Following in Their Footsteps
"Nauvoo Nirvana"
Did the pioneers travel by car? They did this time.
Bruce and Liz and company travelled north this Christmas season to visit old Nauvoo. Together with Tom, Gina and Cristie they cut a swath through the fog-infested Mississippi river basin to land safely at the Nauvoo Family Inn and Suites for an overnight excursion at one of the swingingest spots around.
They awoke the next morning to attend a session at the Nauvoo Temple. Most sane people were at home preparing for Christmas, so the session was sparsely attended. Tom and Gina were excited to be the witness couple. Bruce was over-awed at the splendid architecture (as always). Liz kept looking about, barely containing herself with glee and thinking,"Oh bugger! We're in Nauvoo!". But beyond the excitement and awe, it was a lovely session.
Afterwards, we were shown the baptistmal font (built on the original foundation of the previous font), the graceful spiraling staircases with the amish-built wooden railings, and other period-style features of the temple built as part memorial to the people who gave so much to build the first. It was truly humbling.
Following the temple experience, the two families parted ways, exploring the old city at their leisure. There were frozen, wind swept wagon rides (more authentic, I'd say), rope making for kids, and a joyful perusal was had by all.
Bruce and Liz stopped in Carthage on the way home and due to the lateness of the season were given a very personal tour of the jail where the prophet Joseph was martyred. It was a unique and peaceful experience.
Both companies were caught in a whirling blizzard on the way home (again, authenticity!) and were forced to pull off the highway and find a hotel for the night. The wipers were freezing and, between the windshield and the blowing snow, visibility was zero. The following day there were many cars sitting off the road, looking forlorn. We all breathed a sigh of relief when we arrived safely home.
Nauvoo gets two frozen thumbs way up! We highly recommend the "Nauvoo Nirvana" experience.
- Liz Paulin
Once there was............ see page 4
Snow and Ice Storms..... see page 4
~ Also In This Issue ~
Summ'n Up the Year..... see page 2
Eich the Squirrel........... see page 2
What is That? ................ see page 3
Classifieds....................... see page 3
Cristie's Story................ see page 5
More Family News!......... see page 6
Gina's Coleman Clan..... see page 7
Christmas in Missouri
Christmas Eve was enjoyed by one and all. The parents were first delighted and amused by the nativity story reenacted by the children. Sara played a very joyful dancing angel spreading glad tidings to Mary, played by Cristie, then to the cookie-eating Shepherd, played by Sammy. Brian played Joseph wielding his staff which frequently changed into a sword or gun between scenes to keep himself amused. Arthur was our very tired and patient Baby Jesus who kept jumping from the cradle. We all had fun watching them. We aren't sure how reverent it was, but we were working with two toddlers. After the Paulin kids were put to bed to await Santa Gina and Bruce prevailed upon Tom and Liz to bring out their mandolin and banjo and pluck Christmas songs for us. Cristie got to stay up and even joined in the end playing a song or two on the piano. It was a very enjoyable hour and a perfect way to spend Christmas Eve. Shortly after Santa was spied and all hurried off to bed. Parents figured they wouldn't have to get up too early as their children usually sleep in until sevenish. Christmas Morning they were sorely surprised when dragged out of bed shortly after 5am by anxious children bouncing through the house. After bundling up we braved the frozen "sun room" which has yet to get a good heating supply. Much fun was had by all. We all felt very blessed and enjoyed hearing from all of our friends and loved ones Christmas Eve and Day.
- Gina Marie Wheeler
