Christopher, Jeremiah and I just moved from Provo to Washington DC. Along our way we made some fun stops and saw some incredible things.
We made a stop at a rest area and Jeremiah played in the snow for the first time in his life. He was so excited at first but once he started playing with it for a while he began examining his hands, whined a little bit and flapped his hands in the air. He didn't realize that snow was so cold.
Nauvoo was incredible! We were able to see the temple and visit some of the Church members' homes. One of the highlights included running into my High School Painting teacher who is currently serving in Nauvoo with his wife as a senior missionary couple. The old cultural hall (#5 on the map) was currently being renovated but because I knew Mr. Laney (my old teacher) he took us on a private tour of the building. Chris and I were able to slow dance on the same old floor that Joseph and Emma danced on...such a sweet moment.
The spirit is so strong in Nauvoo. Tears came to my eyes as I walked around and looked at how much the early saints had done and dedicated to the Lord.
Just a few miles away from Nauvoo is Carthage Jail. We were able to have another private tour and spend some time walking around in the jail where Joseph Smith Jr. was kept under false charges of treason. We stood in the same room that Joseph, Hyrum, Willard Richards and John Taylor were kept in and saw the bullet holes left in the walls from the angry mob. I knew I would cry at Carthage but, I also assumed that there would be a terrible feeling that accompanied my tears. However, to my surprise, I was met with a soft, sweet spirit that left me feeling only grateful for sweet Joseph and hopeful for the future.
Along our trip I made an effort to stop at some of the restaurants featured in "diners, drive-ins and dives" on food network. My absolute favorite place was a little "dive" in Cincinnati called Terry's Turf. There best menu item is a burger with a burgundy wine with wild mushroom hamburger topping. AMAZZING!!! I'm not necessarily a burger person but, I could eat a burger from Terry's any day!
We made it safely to DC 2 days ago and are so happy not to wake up and drive 8 hours!
Some updates on Jeremiah (14 Mo. old)
He now does sign language for: "please", "thank you", "more", "diaper", "bye", "drink", "milk", "water", "eat", and "help".
He verbally says, "mamma", "dadda", "please", "nana" (banana), "gawa" (grandma/grandpa), "go", "hi", "bye", "hot", "wow", "ish", and "jus" (Jesus).
He runs around like the Tasmanian-devil and his favorite toys are: cell phones, remote controls, pots, pans and silverware.
We love you all and are so grateful for all of your love and prayers!!!!
