LIGHT's trip to Nauvoo and Chicago March 16-23, 2009. I got to go with the boys. It was so much fun. We really had a great time.

This is us in Chicago (Can you tell by my hair that it really is the windy city?) I put these pictures in backwards so you have to look at them from the end of the trip back to the begining. Oh, well. We began and ended in Chicago. We went to Nauvoo for a few days at the beginning fo the trip and had so many wonderful experiences. Out testimonies were greatly strengthened. After the first few days we went back to Chicago. Follow our journey backwards...

The following are pictures from the Saturday Competion.

You can tell Adam isn't having any fun at all.

Adam is on left-center and Michael is right-center.

Don't they look great!?

It was interesting to see the other groups that we competed against. They are all High Schools and in the midwest Show Choirs are like a sport. They have a lot of financial support. Some of the groups had 3-4 costume changes and they were not cheap costumes. But one thing they all had in common was that none of them had modest costumes. All of them wore skimpy outfits or strapless or halter tops etc. Our girls were the only, and I mean only modest ones that performed. There was a very obvious difference in that aspect. We were even approached about it by others who asked if we were mormon. It was nice to be able to say yes were are and for them to say that they could tell. How grateful I am that our kids didn't have to worry about feeling uncomfortable in their costumes. They were a great example to the other groups.

We had our Sat. morning rehearsal in the pool.

It was a great way to start the day and laugh and have fun. It really took the kids by surprise when they were told to get in the water in formation for the first song of their competition numbers. It turned out to be extremely funny.

Many hours on the bus makes for great friends.

Adam and friends... The girls love to take pictures with the "Thurber Brothers"

Michael and friends...

A beautiful Chapel at Northwestern University where the Concert Choir Competion was held. It was incredible in there... The accoustics were amazing.

This was the back view of the chapel... It really was beautiful in there. After the competition we stayed and sang "I Believe in Christ" just to hear it in there... It was amazing.

This was the front of the chapel.

Adam on the second row.

Concert Choir Competion

Michael on the second row.

A dance hosted by FAME for the show choirs

At the blue man group show...what fun!

A Reverent day at Carthage Jail

There was much reverence for this place where the Prophet Joseph and his brother Hyrum were killed. Adam stands by the door with the bullet holes still in it that were fired into the room.

This is the stairway into and out of Carthage Jail.

Michael writing his inspirational thoughts.

The room was filled with the spirit as we sat and sang hymns while preparing to go into Carthage Jail.

Singing while waiting for the tour to begin at Carthage.

Smith Family Graveyard

The boys and I were able to go to the gravesides of Joseph & Hyrum and Emma. It was a touching place to be.

Joseph, Hyrum and Emma Smith graves.

Mississippi River where the saints crossed.

Michael wondering how he can take this great stick home on the plan to make it into a walking stick.

Michael at the Mississippi.

Adam wondering what Michael is up to.

Statue by Mississippi

Having fun

Caleb, Michael and Adam having fun at the statue by the Mississippi River where the saints crossed to leave Nauvoo.

Michael, Caleb & Adam

This was at the Brigham Young home there in Nauvoo.

"Nauvoo the Beautiful"... it really is!

When we first got into town we drove by the this beautiful temple. It was breath taking. What a blessing for me to be able to be there with my boys. I am truly grateful for all who made it possible for us to go there.

My dear friend, Patti was able to drive up from Missouri and tour with us. She was a great guide. We were able to attend a session after watching the boys of the group do baptisms. We had a wonderful time.

The first day we went touring for a little while and then the girls went to the temple for baptisms at 11:00 and then the boys at 1:00. I took a lot of mental pictures. They were beautiful.

Caleb, Josh, Sam, Michael, Adam & Parker

Aren't these boys cute?