Chicago Trip - Nauvoo, Carthage, and Lincoln

Driving to and from St. Louis and Chicago, we made a few stops to see the sights along the way.

First stop, Nauvoo!

This was probably the coldest we were the whole trip. I'm not sure you can tell what the temperature is outside, but it's cold!

 We went back the next day and it wasn't as cold. Still beautiful!

The missionaries were really excited to see us there. The only visitors probably all week! The first night we went to the Extravaganza (a performance the senior couples put on), the missionaries invited us to go, and we ended up being the only ones in the audience. At first it was awkward, but it became a special, intimate experience. The missionaries were really, really cute!

We walked down Parley Street on the Trail of Hope. We kept turning back to see the temple, and it wasn't too hard to get a glimpse of what the pioneers went through when they were kicked out. It was just as cold and bleak. Look how frozen the Mississippi it:

 Next stop, Carthage!

We got to head over to Carthage to see the old jail there. When we walked in the Visitor Center, we recognized some of the missionaries there. They were so excited to see us again. One of the sisters said, "Moab, right??" We made a little family while we were there.

It was a special experience going to Carthage Jail. Since no one else was there, we got to take our time and enjoy the Spirit that was there. Sean and I had never been to Carthage, and it was worth the trip to see where Joseph and Hyrum Smith gave their lives. 

Last stop, Springfield, IL!

One last stop we made was were President Lincoln lived. There was a really nice museum and library to visit. Definitely worth the stop if you're in the neighborhood. It was hard not to appreciate the 16th President more. We enjoyed learning more about him, and love the legacy he left us.

 

Chicago Trip - Family and Culture

Sean had a chemistry conference in Chicago, so I thought I would tag along. We got to stay with the McBrides (Sean's cousin) and the Nords (my Aunt and Uncle).

Next time we take this trip, we will be going in the spring, summer, or fall.... It was still a fantastic trip. There is just so much more to see and take it. Seeing it - not in the winter -  would be pretty incredible.

We flew into St. Louis and headed over to the McBrides. It was nice spending time with them, and hanging out. Unfortunately, they were in a different state when it was picture time. So! We took a picture with a picture of them. Proof we were there!

Then we drove up to Chicago and spent time in the city with the Nords. I learned I'm not as motivated to take pictures when shopping or when I'm cold/uncomfortable. So, we'll just have to go back there when it's not as cold....

But, this building used to be a library in Chicago. It's not anymore, but can you imagine browsing books and reading in this building??

We stayed in the city a few days, and went to see Young Frankenstein also.

The Nords showed us a lot of the city. They were the perfect locals to recommend food and places, and it was really nice spending time with them.

Thank you family!!! Seeing familiar faces always makes our trips better and a lot more meaningful.