Nauvoo take two

Mike is now the Young Men's Secretary for our ward. So when he got his first meeting in Nauvoo, the boys and I hitched a ride. Mike and I were married in Nauvoo and NEVER dreamed we'd be in it's stake. After the two hour ride and One $108 speeding ticket (mike's not that perfect after all), the boys and I dropped the clan off for their meeting and set sail for tourism.

Turns out that winter isn't really a hot time to be touring Nauvoo. We found the Smith Cemetery where Joseph Smith Jr., his wife Emma, and his brother Hyrum are buried. It's a peaceful place. However FAR too cold to be posing for pictures.

Cemetery overlooks Missouri River

Smith Cemetery

Cranney Fam. stayed at this lovely home for our wedding.

Mike's personal tour of the cemetery

Being here in the winter really helped us realize what a horrible journey the saints had when thy left Nauvoo. Bloody footprints in the snow. We are so glad to be warm and have many modern amenities.

Happy Fifth P Diddy

We had a SMALL gathering for Port's Bday

Dan and Meagan played the Balloon popping game with the kids, cause they're still too young to sit and relax like adults...(plus it was punishment for getting Porter a whoopy cushion)

Andrew L.O.V.E.S. his dad!

Batman Cake this year...wonder what next year will bring..

Andrew, Jackson and Porter checking out the BATMAN CAVE

AND...possibly the best parents ever...after Porter babysat Dan and Meagan's fish, Betty over the break, Mike thought he could handle the responsibilities of a fish of his own.

Mike: "what are you gonna name him Port?"

Porter: "Rob"

OK...

New Years in Missouri

the fam.

A and T arguing again.

Jason, Madie, P Did, Scotty

Odee, Logan, A

M and A

G and A

Holla. Well, Christmas knocked our socks off! We had a great time with our friends. Pretty much hung out with Smith Fam. EVERY DAY of the break. Went to St. Louis. Look for pics on Mike's bloggerooski. It was an Awesome time! And I'm so glad we got to have such a fun, relaxing, peaceful two week break. That's so much more than most people get...maybe you already knew that.

Had a quiet New Years Eve with friends. The kids played the Wii and were glued to it the entire night...so it seriously was a "quiet" new years. Adults played apples to apples...and you'll never guess who won both rounds...MIKE. yeah...his head was nice and puffed up for 2011.

Hope you all had a great time without us...We miss our friends and family dearly!