We have so much to be thankful for this holiday season.
There was lots of food with lots of special people.
We recognize the blessing that it is for us to be here. The friendships and associations we have with these missionaries are going to make this Thanksgiving and Christmas season so memorable.
The missionaries had flashlights while they sang a song about lighting the Christmas Tree.
Then...
On went the lights!!!
This tree is beautiful!
It is decorated with ornaments that represent each of the sites in Historic Nauvoo.
It is fun to look at it and try and figure out what site that ornament represents.
Rifles, wooden rocking horses, beehives, horse shoes, CD discs, etc.
The Family Living Center's tree is beautiful with hand dipped candles, rag dolls, rope wreaths and cookie cutter ornaments.
Ten new missionary couples arrived. These are the Mabey's.
We were their host couple. It has been fun helping them get all moved in and settled.
There was training before the temple opened back up from the shut down for all the new arrivals.
It was really special to be in the temple with these new couples.
They have caught on quick and are doing great.
We are enjoying the winter schedule.
Monday is our P-day.
We work 2 shifts on Tuesday.
Shift coordinators on Wednesday PM.
Baptistry coordinators on Thursday PM.
We work Friday AM.
And are Baptistry Coordinators on Saturday AM.
AM shifts have 3 sessions 10am, 11am and Noon.
PM shifts have 2 sessions 6pm and 7pm.
Saturday the temple is open all day.
There has been lots of activity in the gardens around the temple lately.
The grass was killed off and all the old sod removed.
Yesterday new sod arrived and is being installed. Who knew you could lay sod this time of year.
Along with the new sod, the Christmas decorations are going up.
We just love the garland and lanterns, it is so Nauvoo!
And so beautiful.
Downtown is also getting all dressed up for Christmas.
The cornstalks and fall decorations have been replaced with Christmas trees and
Nativity scenes and lighted garland across Mullholland Street.
We will get some better pictures of downtown soon.
Something new happened on the way to Ft Madison.
We were paddle boarded, haha!
First time ever. Usually we get barged, not this time!
It was a paddle board being pushed down river by a tug boat.
Friday night was the tree lighting at the Visitor's Center.
(Tree picture photo bombed by President Irion!)
Here the site missionaries are singing Joy to the World.
All the lights were turned out.
The missionaries had flashlights while they sang a song about lighting the Christmas Tree.
Then...
This tree is beautiful!
It is decorated with ornaments that represent each of the sites in Historic Nauvoo.
It is fun to look at it and try and figure out what site that ornament represents.
Rifles, wooden rocking horses, beehives, horse shoes, CD discs, etc.
Bro and Sister Tukuafu played some prelude to the live nativity.
The nativity was awesome.
It has angels singing...
Samuel the Lamanite prophesying the Saviors birth.
Joseph, Mary and baby Jesus.
A new star and shepherds...
Wise men bringing gifts to the Christ child...
It was a wonderful way to bring in the Christmas season.
It was sweet.
We caught a great picture of our dear friends the Peterson's.
Part of the Christmas walk was in the Women's Garden.
There were luminaries in the garden. It made it look beautiful.
Unfortunately doesn't photograph well.
There were wagon rides down Main Street.
The horses have their jingle bells on now for the season.
We love hearing them pass by our home.
There were luminaries down Main Street as well.
Along with fire barrels and caroling and story telling.
So fun to ride the wagon at night while we sang Christmas carols.
Refreshments were in the Family Living Center.
The Family Living Center's tree is beautiful with hand dipped candles, rag dolls, rope wreaths and cookie cutter ornaments.
Us and the Checketts...love these missionaries so much!
We invite all to celebrate the Savior's birth this year by making the world a little brighter.
You can do that by following His life, His example and His teachings.