Another Great Week!

Greetings All:

We had another memorable week! We went to see the Palmyra Pageant, then Vick and the girls went to Kirtland (I had to fly home to give a speech), and then we went to the Nauvoo Pageant. It was all wonderful. Here are some highlights:

--We stayed at the Palmyra Inn, just a half mile from the Smith family farmhouse and Sacred Grove. If you walk to the grove from the Inn, you'll pass the Stake center and Temple. Gorgeous!

--After sitting in the Sacred Grove for a spell, we could all testify that Joseph Smith did indeed see a vision there.

--We met the Merrills at Palmyra, and enjoyed some touring and the AMAZING PAGEANT. We'd sure like to be part of the cast next summer--we'll see how it goes. The pageant is quite a production, and a wonderful summary of the Book of Mormon. It's hard to believe that a group of volunteer church members pull it off so magnificently well . . . .

--The girls saw the Kirtland temple, the school of the prophets, etc. No pics here, but they have lots of good memories.

--I flew home to give a speech (tribute to the retiring Olympic coach).

--Nauvoo was great. Just being in that rich midwest farmland was enough to recharge me for another year. We saw the pageant, which is a great story of the Saints in Nauvoo. The closing number is stunning (spoiler: President Hinckley speaks. It's breathtaking!)

--We toured Old Nauvoo the next day: The bakery, tin shop, brickmaker, BLACKSMITH (the best), and other interesting sites. I could spend several days there, no prob. We also toured John Browning's home and gun shop, quite interesting. Lots of fun!

--We stayed in a small "cabin" home on the river. Quaint and gorgeous. We loved it!

--We came home saturday evening at about 8:40 PM, and Summer was at the dance at the Broadmoor building 45 minutes later. Wow!

--This week we're off to the Redwoods in California, then I start work on Friday at my new job. Haven't heard about my new job? That will be in another blog . . . .

Until then, have a great summer!

PS: Jamie is in her last stages of pregnancy, so that baby could arrive at any time. Keep her in your prayers!

Love,

Dad

PS: Remember that if you click on the picture collage, it will expand to full screen.