Sojourners!

We just got back from a major trip.   Traveling with little kids is sooooo convenient!!!  (Not really, but at least there are  a lot of helpers to schlep suitcases.)

The first part of the trip was a visit to Nauvoo, Illinois.   Beautiful Nauvoo.  It is all about church history, pioneers, beautiful red brick buildings, and gorgeous green stuff all over the place (on the ground of all places!).  But to me, it was really about seeing 5 of my 6 siblings, and all 17 of my nephews and nieces on my side.

All three of the little Farnsworth girls born in 2009.  Alivia, Kendra, and Danielle. 

The Matriarch and Organizer of the Event.

Hats off to you, Mom!

The Patriarch, and most competent stilt walker in the group (also the most addicted to Starcraft, but let's not bring that up).

There were a few moments like this...

Occasionally we got one of these...

And once in a great while we saw a face like this...

But overall, it was a wonderful experience, and a good time was had by all.

We had to pull Sam off of Joseph Smith's shoulders to take this picture.

Making rope...COOL!

Sam really got into the pioneer games.

Joey would've been a very cute pioneer kiddo.

Adam is pleasant wherever he goes.

Danielle handled the trip like a champ.

My oldest brother Heber had been there a lot, so he knew all the fun things to do.

Two of his kids, Natalie and Hyrum, playing pioneer games.

My oldest sister Rebecca has the most kids (6), but for some reason I didn't get any pictures of them.  Blerg! 

Let's call an emergency re-reunion!

My second brother Nathan didn't come...booooo!

My second older sister has 3 lovely girls.

Soooo cute!

Cute Again!

My little brother, Grant, and his sweet wife Ashoflower (Ashley).

Learning how to weave....

Grant + Ashley = Kendra the-pizza-eating-queen

Or Kendra-Cuteness-of-Gerber-Baby

My Youngest brother, Seth--the doctor in training.

Seth's sweet wife Kristina and lil' Alivia.

Alivia's cheeks and eyelashes--zoom them up to appreciate!

Together our family majorly overwhelmed the small buffet at our hotel every night.

My favorite picture taken on this phase of the trip--Sam looking solemn in Carthage Jail, where the prophet Joseph Smith was killed.

Very moody, no?  I love the lighting.

Thank you, Beautiful Nauvoo!  I hope to see you again soon.

My Heart

Have you ever wondered what makes my heart go pitter-pat?  Would you like a paddleboat ride through the deepest fjord of ecstasy of which I am capable?  Well then, watch this video . . . I have watched it like 50 times.



I can assure you that I taught him to wipe the spit off his teeth, grimace on the high notes, and lose all concentration whenever anyone starts clapping.  It is all part of the charm.

It was a church talent show.  And I was soooo proud of him for not freaking out, because he's never done anything like this before, and it was a big audience for such a little boy.