Pageants, Caves and Roller Coasters!

Last week we were able to have Mitch's family stay with us. We were excited to show them our home here in Louisville and how life is keeping us busy. Our week began with us meeting Bret, Carolyn, Elyse, Tara and Bryan in Nauvoo. Makenzie didn't like the 7 1/2 hours it took us to get there, but absolutely LOVED all of the attention once we did get there.

Monday night we were able to tour Carthage Jail. I have heard the events of Carthage several times, but it is so much more real being there and seeing where they took place.

Makenzie by the window that Joseph Smith fell out of after being shot.


This is the original door. It's amazing that it has been there all of these years.


Mitch and Makenzie outside of the Jail.


We spent Tuesday, the next day, in Nauvoo. It was fun to see all of the sites and hear the stories about the early Saints. However, it was crazy hot and humid. Our first stop in Nauvoo was the William Mendenhall home (I think a little obvious as to why).

Mitch at the William Mendenhall Home


Love this picture! Makenzie in the Visitor's Center.


We took the Carriage Ride through Nauvoo. We listened to stories of the people of Nauvoo, the prophet and apostles while we rode in a large carriage through the area. Our ride was the last one for the day, due to the heat index. The horses were able to get out of the heat and rest for the remainder of the day. Something we all wanted to do!

Makenzie with Grandpa on the carriage ride.


As we were sitting in the shade hanging out until the pageant we found a turtle. Everyone had to get up close and look at it, including Makenzie. She was chasing it and stomped on it. He was a tough little guy and didn't get hurt (hopefully).

Makenzie and the turtle!


We had originally planned on driving back to Louisville Tuesday evening, but we decided to stay to see the pageant. We are really glad that we did stay because it is definitely worth seeing. It even captured Makenzie's attention.

Nauvoo Temple - I am completely amazed the Saints built a temple this size when they did.


Mitch and I have been wanting to visit Mammoth Caves since moving here last year. We were able to make a visit with Mitch's family. It was another hot and humid day, luckily the cave was nice and cool.

Makenzie with Aunt Elyse and Grandma


Everyone in the cave - we did the Historic Tour.


Mitch, Makenzie and I


Another day that everyone was here we went to Holiday World. The weather was actually really nice. We had a great time playing at the water park and riding the roller coasters. The night ended with funnel cakes and Mitch's quest for ice cream (he was successful).

Makenzie loves the water and especially loved the WAVES!


Makenzie and I on the carousel - she loved it!


Bryan, Elyse and Tara - the before picture. . .


The during picture. . .


And the after picture! Looks like they had a good time!


We also took everyone around downtown Louisville. Mitch gave them a tour of the U of L's medical school. We stopped by Churchill Downs and went to the Louisville Slugger Museum.

Elyse, Makenzie and I outside Churchill Downs.


Everyone at the Slugger Museum.


Makenzie enjoyed playing on the giant mitt at the Slugger Museum.


We also threw in a visit to Steak 'N Shake, a stop at the Ohio River Falls and Abe Lincoln's birthsite, a birthday celebration and some game playing. We loved having Mitch's family here this last week. Makenzie especially loved all of the attention. Hopefully we could have them back again soon!