HAPPY NEW YEAR!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Well it's almost 2014. So much happened in 2013 that I think I'm excited for the new year. Looking back on 2013 I'm so thankful that my health has improved. Last year at this time I was battling with Hemolytic Anemia and going through weekly chemo-like treatments. Then back surgery in January and total hip replacement in May. What a year of trials with my health. Glad all that is over and I feel so great now. Heavenly Father has blessed me so much and the only way I can replay him is to live worthy of his love for me. I know that this mission would not have been possible without his help and my desire to be here.
Everyday I count my many blessings and try my hardest in the temple to do my best in serving the patrons and my fellow temple missionaries.

I think the highlight of the year was when we finally got our mission call to Nauvoo. Everything has been wonderful since then. We hated saying goodby to our family and friends. I cried all the way to the Utah state line before we entered Wyoming. I know Rudi thought I was crazy but I was so emotional that morning when our entire family came to our house to send us off. They brought breakfast and presents and tons of hugs and kisses for us. I'll never forget their love and concern for us on that Sunday morning.
You'd think I was never going to see them again. Hopefully we'll be seeing them this summer when they ALL come to Nauvoo to visit. The invitation is open to any of our friends also.

Our first of two Christmases in Nauvoo was wonderful thanks to all the sweet homesick missionaries that rallied around all of us. We had a lot of parties, dinners and activities to help keep our minds off our families at home. Thanks to our wonderful children and grandkids our Christmas Eve was very special. We face timed them during their annual Christmas Eve party at Tiffini's home. We got to talk to all of them personally. We also had a very humbling experience thanks to Troy and Kristin. Troy emailed us a few days before Christmas and asked us to email him our testimonies, especially about the Nauvoo Temple. That night Rudi and I put together our thoughts and quickly emailed them to Troy. Kristin then bought pictures of the Nauvoo Temple for everyone and put our testimony on the back of the picture. Troy then read our testimonies while we were face timing to everyone. It was a tear jerker for us. Hopefully our family will always have that picture and our testimony to remind them of our love for them and our temple mission. Thanks again Troy for your wonderful idea.

Before we talked to our family on Christmas Eve we went on a hay wagon to the Red Barn in Fort Madison for a non-demonational program. It was very nice but freezing cold outside! I didn't think my feet would ever unthaw. After the hay ride we went to Sister Dewey's for a Mexican dinner. The food was yummy and the missionaries were fun as usual.
On Christmas Day we went for breakfast at the Terry's place and had the best apple pancakes and homemade syrup. The Hollands were there also. Really nice people. Bro. Holland had cancer a few years back. He hasn't been feeling well and is going through some tests to see if it has returned. We're all praying that he'll be O.K. We serve with them on the social committee so we know them quit well.
That afternoon we had a huge Christmas Dinner for all the site and temple missionaries. The cultural hall at the church was decorated so beautifully. The ceiling was covered in white twinkle lights. I can't get over how elaborate all the dinners and socials are. Of course then I realize that almost all of the sisters here have been ward and stake R.S. presidents, Y.W. leaders and just plan wonderful organized people. They keep me on my toes. Don't think we have a huge budget because we don't have a penny to work with. Everyone brings food and the decorations are made of tree limbs and acorns and sprayed berries etc. It was fantastic what they come up with to make the tables just sparkle. Traci will back me up on this fact since she was here for our Thanksgiving Dinner.

By Thursday we were ready to go back to work at the temple. Friday I was assigned to guide a young sister taking her endowments out. I've never been trained to be a guide yet so I questioned the shift coordinator and told her I had no idea what was required of me. She didn't seem to be nervous or concerned that I needed any special help. I wished I could've been as calm as she was. After about 10 minutes of instructions and a You'll do just fine, I went to work. What a wonderful experience I had with her. She's been going to school at B.Y.U. for the last 2 years and is now going on a mission to Vera Cruz Mexico. She was so darling and her mom was delighted to have me there to help. I told her that I'd be with her all day and she didn't need to worry about a thing. It was such a special day. When I helped in the initiatory part of her process I did it perfectly. I was so surprised especially since the wording is a little different in own endowment initiatory. It was also very touching when I assisted her at the veil. She just looked at me with those big brown eyes and counted on me to get her through this last and most important part of the endowment. After I waited for her in the celestial room to greet her parents she came up to me and said that I was like the angel in It's a Wonderful Life; always there to help her and assist her in any way possible. At the end of the day I felt so wonderful and full of happiness that I was able to assist her in such an important part of her eternal progression. That's what temple missions are all about. Loving the patrons and serving with kindness. I do love my mission!

Rudi and I have been actively trying to get the temple work done for some of our ancestors. We've both done endowments for some of Rudi's ancestors. Our four oldest grandkids are doing baptisms and confirmations on some of my ancestors. We really appreciate their help. Hopefully by summer when our family comes we will have more names ready for all the family to do temple work.

Today was busy as usual being Sunday. I taught the Sunday School lesson on The Family: A Proclamation to the World. Scary experience but so glad it is over. I know I learned the most and that's how it always is for me. The one thing that I learned from this lesson was what I always say to my kids, I want them all at my table in Heaven, no empty seats. I hope and pray that all of my family knows of my love for them.

After church I had choir practice. Rudi was a sweet husband today and got all the table ready for our dinner company. We had the Wade's and the Willis's over for a ham dinner with all the fixings. Yes, Ellie, I made creamed potatoes. She's always begging me to make creamed potatoes at home for Sunday dinner. Wish you were here to finish up the left overs. Miss you as a shui chef to help me.

Josh and Ethan you have nothing up on Grandpa. Today I passed the sacrament in Sacrament meeting. Since we don't have any young deacons, they have to use us old guys to do your work. It was good to get back to basics and do the really important stuff in our church. Nothing more important than the sacrament.

I hope none of you missed that sweet husband stuff above. Grandma and I are having a great time here.
We hope you all had a wonderful Christmas with your families. Thanks so much for all the cards and pictures.

We wish you a healthy and happy New Year.

With love always,

Elder and Sister Diederich
Rudi and Kathy
Dad and Mom
Grandpa and Grandma

 HAPPY BIRTHDAY TO KATHY AND RUDI IN JANUARY!

 Troy still doesn't get the idea of FEAR!

 Nativity scene next to the temple.

 Breakfast Christmas morning with the Hollands at the Terry's home.

 Temple choir singing at our Christmas dinner. Blurry but can you find Kathy?

 Rudi and Kathy at the Christmas dinner. It was decorated so beautifully.

 Kathy serving Cherry Cream Dessert to over 200 people. You can always find me where the goodies are.

 All the temple winter missionaries.

 Freezing at our wagon ride to the Red Barn. Don't let other people take pictures with your camera.

 Rudi enjoying the Christmas spirit.

 Clear day in Nauvoo. Love the temple!

Downtown Nauvoo along Mulhalland Street.

MERRY CHRISTMAS

It feels like Christmas here with all the snow and ice. Its beautiful to look at but hazardous to walk around. Three missionaries have fallen on the ice, so everyone is being a lot more cautious. All the wards in the stake back here were cancelled today, but not the site and temple missions. Since we aren't part of the stake or in a ward our mission decided to hold all the regular meetings. You should have seen all the old elders and sisters getting into the chapel. Slow and steady but so worried about falling or slipping on the ice.

Our sacrament Christmas program was so special that I'm glad it wasn't canceled. The site choir sang three beautiful numbers and Pres. and Sister Gilliland [site president] spoke and of course their talks were wonderful. I love the Christmas hymns, and special musical numbers.

Rudi was assigned to teach the Sunday School lesson today. He did fantastic, and even shocked himself at how easy it was. Everyone complimented him and said it was very interesting. His topic was "Being good citizens". He related things from his fathers experiences living in Germany. There was a lot a class participation and interest in the topic. Ron Hawkins, once again you would have been proud of him. I'm suppose to teach next week. I'm scared to death. Too many former stake presidents, bishops, mission presidents etc. in the class. Maybe it will snow even more and get more icy and they'll call church off! My lesson is on the Family Proclamation. Hopefully there will be a lot of comments.

I can't believe Christmas is almost here. Yesterday we had a little disaster in our cottage. Rudi was vacuuming and accidentally sucked up the skirt of the Christmas tree. It was a mess, tree and ornaments everywhere. Traci I'm sorry but I had to redecorate the tree. Not fun but I finally got it put back together, somewhat. Its not as perfect as when you decorated it.

Last Monday night we went to Pres. Rowtoski's for a missionary Christmas get together. We had so much fun. Food, games, and laughter who needs anything else for a party.

This week in the temple we had two marriages. It's so neat to see the beautiful brides in their dresses and long flowing capes to keep themselves warm. I wish when my grandkids get married they might like to come to Nauvoo. I know I won't still be here but it would still be so special. The brides room is real small but so beautiful. I really don't care where they get married as long as it is in a temple!

Our prayer meetings are so spiritual and really help me get ready to serve. Yesterday I led the music for the first time since we came. It's good to feel needed. I love these people and they seem to love us. It looked like a group of angels all dressed in white singing Hark the Herald Angels Sing, as I led the music. I felt almost like I was in heaven enjoying the celestial choir.

Today we were invited to dinner at the Hullinger's across the street. He's the 2nd counselor in the temple presidency. It was so good and fun to get to know them better. The Gorrell's were also there. We know them pretty good because they serve on the social committee with us. I had to take dessert so I made fudge mint brownies. They loved them. Once again where is my family to eat the brownies that are left?

This week we have four days off because of Christmas. Sunday thru Wednesday. I know we're spoiled but we do as we are told, the temple is closed Christmas Eve and Christmas Day. More free time to socialize!

Tomorrow we're going to Burlington to grocery shop and catch a movie and dinner. We might invite a couple to go with us.

Well family and friends before I close I want to wish you all the merriest of Christmas's. We'll miss being there for Christmas but know that you'll keep up traditions. Rudi and I are so happy serving here in Nauvoo and feel your love and support. We know that our Father in Heaven is watching over all of you and especially us. We're so grateful for this wonderful opportunity to serve and grow in the gospel. We feel our Saviors love daily and especially at this season of His birth. Stay close to your families and The Lord.

Remember that the temple is where our eternal happiness is sealed forever. We recommend that all who can go to the temple and enjoy the true meaning of happiness do so.

We love you all, and your emails!

Rudi and Kathy

Elder and Sister

Grandpa and Grandma

P.S. No sweet husband today, just a bad husband for messing up the Christmas tree. Just goes to show that a man can't be sweet two weeks in a row. What can I do to be called a sweet husband again? We are just loving this place very much.

HAPPY BIRTHDAY TO JOESPH SMITH, December 23rd. Joseph and Hyrum statute in front of the Nauvoo Temple covered in snow.

 

Wilford Woodruff home decorated and covered in snow.

Beautiful Nauvoo Temple during a snowstorm.  It doesn't loo as white with all the snow on the ground.

Enjoying the winter wonderland.

Nauvoo Temple decorated for the holidays.  So charming and inviting.

Nauvoo Temple at night with a full moon.

WHITE CHRISTMAS IN NAUVOO!!!

Welcome to the North Pole! I know that most of you are freezing, including St. George. We had to check this week with people in St. George to make sure our condo heat was turned on. Never thought it would get colder there than here in Nauvoo. What's this crazy weather all about?

This week has been filled with running from our warm and cozy cottage, to our warm car, to the warmth of the temple. In between was fridge cold and icy. Inside the temple the atmosphere is not just warm and inviting but full of the spirit that we've learned to love and enjoy. It's been so slow this week because of the cold and wind that the patrons are really low in number. Yesterday I followed a session with one sister and two brethren. The witness couple were temple workers and only one brother was a patron. We always have a session even if only one person shows up. It was really different but the spirit was so strong. I know Heavenly Father is there whether one person is present or every seat is filled.

Last Monday Rudi and I spent most of the afternoon at the Family Search Center, located right across the street from the temple. We really felt the spirit of Elijah when we found six names each that needed some or all of their temple ordinances performed. I was really exciting and humbled to be able to personally represent one of my ancestors in an endowment session. We sent home four names for our grandchildren to do baptisms and confirmations for their ancestors also. I can't believe what a slacker I've been in getting involved in helping my ancestors in their eternal progression. Rudi found quit a few names of German ancestors who were baptized and confirmed but no other ordinances were performed. It makes us wonder why their work wasn't finished. It may have been finished but not recorded.

Tuesday and Thursday night we attend a class given by Susan Easton Black Durrant at the stake center. Its about Joseph Smith's life. What a special treat to be taught by probably one of the most knowledgeable people on his life. Susan has a home here in Nauvoo because BYU had her here so often doing research for her 140 books that she wrote. George Durrant also gives little tidbits about his life as a boy at Christmas time in American Fark (Fork for those outside of Utah County). What a delight he is and so funny. Whenever you ask him how he is doing, he always says, This is the best day of my life. What a great example he is to us missionaries. Sister Durrant tells the best stories about Joseph and his life experiences. We are so lucky to have them here in Nauvoo serving as temple missionaries.

Wednesday morning Kathy had a candy making demonstration in our cottage. It was a huge success with many sisters attending. Next Friday the sisters will bring candy to the Temple lunch room that they learned to make from the demonstration. This was not Kathy's idea but some of the sisters decided to have a sugar high Friday.

I know some of you think we just party all the time, but remember we work eight hours in the temple five days a week and then go out again at night to enjoy the activities of Nauvoo. Friday night we got to go to the production of the Messiah at the Catholic Church here in Nauvoo. It was an interfaith event that even included some of our missionaries. It was really well done and the acoustics in that building were wonderful. Rudi and I enjoyed the true feeling of the Christmas spirit from the music. This little town of Nauvoo really has some great voices and an entire orchestra to go along with the production.

Today being Sunday was spent at church and at choir practice for me. I've tried to get Rudi to come but his voice box won't cooperate. We sang in sacrament meeting today and Rudi said we sounded really good for a bunch of old farts. He should talk! We sing again on Christmas Day at our dinner with all the site and temple missionaries. They've asked me to sing in a double quartet in January. I guess they're really hard up for someone to say Yes. I didn't know you could say No. So I guess I'm going to do it. I haven't sang in the choir for years. Breath control isn't so good anymore. I think everyone feels that way. I think the last time I sang in a choir was when Anne Hawkins begged me to sing when she was the choir director. Wish I had her voice!

The best thing happened today when I got home from choir practice. I walked into our cottage and something smelled so good. I hadn't fixed anything for lunch because we needed to go shopping, but my sweet husband had found some chicken and teriyaki noodles and fixed them as a surprise. I couldn't believe my eyes, Rudi cooked!
Old age is really mellowing him. Miracles still happen in Old Nauvoo!

Well my fingers are tired of working so hard and I'm still in a daze from the miracle. Until next week, enjoy the holidays and the snow, NOT.
We love you all and miss being with you during this time of the year but we are staying busy with all the wonderful people here in Nauvoo.

Elder and Sister Diederich
Rudi and Kathy
Grandpa and Grandma

P.S. Tiffini, make sure that you get that part about the sweet husband into our blog. Never heard that kind of stuff come from your mother. I check the weather difference between Nauvoo and Orem and find it to be very close. Right now it is 22 degrees in Orem and 22 degrees in Nauvoo. We are enjoying being here very much.

Love

the sweet husband

 HAPPY BIRTHDAY TIELER! Hope your 17th birthday is as special as Sweet 16. How can we be old enough to have a 17 year old granddaughter! What a beauty she is inside and out.

 This is what winter looks like at our cottage. Not much snow but so cold!

 Christmas tree at the Visitors Center.

 Live nativity at the Cultural Hall in old Nauvoo.

 One of many lite attractions in Fort Madison, Iowa.

 Sister missionaries who came to my candy making class. Our cottage was bulging with happy, sweet sisters. It felt like a Relief Society get together.

 Male cardinal, check out his bright red color.

 Sorry females, we aren't as pretty as the males!

 Tufted Titmouse enjoying the bird feeder.

 Memories of warmer days! Loved the fall colors and warmth.

CAN IT GET ANY COLDER!!!!!!!

First of all HAPPY BIRTHDAY to my youngest child, Tami, on Friday. I hope you have a wonderful birthday and know how much I love and miss you. Have some cake for me!

This past week has been the coldest so far in Nauvoo for us. I know all of you are having snow and extremely cold temperatures, but for some reason Nauvoo is colder feeling because of the humidity. The wind and cold goes right thru you. Straight to the bones! I've even considered buying a hat to keep me warmer. Those that know me and my hair will be laughing right now, but its that cold! Maybe earmuffs will have to do.Today it's been snowing most of the day. It doesn't collect like in Utah because the wind just blows it away. It looks really pretty from my window, but don't ask me to go out too often.

Last Monday night we went to a real fun family home evening. Everyone brought a white elephant gift. I came home with a crock pot and Rudi got a lettuce spinner. I love the small crock pot but Rudi took the spinner which went to the missionary D.I. the next day. We took Christmas candy dishes filled with homemade English toffee. We found the dishes in a box of Christmas ornaments left by missionaries who have gone home. I thought some candy would make it more desirable, and it did! We also went to the Family Search Center and learned about how to research our relatives. Pres. McArthur then challenged all of us to find at least one person from our family ancestors that we could do the temple work for. Well guess where Rudi and I will be tomorrow on our P-day, yup, you're right researching our ancestors. Pres. McArthur promised us we'd have a much happier Christmas if we do this. Since I believe every word he says I'm going to give it my all. We also have to write about something spiritual that has happened to us in the last year that can be put in our family record. Wow, we need to get busy!

Tuesday night after our shift at the temple 12 couples went to Keokuk for dinner at an Italian restaurant Angelias. The food was great but the conversation was the best. These missionaries are so much fun and have had some very interesting experiences in their lives. We try to go to as many of the social outings that we can. You really get to know people better around a table with food on it.

I got to celebrate a little this week since I finally passed off all the temple parts. It feels so good to finally be of some good to the patrons and the other sisters. Rudi and I spend an hour on Tuesday morning helping each other learn the parts. I found a quiet place in the temple to study. We go to the nursery and sit in the rocking chairs. We hardly ever have children in the temple in the winter so it's a great place to sit and meditate and memorize. Rudi is going thru the, I'll never learn all this phase, that I just came out of. He'll get it but he just has to be patient and have a little faith.

I finally got cleared to be a follower in the temple. It took a few weeks because the presidency had to check with the higher ups to make sure I could do it properly because of my missing finger on my right hand. I was really surprised they questioned it at all. This is the first time in 67 years that anyone has ever told me I couldn't do something because of my finger. Our new temple presidency is being sure to dot all the "I's" and cross all the "T's". I completely understand and appreciate their thoroughness. I told the president that if I couldn't be a follower then I at least wanted a handicapped parking place. HaHaHa

Friday night was the Christmas in Old Nauvoo celebration. The temple missionaries worked late that night but we went down at about 8 p.m. and enjoyed hot chocolate and cider, cookies, yummy breads, relish platters, and cheese balls and crackers. They decorated all the sites and buildings including the streets. They put paper bags with lights inside them all the way down the old Nauvoo Main Street. It looked so festive. They had street carolers and of course the live nativity in the old Cultural Hall. It was so cold that night that everyone just ran from building to building to stay warm. We missed a lot but still felt of the spirit there. There was a sad incident that took away from the special night. One of the site missionaries was standing next to a large barrel with a fire in it to keep warm and her long period style dress caught on fire. Some of the people next to her threw her to the ground and put the fire out. Unfortunately she was burned pretty bad and the life flight helicopter was called in. She is at the burn center in Iowa City now. The saddest thing was that they were scheduled to go home today from their mission. We all feel so bad for her and her husband. They say she'll need plastic surgery and weeks in the burn center to heal properly.

Today we had another wonderful Sunday. After church I had choir practice and rushed home to get the meal ready for our neighbors across the street. I fixed apricot chicken with a ham fried rice. The neighbors brought tossed salad and dessert. I also made hot rolls. It was fun to get to know them better. We love just sitting around the table talking about our kids and where we live and past experiences. I don't seem to miss my family as much when I stay busy. Don't get me wrong I still think about my family and wish I could be with them but I'm gaining a new substitute family here.

The outside of the temple looks so pretty with all the garland and lights on the fence around it. I wish you could see and feel the spirit of Nauvoo. It really is something special! I honestly can say that we are so happy here and know that our families and friends are being blessed by our service.

This Christmas Spirit is spreading and very catchy. We hope and pray that you all will have a wonderful Christmas with your families and loved ones. You'll be in our hearts and minds.

Keep warm! We'll try not to freeze, but keep warm knowing all is well with you.

Love always,

Rudi and Kathy
Elder and Sister
Dad and Mom
Grandpa and Grandma

 HAPPY BIRTHDAY TAMI!!! Dec. 13th

 Strange cloud formation.

Sunset of the same clouds.

 Squirrel with acorn in his mouth and in both paws. Must be hungry!

 Foggy night at the temple. The fence is decorated with garland and ribbon. Love this picture, hate the cold!

 Main Street in Nauvoo with Christmas decorations. Check out the car.

 Kind of spooky looking in downtown Nauvoo.

Traci's Christmas present to us. There were 5 stars. They really make our cottage look Christmasy.

 More glass stars and of course our trusty Tahoe.

 More eagles on a clear day but frigid cold.

 Christmas party in the Family Living Center in old Nauvoo. Good friends, the Willis's.

 As usual it was beautiful and so festive!

 Rudi in his favorite spot, at the kitchen table with his ipad.

Love our festive little tree in our cozy little cottage.

 Still loving my Christmas present.

 Temple with the nativity scene at the side. Really breathtaking!

 Frozen log on the Mississippi River.

Slowly the river is freezing over. I would like to see it completely frozen but that means even colder temperatures. Burrrrrrr

IT'S BEGINNING TO LOOK A LOT LIKE CHRISTMAS IN NAUVOO!!!

 



Well its December 1st and time to start thinking about Christmas.

I hope you all had a great Thanksgiving and are all home safely. We had such a fun time with Traci here for a week. She really brightened our holiday and brought so much from home. Thanks to my sweet family our Christmas tree is decorated with beautiful picture ornaments of our 12 grandchildren. We found a 41/2 foot tree in our storage unit that a former missionary left here, so we snagged it and brought it home. It's perfect for our little cottage. Traci helped me get it up and decorated so we have the Christmas spirit already. Rudi also gave me my early Christmas present, the beautiful Queen Anne's Lace nativity set. I absolutely love it and will cherish it throughout the years. It will always remind me of Nauvoo and the unique Queen Anne's flower that grows wild here.

Last week was so busy with Traci here. She wanted to spend the whole day in the temple with us. What a special experience we had with her. We started off by doing a session with her. Rudi and I were the witness couple so that made it extra nice. Having her sit next to me was such a special feeling.
Next I was assigned to initiatory. Usually a patron only does five names but Traci got to do fifteen names that day. Rudi and I were then needed in sealings so Traci went with us. It was so cute when the sealer asked her if she would act as our daughter. Needless to say he didn't know she was our daughter in real life. We got a kick out of that! Traci commented that she now knows why I am so tired when I get home from the temple. Try doing that 5 times a week. We love it!

Rudi and Traci spent a lot of time going to the Nauvoo sites. It was so cold that I opted out of being in the cold so much. I went to a few, but they had fun bonding and walking in the cold. I'm always cold and don't need a cold or anything to keep me from the temple.

We went to Carthage and Burlington one day. We also saw two movies while she was here. Traci had just finished reading the book, "The Book Thief, so we decided to go see the movie. I recommend it highly. It's about a girl in Germany during World War ll. German relatives you'd enjoy it and relate to a lot of her experiences.

On Thanksgiving day we ate dinner with about 200 missionaries. The food was so good and tons of it. Even homemade rolls and pies. I was assigned the relish trays so you know I had to do something different, so I made turkey relish trays. Everyone said they didn't want to mess them up. I told them to ruffle the feathers and dig in. Everyone loved them! It seemed so odd not to be making pies, sweet potatoes, homemade rolls etc.

Traci and I really had fun trying some new recipes out. To eat out we have to go about 20 minutes or so. Thus I cook a lot more than at home.

I hope my family is enjoying the homemade caramels I sent home with Traci! Love to make them for them.

Thanks family for the wonderful book of our cruise to Europe this summer. It brought back so many wonderful memories.

Today being Fast Sunday we enjoyed the testimonies of such spiritual giants. This place really makes you grateful that you get to rub shoulders with so many great examples of good. During Priesthood and Relief Society we had another testimony meeting just for the temple missionaries. Once again a spiritual feast. Love these people and their strong testimonies.

After church we had our annual winter picture of all the temple missionaries on the steps of the temple. I can't wait to get a copy. Then we had the break the fast dinner at the Hollands. It was so nice and delicious. Everyone brings something so it's easy and fun to relax and just laugh and talk. We're getting to know so many new people and loving them all. I took my Cherry Cream Cake for them to try since we'll be making it for dessert at the Christmas dinner for all the missionaries, about 200 again!

Like I said at the first of the email it's beginning to look a lot like Christmas in Nauvoo. All the buildings and sites are decorated with wreaths and garland and Christmasy things, I love it! You know me and Christmas. Now if my family could just be here for Christmas Eve it would be perfect.

Thankfully the weather is getting a little warmer. When the wind doesn't blow it's almost balmy. Well, in the 40's.

We look forward to the season of celebrating our Savior. This year will be different but I'm sure very memorable. Nauvoo is so special and we are so lucky to be here and feel of the wonderful spirit.

We think about you all and pray that this season of love will find you enjoying your family and friends. We sure enjoy all of you!

Until next week stay sweet and happy, we love and miss you.

Elder and Sister Diederich
Mom and Dad
Grandma and Grandpa

 Making turkey relish trays for our Thanksgiving dinner with all of the missionaries.

 Old Nauvoo Main Street.

 Seventy Hall pulpit. So fun to have Traci here.

 This picture is for you Ron Hawkins. Rudi enacting his priesthood lesson at the famous 70's Hall.

 On the stage of the Cultural Hall.

 At the visitors center in Carthage.

 Eagles in the bare trees at the end of Parleys street near the Mississippi River. You can see them a lot better without leaves on the trees.

 The most beautiful tree ever, thanks to our grandkids and their happy smiling faces. Thanks for brightening our Christmas!

 Thanks Rudi for my early Christmas present. Love this nativity set. I'll always remember Nauvoo when I put this out every year.

 The beauty of a quiet farm in Nauvoo.

Sunrise in Nauvoo.