Walker Cousins & Nauvoo

Shane's brother Jaylen, his wife, Leah, and their six children, Austin, Jessie, Eric, Ethan, Mindi, and Caleb, came to visit us back at the beginning of October. Really they were on their way to visit Shane's parents in Ohio where they are serving a mission. But, we were so happy they stopped to visit us. It was a much anticipated event. Jacob and Joshua talked about them coming for weeks.

Jay, Leah and Family

On their way back from Ohio, we met them in Nauvoo. We spent two days there with them. Our boys were in heaven, especially Jacob who misses living around cousins his age. We visited many of the sites and learned about how the pioneers made and did things. It was facinating to Jacob. Both Jacob and Joshua enjoyed the gunsmith shop and the blacksmith shop. Brigham didn't especially like the tours. But, he did love being with his cousin Mindi. This really surprised me because Brigham isn't the friendliest little guy when it comes to unfamiliar children. Yet, he sure liked Mindi. The cutest part is they held hands everywhere they went. For Shane and me, the best part of the trip was a temple session at the Nauvoo temple followed by a tour of the temple given by one of the temple Presidency and his wife, Pres. and Sis. Smith (Jaylen and Leah know them from Boise).

Visiting Nauvoo made me reflect on the sacrifice of these wonderful men and women. I can't wait to thank them someday. They were extraordinary people. Their faith and commitment to the truth was amazing. The wonderful thing is that we have the same opportunity. Of course our experience is different in ways, but really it is the same. We too are able, if we will, to give our lives (our will) to the Savior and to follow him. There are sacrifices and changes we can and must make to enable the Savior to make us into great men and women like the pioneers.

This is the actual rocking horse John Taylor came back across the river in the middle of the night for. So, it's like 165 years old. And Brigham tried to ride it.

I thought I'd teach Brigham how to stick pull while we waited for the others to finish a tour. He was no match for his pregnant mother.

We are missing Jacob in this picture. Unfortunately he got sick the last day. So, he was resting in the van (which was parked very near by).