We made it to Nauvoo!

Trip Odometer:  2,500

the view across the street from our campsite

The Cedar River

that black soil is sticky mud which got on everything

We woke up early Friday morning and broke camp to the sound of thunder rolling through the skies.  We kept expecting to be dumped on by rain but it only sprinkled.  Then, we were off to the Lost Island Waterpark in Waterloo, IA. 

The waterpark was all done in a tropical island theme and had some fun rides.  It was strange for us Washington folk that the skies were dark, it was windy and rainy but it was still warm enough to enjoy ourselves. 

Lost Island has the first roller coaster waterslide in the nation.  Jacob and I were the 1st ones on it the 2nd day it was in operation.  It was a lot of fun.  It's definately technology that is still in development and was often broken down throughout the day.  Each place where the slide goes up again, they've built stairs so the staff can access the boats that get stuck.  There were three different areas for small children as well as all the waterslides for the big kids.  Jacob said the park was so fun, it made up for the long drive.  He wasn't feeling well so he couldn't enjoy it as much as he would have. 

this one felt like being flushed down a giant toilet!

After the waterslides, it was time to start our last push to Nauvoo.  We weren't 30 minutes from the park before Miriam, William, and Isaac were snoozing and they slept for the next 1 1/2  hours until we stopped for gas.  We got to Nauvoo with enough time to back in the trailer, eat a quick meal, and get down to the theater.  I know Sharon was watching for us because as soon as we pulled up, she was smiling and waving.  Out of the van we piled, sunburned with messy hair, dirty clothes, and no shoes on the little ones feet. 

It was so exciting for the kids to see Grandpa Lynn as the narrator. 

They also enjoyed watching Grandma Sharon, she was absolutely glowing.  Jacob said the play made the story of Nauvoo come alive for him in a way it never has. 

On our way back to the house, we saw our 1st lightening bugs ever.  Cool!  I'm so glad we get a few days at a slower pace with not so much driving and not setting up camp.  I wish we could stay here longer but that would put Dode alone for even longer.