Escape to Nauvoo

So I know I should have posted this a few months ago but things have been a little crazy. We went to Nauvoo in May for about 5 weeks while Travis was in China. I had to do something to keep my mind off him being gone so I wouldn't go crazy since he was gone for 3 whole months. I had a really fun time with my parents and sisters and brother and all my neices. My mom and dad always had a full house while we were there and we loved it!
McKenna was especially so excited to be able to play with all her cousins She doesn't get to do that very often any more so it was really nice for her. Graysen of course just was as happy as ever and just loved all the attention from everyone. It was his first time meeting his Uncle Brett and Grandpa and our new addition to the family Uncle Don whom he just loved.
Can I just say that my kids did amazing on the plane. I seriously couldn't have asked it to go any better then it did. I was very blessed because I thought that it was going to be a nightmare. They got extra brownie points with me that is for sure.
We got to go to Iowa city and spend time with my brother and sister and law and there kids and go to the Amana colonies which was really fun. I got to meet my nephew Everett for the first time too and he is adorable! We also went up to Galesburg and stayed with my sister and her two kids for a little bit which was really fun too. I got to be Annie's patient which was nice cause I got my teeth cleaned and it felt good.We were always doing something, my parents spoiled us a lot! We went to see a lot of the little things in town that I hadn't seen yet and we went to the pioneer park a lot and to Carthage again and just had fun doing whatever.
We went on oxen rides and horse carriage ride, it was a blast. We went to the zoo and played outside a lot.
I got to go to the temple with my sister and her fiance which was really nice. I am so glad he will be part of our family cause he is a great guy.
My mom and I went on walks in the mornings and got our excercise on.....the hill with a double stroller that wasn't a jogging one was not especially fun, but oh how it gave us a workout. I was dying by the time we got up the hill, but at least we made it. We would also sit out on the porch or in the back on the swing and just look for fireflies and watch the sunset and just talk. It was those times I think I enjoyed the most and will always remember them. I love my parents and I feel like I became closer with them and with my other family while I was there since I don't get to see them that often any more.
Graysen had his first bath in the sink which he thought was so fun!
He also cut more teeth while we were there so that was a little hard on him but he was still a good trooper all things considering.
We also all took the kids horseback riding at these people's house my parents know. It was so much fun, the kids were extactic and were talking about it all week. It was the highlight of McKenna's trip that is for sure. It was so fun to see how much fun they were all having and to see the joy on their faces. It was a fun day.
I had so much fun spending time with my family. I just love visiting Nauvoo. There is a special spirit there and I just feel kind of at home in a way. I have decided I love small towns now and wouldn't mind living in one.
So that is my little escape to Nauvoo and I am actually going back to Nauvoo in August now for my sister's wedding and then for Christmas so I am super excited. It will be so fun!