Along with 11 other couples we had dinner this evening provided by an Amish family in Bonaparte, IA (about an hour's drive west of Nauvoo). The family has eight children, including two sets of twins. The father and most of the children served the food, and we ate in his wood working shop. They prefer not to have their photograph taken, but here is a picture of their backyard:

It seems that most Amish families have bird houses for Purple Martins. They like the birds' company and they help keep flying insects (mosquitoes, etc.) in check.

The Purple Martin is the largest North American swallow.

The father and children were sociable, and the food was good. I asked the father about how the children are educated. He replied that they attend an Amish school for eight years, then they start working. Their primary language is German and their worship services are in German. They have no church buildings, but rather rotate their meetings from family to family meeting in either homes, barns, workshops, or sheds. A most enjoyable evening.