Carthage, IL

 Carthage Jail

The door with the gunshot

 Inside and outside views of the window Joseph fell through after being shot.

 It's a very sobering experience to be in the room where Joseph and Hyrum Smith were murdered. We learn of the martyrdom of Joseph and Hyrum but it is so real to be at the very place where it all happened. It just broke my heart thinking of their families at home praying for their safe return. It truly is a miracle John Taylor and Willard Richards survived the mob attach. All of these men and their families sacrificed everything for their faith. They are such a great example of living what you believe. 

Nauvoo, IL

 In July we were able to take a Lott vacation and see family and the historic sites of Nauvoo, IL. Chris's oldest brother, his family, and their mom made the trek from Utah. We invited ourselves to the middle portion of their Church History tour. We had a blast catching up, introducing baby Bronson, playing, and exploring together. Definitely one of my favorite vacations ever!

 Nauvoo Bagpipers

 brothers in crime

 In front of the Hotel Nauvoo, famous for their delicious buffet (It was amazing & I don't even like buffets!)

 The Last Ride

Joseph & Hyrum portrayed leaving Nauvoo before the martyrdom 

having fun at the carnival

more fun at the carnival

Handcart races: after the picture Alex (the oldest grandchild) raced pulling all the little ones. Tough guy!

Chris's Birthday

 Chris had to work on his birthday so we celebrated the day before with birthday pancakes,

 and a birthday dinner out.

We brought lunch to Dad at work.

Just as we were packing up the crew got a call so we got to see Dad and crew in action.

C turns 4

Back in May Caleb turned 4. He had been looking forward to his birthday for a long time, finally it day came. Caleb is a great big brother! He love to be a helper and talks about being a pilot one day and flying with Daddy. He informed us the other day he needed a flight suit NVGs (night vision goggles), a helmet, and a badge so he can go to work at the base with Dad.

Highlights of the day were a visit to the zoo, rides, lunch, presents and cookie bowls and ice cream. We love our Caleb! Happy Birthday Buddy!

St Louis Part 2

 The St Louis arch was so fun to see in person. It's amazing to think St Louis was once the western frontier. The arch was complete in 1968 and there are elevator shafts in each side that your ride to the top. They look like pods and only a few people can squish in each one. On the right is a picture of the boys and I inside the pod riding to the top. The left is a picture of Chris and C at the Museum of Westward Expansion at the arch.

view of St Louis from the top of the arch

 We loved visiting St Louis! So many fun attractions to explore. A of the highlights of the trip was the food. We love finding delicious local joints and loved: The Shaved Duck, Anthonino's Taverna, & Pappy's Smokehouse. As luck would have it less than a week after we returned home my sister recieved her mission call to St Louis Missouri. 

St Louis: Part 1: Botanical Gardens

Back in April Chris needed to go to St Louis for work so the boys and I tagged long- free vacation Yippee! Candice, one of my besties from cosmetology school told me the Missouri Botanical Gardens were a must see. The gardens are absolutely breathtaking. We spent hours there and didn't see everything. Here are some of my favorite shots. 

Zoo Fun

Everyone raves about the Memphis Zoo so we decided to buy a membership. I am SO glad we did! We've been 3 times and still haven't seen everything. It is so clean, they have daily shows in different exhibits, and did I mention there is a lot to see?!

Bronson is such a happy baby. We sure love this little guy!

new and exciting

 Caleb has amblyopia and possibly other eye problems. We recently visited a new ophthalmology specialist and got a new prescription with directions to wear the patch 2 hours a day. It was a fight in the beginning but he does pretty well with the patch now. Chris feels his pain, literally, as he wore a patch for years ALL day long. 

Chris text me a few weeks ago to let me know he was fueling up in Memphis and would be flying over our house on the way back to his base. Both of the boys were napping so they missed the excitement but I made sure to document it. 

Chris and his mad flying skills

 The other morning I went to brush my teeth and Caleb decided to play dress-up with baby B

Easter and Blessing Day

Bronson was blessed on Easter Sunday. It was a beautiful blessing and a wonderful day. We celebrated with food, Easter treat hunt, and coloring eggs. My family came to visit and meet Bronson. They all gave lots of love and attention to the boys. Caleb still asks about Nona and Papa coming to visit.

 proud Big Brother with Bronson on his special day

 Caleb with his Easter spoils

 coloring eggs with my fam

 Papa & Caleb

good fun

Fire

We took a tour of the Memphis Fire Museum. 

They feature:  a room of miniatures, an old fire house, 

 hands on activities, 

 old fashion fire engines,

 a fire pole, and even a simulator complete with lift and hose to put out a fire.

Caleb was in heaven