Visiting Nauvoo, IL

Before my parents left back home we took a trip to Nauvoo, IL.  We all wanted to see the temple and check out the city since we had never been before.  On the way there we saw a TON of corn fields...they are everywhere in Iowa and Southern Illinois.  I guess we should get used to this.

The Nauvoo Temple

The Joseph and Emma statue 

After walking around the temple grounds we went to the visitor center and learned more about the history behind Nauvoo and Saints that settled the area. We went on a horse ride tour around the town.  We also went to the blacksmith shop and the kids got to see how a nail ring was made and got to take one home. We went to the bakery and the kids each got a gingerbread cookie which was a highlight for them.  There were also pioneer games for the kids to play.  We tried to see and do a lot in one day when really you could spend days here!

Papa and Grammy

Kylee and Daddy

Seeing Carthage Jail was amazing.  It was such a neat experience to be where the prophet was martyred. There was a very special spirit there on the grounds that made the day very special.

Joseph and Hyrum

Joseph and Emma Smith's grave stones.

Later that night all the missionaries and volunteers did a musical performance "Sunset on the Mississippi".  Austin had fun hangin' with Papa.  Kylee was actually able to be a part of it!  She colored and decorated a hat, danced on stage and walked in the children's parade!  She wasn't nervous to leave me and go with the missionaries at all.  The show was really funny and entertaining and we all had a great time.  Jeremy and I have already been back once this Fall and I am sure we will be going quite often over the next couple years!

We made it!!!

August 7th we arrived in Iowa City where we will be for the next 3 years.  Thank goodness my mom and dad drove out with us because we could not have done it on our own.  I'm excited to turn this house into our home and will post pictures once we unpack :)

This is the College of Public Health Building where Jeremy will be most of this year.  It is a brand new beautiful building.

Kinnick Stadium 

Day 3, Nebraska and Winter Quarters

Day 3, August 6th we arrived in Winter Quarters.  This is where mormon pioneers settled for the winter on their trek west to Salt Lake City, Ut.  The visitor center was really interesting and we learned a lot about the sacrifices the pioneers made.  It was very kid friendly and even Austin and Kylee had fun.

The kids got to dress up as pioneer children and pretended to pull a handcart. 

Kylee in front of the Salt Lake temple

 

Packing, saying goodbye, and day 1 & 2

At the end of July Aunt Lacey came to visit us for the last time for a while.  Austin and Kylee really love her so much and we always have a fun time.  We will miss you!!

We went out to dinner with our friends the Robertson's at Mama D's in Huntington Beach.  It was yummy Italian and VERY kid friendly!  They could tell our kids were having a hard time.. aka they were all terrible, throwing fits and out of control... so they brought out a toy chest for the kids to each pick a toy.  Plus all the kids meals were free and they even brought out a few plates of mini chocolate chip cookies for the kids to eat.  I would recommend it :)

Matthew and Austin

Kylee and Lilly 

Kylee on her last day of nursery in California.

Cute kids with daddy

 Last trip to In-N-Out with Great Papa and Papa.

Ruby and Kylee

Kylee's good friend Sawyer came by to say goodbye. 

Here is the trio from nursery, Kylee, Sawyer and Parker.  

Let the packing begin!!!  Empty truck and happy campers.  

At the end of the day we almost filled out 26 ft moving truck.  They were exhausted!  We were lucky to have such an awesome ward and so much help.

Our first day we drove to St George, UT and stayed with our brother and sister in law, Scott and Mary. Kylee and Austin loved playing with their cousins.

Tyler (2), Austin (1), Ethan (9mo), Kylee (3) and Travis (5) 

The next day we drove all the way to Loveland, CO.  It was a long day but we tried to stop enough for the kids to get out and stretch.  Here is Austin and Kylee at a McDonalds play area somewhere in CO.

When we arrived in Loveland we got to say with our good friends the Neville's that we originally met in CA before any of us had kids.  They are awesome and it was so fun catching up.  Eva and Kylee had a blast playing together.

The truck

One of the precious moments Kylee was sleeping on the trip.  For some reason I thought she would have slept a lot more than she did.  I guess she was just so excited and didn't want to miss out on any fun!

Austin asked me to take his picture too.  He is pretending to be asleep :)

You're moving where???

IOWA!!!!  As many of you know Jeremy has decided to go back to school to get his MBA (masters in business administration) and MHA (masters in health care administration).  After contemplating many schools and options we decided that the University of Iowa would be the best fit for Jeremy and our family.  I will try to keep our blog updated with all of our exciting new adventures!  Go Hawkeyes!!