Week 13 Highlights

Last Sunday evening we went to a very interesting fireside at the outdoor stage. The speaker was Michael Kennedy. Bro. Kennedy was the executive producer of the new film about Emma Smith (See week 8 Highlights). He is the first direct descendant of Joseph Smith to hold the Melchizedek Priesthood. It was very interesting. As a high school student, his history teacher assigned all of his class to do some research to find out their pedigree line as far as they could, then give a report on one of their ancestors. He had never heard anything about any of his ancestors, so he went home and asked his dad. His dad told him there were a couple of ancestors he could choose between. One of them was a man named Joseph Smith. Michael asked his father who Joseph Smith was and was told that he is the man who founded the Mormons. He asked, “Who are the Mormons?” His dad told him that they are the ones who discovered Utah. He picked Joseph because it sounded the easiest. His dad went to the closet and brought out a box. He took out pictures of Lucy Mack Smith, Emma, and other papers along with a very old family Bible a couple of journals. While they were discussing this and looking at the pictures, there was a knock on the door, and it was two missionaries. The story goes on from there. Very interesting. He wasn’t at all interested in the church for a long time, then . . . well to make the story short, he’s going back to Australia (where 1/3 of all of Joseph’s descendants live – almost 1,300 of them) where he has been asked to show the film to Australia’s house of Parliament. It was a VERY interesting program.

Tuesday was our monthly dinner with our other two neighbors. This time it was at the White’s apartment and we had tacos. YUM! We found they make tacos about the same in Seattle, Washington as we do in Orange County. YUM!

Now that the pageant is in full swing, the Temple is very busy. In fact, all of Nauvoo is busy. We are even experiencing heavy traffic on Mulholland Street (The main street). Last Tuesday we had to wait for several cars before we could make a left turn to get to the post office. Actually several temple sessions each day are full and a lot more people coming and going. It’s nice to see it so busy.

This Thursday morning we took a drive over to Montrose, Iowa. It’s right across the Mississippi River from Nauvoo. That’s the location where the Saints crossed when they left Nauvoo on their way west. We drove on the River Road that goes right along the river on the Iowa side. It’s a very beautiful and secluded drive. This week’s Temple photo is taken from Montrose, looking back toward Nauvoo.

Also, Thursday was Inspection Day. Once a year all of the Temple Missionary apartments have to be inspected and Thursday was our day. I guess we passed, because we’re still here.

On Thursday afternoon, we also went to the Hancock County Fair in Augusta, Illinois. It was a little different from the Orange County Fair. There was a building that housed all the items that had been judged. There were quilts, and other sewing items, baked goods, canned goods, fruits & vegetables, collections and, of course, the photography contest contestants. All photos were 4x6 in size. (All of this was in one Exhibitor’s Dept. building – see photo) In addition, there were a few trailer/food stands selling a lot of “Fair Food”. A big thing here is the “Pulled Pork” sandwiches. I had a pulled pork sandwich and some kettle corn. Mom had the taco salad. (We ate when we got home). There was also the “Fun Zone” – An area of fun kiddy rides for the entire family. But here is the best part! We got to watch, at no additional charge, the Tractor Pull. AND the Truck Pull. (See photos). The object is to pull the big “Ol’ Busch” trailer as far as they can before their tractor or truck stops. On the top of the Ol’ Busch trailer there is a big box that is very, very heavy and as they pull the trailer, this heavy box moves farther and farther to the front of the trailer putting more and more weight on the tractor or truck. Finally, the vehicle stops, and they measure how far they got. Pretty exciting. (You can click on the photos and see in better detail) There were two classes of tractors and two classes of trucks that took turns pulling. Which do you think could pull it the farthest? Was it a tractor, or was it a truck? Well, to find out that exciting information, you’ll have to visit the Midwest and watch for yourself.

Earlier this week we went to the Nauvoo Winery. It was quite interesting. They offer a self-guided tour, but we elected just to browse through the store. They sell all sorts of other stuff too, such as pies, cookbooks, candy, pies, other stuff and also pies. The pies are home made to order. I ordered a rhubarb pie the next morning, and picked it up before our temple shift that afternoon. It was still very hot when I picked it up. A few days later, we got together with our neighbors and finished it off. Most delicious!

A week ago, on Thursday evening we went to the pageant. It was their dress rehearsal. When we got there, we found a very large crowd participating in the pre-pageant activities that are set up on the lawns near the stage. Lots of fun activities for the whole family. There is a concession stand serving hot dogs, nachos, drinks and stuff and music and excitement everywhere. They had reserved seating for the Temple Missionaries up near the front. The pageant was Excellent! Very well done with great staging and scenery. It’s worth the trip here to see it.

That’s about it for this week. We hope everything is going well with all of you.

We miss you.

All is well,
Mom & Dad / Granny & Grandpa