"This Is the Place" Heritage Park, and Pioneer Day!

I went with Heather early one morning in July to an eye appt. at University of Utah.  We took Cami and Lexi, and then decided since we were so close, to swing by and see "This Is the Place" monument, which marks the spot where the Mormon pioneers ended their 1,300 mile trek.  We have ancestors on both sides who made that journey by foot, so it's dear to our hearts.

 I had never visited Heritage Park- which lets you step back in time and experience some Pioneer life.  So we decided to spend a couple of hours there.  It was really fun, and the girls loved it!  Beautiful girls and beautiful flowers!

 Heather has always loved goats and sheep!

Such a cute little cabin!  That'd be the perfect playhouse in the backyard!

 Cami and Lexi learned what it was like to take care of a home and garden in those days.

 The girls always love riding ponies!

And they had a fun little splash pad to cool off in...

 We loved sitting through a typical school class in the 1800's.  Heather got scolded by the teacher for writing on her slate without permission!  :)  The girls loved that!

After the school bell rang, we went to visit the Indian Village...

  and then we panned for gold!

 Fun entertainment...

 Here we are with our morning faces….riding a little train back from Indian Village.

 We had a great time, and were so glad we decided to take a detour that morning from the doctor!
A week or so later, Curt flew out and we celebrated the 24th of July- Pioneer Day- in Salt Lake where it all began.  It's always fun to go to the Days of '47 parade, although it was super hot!
                  

           Cute Lexi trying to cool off!    
                 

This is the only picture I got of a float….a Pioneer handcart pulled by a T-Rex.  Thought my students would enjoy that when we talk about dinosaurs.  Lots of beautiful floats, though!

After the parade, we ate at Pizza Pie Cafe, and they made a special gluten free, dairy free pizza for Heather- yum!

 We enjoyed a little down time resting at home...

 Then we went to a Pioneer celebration and pageant at a park in West Jordan.

 

 Brittney's family and Bree joined us for the concert, which was sponsored by the Osmond Brothers.

 I love how this jumper came in carrying a flag….

We had a fun day, experiencing some things we hadn't ever done before.  And Heather and I were also able to attend the Tabernacle Choir Pioneer Concert a few days before.  It was all a great celebration of our Pioneer heritage!