Rudi and Kathy in Nauvoo: A Different Kind of Week!

Well another fun week in Nauvoo, but different than most. For two weeks the Nauvoo Temple is closed for maintenance work. Lucky Rudi had a full week of doing all the things they can't do when the temple workers and patrons are in the temple. Even luckier Kathy got to join Traci in Chicago for 5 days of fun and sight seeing. I took the Amtrak from Fort Madison to Union Station in downtown Chicago. That was an experience in itself. It took about 4 hours to get there. It was a smooth ride and only made 4 stops along the way. Traci had made reservations for us in the Holiday Inn where her convention was. I got to sit in on her presentation and I now know why she is so good at what she does. I couldn't understand half of what she was talking about. She's one sharp cookie!

While I was in Chicago we saw some very interesting sights. We went to a beautiful cathedral, so much wood, I kept thinking Troy would love this place with the intricate interior.

Taking a boat ride on the Chicago River was delightful and very informative. Our guide told us all about the fire in the late 1800's that destroyed a lot of the downtown buildings. Luckily they rebuilt new buildings that were even more magnificent than the ones that burned down.

Our next adventure was the huge Shedd Aquarium. I think it's the largest indoor aquarium in U.S. We loved it and couldn't believe all the exhibits with so many strange sea creatures. We kept saying Ellie would've loved this place since she is interested in becoming a marine biologist.

We also went to the Willis Tower [formerly the Sears Tower]. It's 103 stories high. We got to look out over the entire city and the Michigan Lake area. It was so amazing! We even stepped out on the glass cube that made you feel like you were stepping off the building. I hate heights but enjoyed the view and the experience.

Of course we didn't forget the most important part of the trip, trying all the delicious food! Traci and I agree that going to fun new restaurants is part of any vacation. No McDonald's, [sorry Margarete, I know its your favorite place] or any place that you can go to at home.

We also rode in lots of taxi cabs because the weather was a bit brisk with the famous Chicago wind and distances were a bit too far.

The best part of all was spending time with my daughter. We had so much fun talking and catching up on people and home things that I hated to say good-by again to her. Thank you Traci for a great week and providing me with great accommodations. Lets do it again soon!

Another highlight of the trip was having dinner with Jack Friend Jr. It was so good to see him again and catch up on his life. He's moved back to Illinois again. He lives about an hour outside the city so he took a train in to meet us. We had a great Italian dinner and just talked and enjoyed getting to know all about his life and what he's going thru. Thanks Jack for caring enough to spend some time with us! I hope to keep in touch with him.

Today in Sacrament Meeting one of the speakers mentioned about her senior body and senior mind. Some days I can really relate to that feeling. In Chicago I felt like my senior body just wouldn't go fast enough to keep up with Traci's young, in great shape body. I also think my senior mind can't memorize like it use to. But on the other hand I'm grateful I can still walk and slowly can remember all I need to know in the temple.

Another speaker mentioned about a picture of Christ on the Sea of Galilee with the wind and the waves crashing against the boat with the caption below it stating; Sometimes He calms the waters and sometimes He calms our hearts. I'm so grateful to have that calming spirit that all is well at home with my dear family and friends.

Many of you have mentioned that we seem to do nothing but party and have fun. Well it is a fun mission and outside the temple we have a lot of activities and get togethers. I promise we work at the temple. Not so much hard labor but a lot of mental labor for me, but physical labor for Rudi which he loves much more than the mental labor.

The apartment across the street is now completely empty. Our dear friends the Heils left yesterday for Colorado. We feel a little abandoned, But it will be filled again at the end of the week with three couples who are changing apartments [I guess everyone wants to be closer to the party cottage] Haha!

The weather here is still crisp but nice. We're suppose to get snow sometime this week. Yuk!!!!

I (Rudi) had a great week working on stuff at the temple which we can't do while it is open. Thursday afternoon I had a real nice visit with Phil (Hugo's son). Saw some of the sights around here and had a great meal in Hotel Nauvoo. Thanks Phil, it was a delight visiting with you and catching up about your family.

Well time to say good bye until next week. I love Sundays not just for church but a time to spend chatting with family and friends. Hope to hear from you all soon.

I hope you all realize these emails are our journal, so if I get a little lengthy its because I want to remember everything about this wonderful place, The City of Joseph.

Keep smiling!

With love always,

Rudi and Kathy [Elder and Sister]

HAPPY BIRTHDAY CALLIE! Hope your 10 year birthday is great. We love you and miss being there for your special day.

Kathy in Chicago. Beautiful decorations for fall everywhere.

Traci enjoying the sights with her mom.

Love the neat buildings.

Cathedral in downtown Chicago.

Really cool organ loaf.

On a boat tour of the city and the unique buildings.

This is where we stayed in Chicago.

Merchandize Mart Building, largest building space in America before the Pentagon. Kennedy's once owned this building.

Sky line of Chicago.

So many beautiful buildings. Notice the rain on the lens. Yep it rained!

Love how tall the Willis Tower [was the Sears Tower]. Its the one in the center. Couldn't see the top because of the clouds. 103 stories tall. Tallest in America.