The beautiful Nauvoo Temple

We love this photo taken this week by one of our fellow missionaries, Bro. Ogden

P Day to Dickson Mounds July 28

Indian burial mounds exposed artifacts of Indians in this area from thousands of years ago. This was a 4 hr. RT drive from Nauvoo.

Exhibit showing the home of one tribe of Indians--how did they survive this heat?

Beautiful Nauvoo

Just a sample of the beauty of Nauvoo

The water lilies bloomed this month!

The lilies grow in 18" on water--shows us how shallow parts of the Mississippi are!

Summer in Nauvoo

This is what we were told would happen in July! Add the humidity and it's 110+ Ugh!

This is where Judi hangs out every chance she gets--Keokuk YMCA

The water lilies are breathtaking--along the Mississippi River

Balloons over the Mississippi July 15, 2011

A fun afternoon in Ft. Madison as balloon enthusiasts launch their colorful balloons

Quite a procedure filling them with hot air--festive atmosphere with food and outdoor fair

Up, Up and Away......later that night they returned and each one was lit from inside causing them to glow

Nauvoo Pageant 2011

Cast of 300--wonderful show highlighting events in Nauvoo's history. This was the backdrop dramatically built as part of the Saint's story. Families volunteer their time to be a part of the cast during the month of July

Sonja and Roy Nordyke surprised us with a visit. Former members of the Glendora 5th Ward they now live in Columbia, MO. We were able to view the Pageant (for the third time) with them.

As the finale of the show the backdrop falls back and the real, rebuilt temple of Nauvoo is lit as the voice of Pres. Hinckley declares in April Conf. 1999 that the Nauvoo temple will be rebuilt. It was dedicated in 2002. Moroni faces West to Salt Lake City as the two temples represent bookends to the western migration of the Saints.

P Day Trip to Heartland Dairy July 14, 2011

P Day Trip to the Heartland Dairy near Newark MO--quite an operation--17,000 acres, dairy (cow and goat milk)Rehab for troubled youth providing jobs, counseling and homes for those choosing to participate.

The baby goat barn--clean, cooled by fans, these "girls" will grow up to provide milk for cheese

The cow carousel where the cows get on and while making a rotation are milked--well trained, they back out when they reach the end making room for another cow to enter. Heap o cows so the milking goes on 24/7.

4th of July in Nauvoo

Posing with the grandsons

This mess was our table at the picnic with all the temple missionaries

Fireworks over the Mississippi River in Ft. Madison, Iowa

Front row seat for the Geddie boys

Visit to Carthage with the Geddies

Grandma and Grandpa--big smiles as we welcome Jim, Dyana and boys to Nauvoo

After a very moving and inspirational presentation at Carthage Jail

The boys posing at the statue of Joseph and Hyrum Smith

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!