Louisa, Benjamin and I joined over 200 youth, senior missionaries, and families to commemorate the 180th anniversary of the Nauvoo exodus. A quick roadtrip with two other moms and their youth made for a fun overnight and wonderful experience honoring pioneer ancestors. A warm breakfast consisting of oatmeal w/choice of toppings or biscuits and gravy, plus apple cider, along with hand-out hand-warmers, kept us toasty in the cold and windy riverside weather. The youth represented the Nauvoo Legion by carrying imitation arms and international flags representing all the nations represented in old Nauvoo (Louisa opted to carry the Welsh flag and Ben carried a rifle). The parade proceeded down Main Street from the Cultural Hall and then onto Parleys towards the river. The sun shone, the river was frozen, and the wagons and oxen brought up the rear of the parade. The temple president gave an inspiring reading of Joseph Smith’s last public address, which happened to be to the Nauvoo Legion. With a bald eagle circling for the ceremony, we enjoyed a musical number by an a cappella quartet, the crowd joining in for the last verse of “Come Come Ye Saints.” Perfectly timed, a flock of snow geese performed a natural fly-over. We felt blessed to walk for our ancestors and others who faithfully kept their covenants and chose to leave Nauvoo for the Rocky Mountains. Baptism and endowment sessions were a blessing for us and an opportunity to further appreciate the sacrifices the early Saints made for the temple that cost them so dearly. We highly recommend attending this special Exodus commemoration in the future—the first Saturday morning every February!