Nauvoo- Day 2

For day 2 we decided to head into Nauvoo. We had to get all bundled up because it was cold!!




We hadn't seen Nauvoo yet because the house we were staying at is just before you get to Nauvoo. We knew we had arrived when we look up and saw......

The Nauvoo Temple!

All of the kids were so excited to see the temple. In fact I think we were all so excited to see the temple. It was beautiful. It was one of the greatest things I have ever seen. It looked so nice against the snow!! I had such a strong feeling when we first arrived. I knew we were going to learn so much and feel the spirit!! Avery kept saying, "there is Nauvoo!!" as she pointed to the temple.

The first place we went to was the Community of Christ visitor center. That is where you go to see Joseph Smith's homes. The Community of Christ church owns this part. There was a nice old man who took us on a tour. He thought we were crazy for wanting to go out in the snow but we were bundled up and ready!!


The first home we saw was the Nauvoo House. It was used as a hotel. This is the place where Emma Smith passed away. I took a picture of the corner window where he said her room was.


We then headed around to see the headstones of Lucy Mac Smith and Joseph Smith Sr.


And then we saw the final resting spot of Joseph Smith, Emma Smith, and Hyrum Smith. What a humbling experience. It was so peaceful and reverent. I think we all took a moment to think about these wonderful people and the sacrifices they gave.


We were then able to go inside the first home of the Prophet Joseph. This was their first log home in Nauvoo. They added the front part later on. It was so neat inside. This church does not let you take pictures inside but it was so weird to be standing on the same floor that the Prophet stood on. We touched the walls and felt so much excitement to be inside his home!!



As we walked out we noticed a well and the tour guide said that this was the same well that they used!!


We then walked over to the Mansion House. This was Joseph and Emma's home!! This was the place they were living when they took Joseph to Carthage. It was amazing to go inside and see how lovely it was. Most of it was used as a hotel for people to stay. I think the Mansion House is my favorite.


We ended the tour by going to Joseph Red Brick Store!! It was so cute inside. We bought some souvenirs and bonnets and candy!! It was a fun little store.


I loved walking the streets of Old Nauvoo. What a great experience. We took the time to stroll along and really think about what it must have been like!! It was surreal watching my children in their bonnets walking up the street. Joe and I just took a minute to watch them. What a great feeling!!

This ended the tour given by the Community of Christ so we hopped in the car and headed a little bit further until we came upon another house. It was the Seventies Hall. This was where the Church of Jesus Christ began with their tourist spots. The Seventies Hall was beautiful.


After this stop we decided to head into town to get some lunch!! We were hungry. Some missionaries had told us to try a place called Dotties. Well we did............

and I don't think we will ever go back. It was kind of crazy. It was a bar type place and there were a bunch of men eating and talking about the ice storm coming in. I think they were trying to scare us. It was a funny experience and one that we will all laugh about!!

Next we ended the afternoon at the Family Living Center.

I know that many people think it is crazy to go to Nauvoo in the winter but one reason why it was so nice is because we had the entire place to ourselves. The missionaries all took such good care of us and the kids got to do everything!! There was no waiting!! I loved it.

In the Family Living Center we learned about Barrel Making....


About pottery.................


Rope Making.........


And the kids all made their own rope!!





We also learned about candle making and bread making. The kids loved it!! It was a great afternoon.


We then went back to the house for dinner! Jason made dinner and the kids had a warm bath. We just hung out the rest of the evening!! It was a great day with my family!!


It was a great day!! I loved seeing all the places that were important to Joseph Smith and his family. I felt such appreciation and love for him as well as the town of Nauvoo!!