The Long Journey Across Country

So, we finally made it to Indianapolis, and I will do my best to describe our journey. Besides getting stuck in a tornado storm in Kansas and having our moving truck brake down on the side of the highway for 4-5 hours... it was really a great trip once we got to Missiouri.

First we went to Indepedence, Missouri where we went through the Visitor's Center and learned about the history there.

Then we went to Liberty Jail to see where the prophet Joseph Smith stayed for 4-5 months through the brutal winter and received revelation for D&C 121-123. The picture below is dark, but there's Joseph Smith on the left writing by candlelight, Hyrum Smith and others there, one who had to sit since he was 6"2' and the ceiling was only 6" high, or something like that.

Then we went to Far West to see the four cornerstones of the temple to be built there someday. It was really a beautiful place here.
Then we went to Adam-Ondi-Amen to see the beautiful countryside where many things will happen in the 2nd coming.

This picture is dark, but Scott is standing on the same rock Joseph Smith stood when giving lessons or meetings there .
Then we made it to Carthage, Illinois to see Carthage Jail where the prophet Joseph Smith was mardered.

This statue and visitors center are on the same grounds as Carthage Jail.
Here is the jail cell where Joseph was imprisoned, but because of his good behavior, Hyrum and Joseph were mostly kept in the room next door.

Here is the front door of the jail, and the mob that one night broke through it and ran up these stairs to kill Joseph and Hyrum.

Here is one of the bullets that went through the door by the mobs.


Here is the window where Joseph was next to, and when shot fell out of and landed on the ground below.

Then we made it to beautiful Nauvoo, Illinois. The temple there just takes your breath away, it is so beautiful inside and out.

When we first got there we went on a horse ride tour to see all of the places in Old Town Nauvoo.

We took a tour through Brigham Young's home.

But we didn't make it inside Joseph & Emma's home because it was closed and belonged to the Community of Christ (formerly R-LDS church).

The graves of Joseph Smith Jr, Emma, Hyrum and others are

next to their house here.

We went to the Blacksmith's to see how horseshoes were made and Scott won this little horseshoe and we all got nail rings.

After a couple days in Nauvoo, we finally made it to Indianapolis, Indiana! Here's a picture of our house (the market out here is really cheap, for all those who are wondering how we can afford this during dental school).

And yes, I broke down and let Scotty get me a Dodge Caravan. The thought of getting another small car was just so clastrophobic to me, thinking I'd have 2 kids soon. So, actually it was my idea, even though I said I would never ever ever drive a minivan!

But I really do love driving it with all the space.

So, anytime you are in the area, ya know... oh, and you all know what Indy is famous for! So, to all those NASCAR fans: stop by... we have a guest room all set up and ready for those who want to come and visit us here!