Turkey in the Midwest

So for Thanksgiving we went back to Iowa where Jeff's family all met up at Bob and Kristina's. While we were there we went and saw New Moon, which I think has irreversibly made me a "Team Jacob" fan. While we were there we played lots of games and I found time to read The Lost Symbol (entertaining read- but extremely similar to all the rest of Dan Brown's books, just different location and a new love interest for Langdon). Here's us with some of our nieces and nephews.

Then we headed off to Macomb, Jeff's hometown, for my first time ever. On our drive I noticed that every farm house had an accompanying red barn. I loved it! Do you wanna know why there is a tradition of red barns? Red used to be the cheapest to paint to buy. Anyway, Jeff showed me all around his old stomping grounds: where he was born, his high school, Dairy Queen, Western Illinois University, downtown Macomb, Journey- his favorite childhood card shop, and of course, his lovely childhood house. We had a great time and it was so fun to see where Jeff grew up.


While we were there we were able to make a quick trip over to Nauvoo to visit my friend, Amanda - recently home from her mission, and some of the Nauvoo sights. I just love Nauvoo. I spent a semester there while I was in college, and going back felt like putting on an old sweater - so cozy and familiar. Here we are in John Taylor's home, right near the famous little rocking horse.



We had a great trip and it was so fun to see all of Jeff's family!