Museum of Science and Industry

Joe Rogers chili in Springfield

We had chili at Joe Rogers' in Springfield. The chili was good, and we even managed to eat a small bowl of "Firebrand" chili, featured on the show "Man vs. Food".

Man v. Food - Firebrand Chili in Springfield

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".