For our family vacation this year we decided to meet Tristan's family in Illinois. Once Tristan finished boards we packed up, kissed the cat goodbye and drove all day Sunday to Galena, Illinois. We had a few days to recover before the other half of our party arrived. We stayed at a recently renovated resort just out of town. Sunday we settled in then Monday drove through Galena to the local Walmart to get some food. We'd only packed fruits and veggies to eat on Sunday to prevent having to eat out, but that didn't prove to be enough and we went to bed Sunday night dreaming of a good meal. I'm sure that's partially responsible for our having to pack home so much food. After shopping we returned to explore the little town a bit more. The main street shopping district was quite something. There were shops with anything and everything. The strip was probably a mile long with shops on both sides. I don't know when most these buildings were built, but I'm certainly glad we didn't try to take a stroller through. We pulled out our garage sale find back pack carrier and toted Kalia through. We looked at antiques, books, the chocolate shops and bakeries. Galena is the home to President Ulysses Grant and the hotel where he ran his campaign from was also on main street. There were plenty of restaurants and clothing shops. We found a few toy stores and even a place that specialized in beads where you could make your own jewelry. Since family wasn't arriving until Tuesday night we came back Tuesday morning to look around more. We drove through the winding streets to peek at all the homes. Many were victorian style and were appropriately painted bright colors. It really was a quaint little town. One of the shop owners tipped us off to the local park. We took Kalia there to run around and get time out of the pack. She loved it. The playground was really extensive and I'm sure older kids would be difficult to pull away.
We drove out to Carthage but arrived just at closing. Luckily the couple that was locking up were nice enough to take us on a quick tour. We were able to see the jail, the cell above and the Jailer's bedroom where the prophet Joseph Smith was shot. The bullet hole that killed Hyrum Smith remains in the door. All the other bullet holes were patched up as the jail was a home for thirty years. The spirit of peace that I felt there was amazing. We took pictures around the grounds of Kalia exploring the world of botany and learn the new word "flowers."
Thursday morning we got up early to drive the thirty minutes to Nauvoo after eating a continental breakfast provided at the hotel. We met several others that were touring the church sites while at breakfast. Heather, Jeff, Tristan and his dad were able to perform baptisms at the Temple while Kalia and I spent time with grandma on the grounds. Kalia, once again, was enthralled with the flowers until she discovered the steps. We couldn't pull her away from them so that became our picture site. Jeff and Heather took a turn watching Kalia so the rest of us could enjoy an endowment session. Tristan and I were asked to be the witness couple and everyone was worried about me expecting and I was told numerous times to let them know if I felt faint at anytime. I guess they've had a few occasions of pregnant women fainting. The Nauvoo temple was beautiful inside. We are so blessed to be able to attend and serve there.
After our temple service we got some food than headed down to the carriage tour we'd been told not to miss. Because of the heat of the day we didn't get on the carriage tour but a wagon tour instead. I'm not sure the difference but we were able to catch the last tour of the day. The guide was an excellent storyteller and talked of many of the residents of Nauvoo. Kalia slept on Grandpa's shoulder the entire time. She'd had a busy morning. My favorite part of the tour was the stop in the middle of the woods and the guide lead us in one verse of "I am A Child of God." I was unable to sing because of the emotions it brought. I love the hymns and I have felt the power of the spirit they can bring. It was getting late in the day and we hurried to catch a few presentations before they closed at 6. I'm sure one day would be enough to see everything had we not spent most of the day at the temple. We were able to see John Taylor's home, the blacksmith, and the post office. We also stopped at the burial spot of the Smith family. It's not owned by the Church and I definitely detected a difference of the spirit there. It was a beautiful day and very peaceful. I was able to sit on a bench looking out on the Mississippi and just enjoy a few moments of this beautiful world. Then we were off again in search of Cherry Pie.
Nauvoo was closing down by this time and as we weren't able to stay for any of the shows (no lodging for the night) we began our four hour drive (with a 30 minute wrong turn) back to Galena. We stopped for dinner at Perkins and the Pie quest was accomplished. We decided that was a full enough day and arrived in Galena around midnight, vowing not to do anything the next day.
With much to see it is difficult to hold to such a promise of doing nothing. We ventured out once again (though staying nearby) and went to the local greens for some sweet mini golf, a Parry tradition. Kalia was once again strapped into her pack and toted around the course. I must say it was a fantastic game (for me! For once I won!) though I will mention that Tristan did have quite the handicap with a 20 pound wiggler throwing off his balance with every swing. I love that they are mimicking one another in this picture.
This picture deserves a caption all its own. We were finishing up our game and Tristan handed the pack over to Jeff. Kalia was trying to get out so desperately. She'd grab on tightly if we came within arms reach and just hang on. She put me in a head lock a few times and it looks like she's giving Tristan a sweet little hug. Nope. She's trying to pull his head off.
Saturday morning we drove to Iowa to see the set of Field of Dreams (wonderful grass to sit on) then visited the Mississippi River Museum and Aquarium. We got in half price with our Columbus Zoo membership. That has been a great investment for us! We let the shorty wander around this museum. She loved the fish and the lizards. We missed the otters by a few minutes. That was the story with a lot of things this trip.
Saturday evening Heather, Jeff, and Tristan took Kalia swimming in the pool. We'd taken her a few times earlier in the week. She didn't seem too comfortable in the water. I blame me. I wasn't comfortable in the water and I'm sure she could tell. She did much better without me in the pool. I think swimming duty will be Tristan's responsibility. Tristan stayed at the pool to play with his siblings while I got Kalia ready for bed. She slept and I read. We headed to bed fairly early as we were to say our goodbyes and pack up the following morning. The saddest part of vacation is the end but I think it was more so this time for Tristan as he was saying goodbye for two years to Jeff and until Christmas for everyone else. We look forward to introducing our little one when we come home for December.
