Springfield and Abe Lincoln

I had low expectations for Springfield, but it was actually a really good visit for a couple of days with the kids. We got to see Abe Lincoln's house, and the new Abraham Lincoln museum and presidential library was definitely worth the trip.

Was also fun to see the Illinois state legislature in action (ha ha or inaction, as the kids pointed out that most of the representatives seemed to be watching YouTube videos or talking on the phone while bills were being debated)

Jones Kids ranking of Nauvoo vacation sites

The five Jones kids voted on their top 10 favorite Nauvoo tourist sites that we visited on vacation. Note that Carthage is not included because it was closed to have the floors re-done. We also did not include the carriage ride or the wagon ride, which covered multiple sites.

We were in Nauvoo from the 27th to the 30th of March.

1) Webb Blacksmith Shop
2) Nauvoo Temple
3) Brickyard
4) Joseph Smith movie (at visitor's center)
5) Nauvoo family living center
6) Rendezvous show at Nauvoo Cultural Hall
7) Browning gun shop
8) Riser Nauvoo home and boot shop
9) Pendleton log home and school
10) Stoddard Nauvoo home and tin shop

Nauvoo

Funny Dan Story

My niece asked Dan to be the ring bearer in her wedding next Fall. Dan was very nonchalant about this assignment. Today in the van one of the kids asked Dan how he felt about being a ring bearer. His reply, "Will I need to wear a bear costume?" He must have thought he was going to be a ring "bear".

Lifeguard in the family

Courtney learned today that she got a summer job as a lifeguard in one of the pools near here. Her first real employment! Way to go, Courtney!

New Calling

Teresa got a new calling today as the Relief Society president for our ward. This means she will be pretty busy. Good luck, honey!!

Johannesburg Temple

I got to visit the Johannesburg temple while visiting South Africa. The lady in the picture came by bus for one and a half days from Zibabwe to attend.