Carthage, the Nauvoo Pageant, fishin', and missing teeth

Here we are again. It's Nauvoo Pageant time and we thought we'd hit Carthage, too. What a wonderful experience to go where the Prophet Joseph Smith and Hyrum Smith we're martyrd. Okay that came out wrong. It was a humbling experience especially when combined with the Pageant. Here we are out in front after the tour. A tour that fascinates the young male mind because they know that several people were shot here...and, well, that's cool. Someday they'll get it but for now...we smile and nod. Behind us is the Jail and Joseph and Hyrum.
Below is the window through which Joseph fell after he was shot. In this room it we sang "Praise to the Man" with several others. I cried, the boys the boys looked at me confused (it's not a new emotion for them :O)...It was AWESOME!!!!

Some Pageant highlights, besides the show itself, were the games and Ev getting to play the violin. He loved it, as you can see from his expression!!!

Here was a race with a saw. Of course Lijah and I kicked Jared and Ethan's behind. There were also sack races, stilts, horseshoes, stick pulling, braiding and many other activities geared toward kids and family. A solid hour where I wasn't trying to entertain them. It was HEAVEN!!!

Here, Cliff (our neighbors son), took us to an awesome pond to fish. We caught a fish about every 3-5 minutes. Below is Elijah with his first bass and after that is Ethan with the guys. Jared was on worm and hook duty. We kept him pretty busy. You know, they say you can catch them there fish with worms or sweet corn. Is that even an option?...I'd choose corn EVERY time. You know what the boys chose...worms...Boys are GROSS and I'm outnumbered!!!

Here Ev and I pose with our award winning, I'm not quite sure what you do with, SUN FISH. Yes, that is a tiny fish but we are still so proud. "Nottin' better than fishin' with my boy:::spit:::"
Last but certainly the most entertaining is Elijah. He, finally, lost those 2 front teeth today. Yes, one step closer to working through the awkward stages. We only have about 10 years left. Soon he'll be able to say his "th" sound again. Do you love the picture? We are sooooo excited :::wink:::