Commemoration of the Martyrdom--June 27, 2011

President Condie delivered the talk honoring Joseph and Hyrum and their sacrifice

The crowd gathers at the Carthage Jail

Nauvoo Brass Band plays "Praise to the Man"

On the left are Pres. and Sister Ludwig (Nauvoo Mission) and Sister and Pres. Condie (Nauvoo Temple)

More eating.......

Another small group dinner--this time at our house--pork roast and funeral potatoes were a hit!

The late night snack at Alphas in Ft. Madison--these folks don't believe in table cloths!

The other end of the table--with Kyle and Jill Franklin

Eating Our Way Through Illinois & Iowa

Small group dinners occur every month--this one was Cafe Rio Salad

Quincy's Finest--The Pier--remember to ask the price of the special!

Big Muddy in Burlington--they serve froglegs!

Entertainment in Nauvoo

Vocal Point--these guys are fantastic--acapella but you'd swear they had drums and bass!

P Day Trip to Hannibal, MO June 23

Riverboat on the Mississippi which is "Too muddy to drink and too wet to plow" (Mark Twain)

Before our trolley ride through Hannibal

Tom Sawyer and Huck Finn statues

Luau at the Fletchers June 20, 2011

How we celebrated our 48th Wedding Anniversary--Missionary party!

Check out this sunset over the Mississippi viewed from the Fletcher's back yard

Pulled pork over rice, sweet/sour meatballs, fresh fruit, mandarin orange salad and a killer cake for dessert.

The President's table-Pres. Condie and wife on the far right, Pres. Rutowski and wife on the far left.

BYU International Folk Dancers

These talented students tour the world--we got to see them for free--twice at the outdoor stage

This was a dance from Thailand--beautiful colors--intricate foot and hand movements

The closing number is always the lively Hopak from the Ukraine

Do you recognize Lincoln's family posing with us? That's Tad, Mary Todd, Abe and Willie

Lincoln's Cabin--where he taught himself to read--by firelight!

This was Lincoln's law office (not nearly messy enough)

This is where Joseph Smith appeared before a Federal Judge--and was acquitted!

Taking a break while waiting for the tour of Lincoln's home in Springfield.

P Day Trip to the John Deere Pavilion June 9, 2011

Seriously, we are not this fat--blame it on the camera.

John is in heaven--he's been wanting to see this since we arrived--2 hr. drive in the rain!

As close to a farmer as he will ever be. These cabs are A/C equipped with computers and sound equipment--cost a fortune!

Driving home in the rain after an enjoyable trip to Moline, IL--Judi got to shop in exchange for the tractor thing.

Nauvoo Brass Band

Several times a week this horse drawn coach stops across the street from us and plays--all volunteers for the summer they are really good! They accompany some of the productions and give concerts all around Nauvoo.

Memorial Day 2011

Watkins', Hatches (Tim and Patsy from SLC) Schulz' (Bill and Margot from San Antonio) after having breakfast together

Our Day at the Arrival Center

7:30 am and we are ready to greet visitors at the Arrival Center across from the Temple

Here's the friendly greeter ready to give directions, maps, suggestions or just look official

Some of our customers relaxing, watching videos, doing puzzles or handiwork while parents are in the temple

Lovely spacious rooms and comfortable furniture--even has showers and a kitchenette!