Lindner Family Hand Cart Trek

Many Saints who could not afford wagons, packed what they could into a hand cart as they headed westward.  Our family decided to take part in a 2 mile trek to try to gain some appreciation for what the saints endured.  Our trail marker- reading skills turned out to be not so good, as our two mile trek turned out to be about a 4 mile trek.  (We took a loop a few more times than we should have!)

Trails were marked clearly but the conditions we not always easy to get through.  We went up grassy knolls, down steep, rocky hills , through creeks and small rivers, around trees and right through big old cow pies and mud.

And while the hand carts look rather wimpy, they are not light.  We learned that when the saints headed west they carried with them on average 500 additional pounds of supplies. Simply plopping a few 3-year-olds into the cart made it feel so much heavier. I cannot imagine pulling that cart over boulders and slowly lowering it down ravines with 500 lbs of supplies in it... while being careful not to spill any.  

Along the way we read signs that told of the hardships the saints faced.  Some were personal accounts of lost children, individuals starving to death and others portrayed the great faith and hope these people possessed. It really helped us to keep things in perspective.

  Grandma and Meela tossing some cow chips!

 Despite the few detours we took, there was very little whining from the children. We were proud of them as they all took turns pulling and pushing the cart, and helping to entertain the younger boys. We learned in our short 2 hours out on 'the plains' that the Saints were strong, faithful, hardworking people who persevered through whatever was placed in their path to religious freedom and happiness.  And I think we all realized that many of the 'hard' things we are asked (or forced) to do in this life do not really even compare to the sacrifices these people went through.  If there was one thing we learned, I think it would be 'We can do hard things.' I plan on putting this in the children's rooms in some form.

 The 2015 Lindner Family Hand Cart Company :) 

 This was really a very neat experience.  We worked together to get through some difficult circumstances and showed how special a family unit working together truly is.

visiting the Joneses

 The other day we went to Tomahawk to visit Cheryl and Tom Jones.  What was intended to be a service trip turned into them making us dinner and letting us have fun in their yard.  Reguardless the reason we were there, we had such a great time.  Being with them is just like being with family.  They boys enjoyed paddling around a little bit, and the girls really enjoyed harvesting some veggies in Cheryl's amazing garden.  That garden makes me want to have a garden myself.... we shall see :)

the women's garden

I set my alarm for sunrise one morning, anxious to catch a glimpse of  both the temple grounds and the Women's Garden early before the sun cast its harsh shadows upon them.  

It was a crisp morning, and I slipped on my hoodie, grabbed my camera and snuck out before anyone else was even awake.  As I neared the temple the sun was peeking out and beginning to illuminate its beautiful walls.  The sister missionaries were out and waved as they passed during their early morning exercise.

Instead of feeling tired that early, I felt invigorated. The grounds were quiet and serene.  Birds sang, but stillness was all around.  The spirit evident at any other time was simply amplified as I walked around and took in Nauvoo's breathtaking gardens and vibrant flowers.

The Monument to Women Memorial Garden was created to honor the many rolls that women play. There are 13 statues; each depicting the different and important rolls women hold. Simply stated: It is breathtaking.

One thing is for sure.  An early morning walk will be on my list for next time.

oh... the fun we had!

We did so many neat things on the Streets of Old Nauvoo.  We took rides on wagons, we walked around, we toured, and we learned so much about the Saints and life back in the 1840's.

Pioneer Pasttimes was a neat place offering old fashioned games and activities for the kids.  We visited a few different times.  The girls just loved dressing in the old-time dresses, and interacting with the sister missionaries.