Every time Jason mows the lawn he comes in with all of these idea of what we could do to our yard.  For awhile now he has been wanting to put bushes/a flower garden around our back deck, he had a week of vacation time that he had to use before June so he took this past week off and look what he accomplished in 7 hours!

last day of 1st grade

Time is flying by, I swear once kids get out of preschool time goes by way to fast.

 Savannah's last day of school was May 22, 2012. She had a great year in 1st grade.  Her goal was to not pull a card again this year like last year and she did it.  She's like her mom in that way ;).  She learned a lot but is also learning that learning is harder than she thought and she might have to actually study and practice.  Her favorite subject is Art and she enjoys reading, especially Junie B. Jones books.

Mrs. Burk was a great teacher!  She enjoys teaching and really loves the kids.  She is even doing a Summer Reading Club for the kids in her class for free once a week in the summer.  Now that's dedication.

Savannah and her "BFF", Ava, on the last day of school.

Iowa Cubs

Monday Night we went to the Iowa Cubs game (thanks to a good Groupon deal).  We had a great time.  Austin was in heaven and enjoyed watching the "baeball game"

Daddy and "Haustin" (that's how Austin says his name, so cute with his cute little voice)

Savannah, Olivia, and Madi...we sat on the front row because no one was there but we were in the foul ball zone so we had to always be watching.

This is the ball we got after it flew in the crowd and after banging around a few times it went right by our heads and back on the field.  Then one of the players threw it back and Jason caught it.  That was the highlight of the night. 

The next morning when I went in to get Austin out of bed the first thing he asked was "baeball game today?"

Happy 36th Birthday Dad!

We love you!

Last Day of Preschool

 Madi on the last day of preschool...May 18, 2012

They went to the park to play that day.  Families were invited so we went and played with them.

Personally I'm glad schools out for the summer!

preschool graduation

May 17, 2012 Madilynn graduated from Preschool.  They had a presession, then did a little program

 

Madi was one of the best singers there.  One mom told me the next day that she watched Madi more than her own daughter because she was so cute.  She also thinks Madi is going to be captain of the cheerleaders one day becasuse she was so loud and energetic. :)

Then they called each of the kids down for their diploma.

This is her receiving her diploma/piece of paper.  She ran so fast to get it her hat fell off.

After with her diaploma getting one last applause.

Her teacher made all the kids a portofilio with some of their best work in it and pictures of them throughout the school year.  It was really cute and she loves to look through it.

Miss Jenny, her teacher.  She is a great teacher.  She truly loves to teach and loves the kids like her own.

Miss Julie, the teachers assistant.  She was wonderful too.

Austin, Madi and Olivia (we were the only ones that could make it that morning but we had a great time.)

Madi outside her school for one last picture.  She had a great year in preschool and not only did she learn a lot but was a good student/friend she never had to "move her clip down to yellow or red"... which she was very proud of.

Madi you are growning up too fast, we can't believe you are going to kindergarten next year.

We Love You!