Day 1 - Cathage Jail

Carthage is just a short distance from Nauvoo. We decided to take the quick trip to visit the Carthage Jail, which is the site where Joseph Smith, Jr. was martyred, on the first day because we didn't want to miss visiting it.  I am so happy that we did.  I remember these places from my visit as a teenager - some more vividly than others.  This is one of those places.

My son; "it has a lot of history, but it is where the prophet was killed".

That's an overwhelming statement. I can only imagine the grief that the Saints felt at that time.  Today I feel immense gratitude for a young man who would not deny what he knew to be true, for the gospel he restored, and the willingness he had to be a true witness of my Savior, Jesus Christ.

Day 1, the Monument to Women

Memorial Garden...

Our first stop in Historic Nauvoo was the Visitor's Center.  Here they have a lovely garden dedicated to women.  On occasion I will get questions about women in our church. I realize that the world and some of the members of our church think that as women we are looked down upon or that we are inferior to the men because we do not hold the priesthood.  I have never felt that way, actually quite the contrary.  As I walked through this monument with my son I couldn't help but think how very different we each interpret things to be, because I felt an overwhelming feeling of love and purpose.  As I gazed at the bronze figures my heart was tender to all of the beautiful moments in my life that where represented here.  I knew that each of these images portrayed those things that had brought true joy to my life and had helped to mold me into the person I am...as well the person I will continue to become as I stay on a path of continual learning.

Nauvoo - Day 1, the Temple

Today was a beautiful day...we started out at the temple.  It was so beautiful.  I remember coming here when I was the same age as my son, only at that time the temple had not been rebuilt yet.  It was simply a small model on the lot.  So for me this was a special treat - to be here with my son and share with him an experience from my youth that I treasure.  Words cannot express - my heart is overflowing.

When we arrived the night before we couldn't wait to see the temple - so while waiting for our pizza, we drove to the temple.  It was even more beautiful than I could have imagined.

We Made it to Our Next Stop...Nauvoo

It was getting late by the time we arrived so after we checked in we had to find somewhere to eat...can I just say it was a little difficult but we were told to try a pizza place up the road - it was in a gas station - I was a little suspicious, but it was actually really good.  Go figure!

 

Detour Number Two...

So now we are moving north...heading to Nauvoo, but on the way we decided to stop at a little town that I must say was adorable - Hannibal, Missouri.  Never heard of it?  Well maybe you have heard of a man by the name of Samuel Clemens, aka Mark Twain - well this was his boyhood home.  So in the spirit of a true road trip we decided to listen to The Adventure's of Tom Swayer along the way.

Detour Number One...

Gateway Arch in St. Louis, MO...a monument to westward expansion.  

Had to go there, I mean we are heading west!

First Stop...

Is one of our favorite family summer destinations - Alabama.

As our kids get older summer vacation has taken on new directions and sometimes not even summer, but this year my little family decided to take a summer road trip and by the time it is over we will have covered a little more than 4600 miles.

Our first stop was our family's lake house in Alabama.  It was short and just the three of us, but we had such a wonderful time.

Afternoon walks...

Mornings on the water...

Here we part ways for a little - dad flies home for a week &

my son and I drive on...next stop here we come!

And We Are Off...

What would summer be without a Family Road Trip?  

First Leg - Alabama here we come!

Shrimp...

I have been eating a lot of seafood lately!  So I needed to get creative and find some new recipes to try...Pinterest!?  I do love Pinterest...but I will say it is just like any other cookbook, food blog, etc.  sometimes you find a big hit and sometimes a flop.  Here are a few of my favorite finds...

Eat & Relish - Honey Chipotle Shrimp Skewers with Avocado Greek Yogurt Sauce

 This was my try at it - so yummy! Definitely a keeper.

 Melanie Makes...Rosemary Citrus Shrimp Tacos

Melanie Makes Blog

 I didn't follow the recipe exactly, but closely...we love shrimp tacos.

 This is one of our favorite stand-by recipes (well more of a dinner creation)...Sauteed Shrimp with tomato and basil and mixed greens with strawberries, walnuts, and balsamic dressing.

Shrimp...

Rinse and dry (pat dry with paper towels) 1 lb of peeled, deveined shrimp.  In a skillet heat 1-2 tablespoons olive oil. Saute 1/2 medium onion - diced, until translucent.  Add two cloves of garlic pressed.  Add shrimp and saute until opaque - time varies but shouldn't take more than 3-5 minutes.  Watch for the color change and remove immediately.

Add 1 cup of cherry or grape tomatoes sliced in half lengthwise to the skillet, add salt and pepper. Cook until tomatoes begin to release juice.  At this point add about 1/2 cup of fresh chopped basil and the cooked shrimp back to the pan.  Toss gently to mix together.  At this point we sometimes add crumbled feta.  Serve over pearl couscous or other pasta.

Easy Balsamic dressing....

1/2 cup Olive Oil

1/2 cup Balsamic Vinegar

2 Tablespoons honey

Pinch of salt

Whisk together well.  If you like a creamier version add 1 tablespoon mayonnaise.