Pioneers and Parades

Last Friday the kids and I went with my cousin, Shelley and her boys to This is the Place park.  It was free that day, so we took advantage of it despite the 90 degree weather.

We didn't get there until mid-afternoon, which was nice because we avoided most of the crowd.

First we rode on the train.

Then we went and got free ice cream.  We were supposed to get seven cones, but after they dished up three they said they were all out.  Lily and Jeff were good sports to let the other kids get their cones first.  Luckily they got more ice cream before we left and we were all happy to have a nice, cold treat.

While there, we ran into my friend and old neighbor, Diane.  Her daughter, Katie and friend, Carlye were also there.  Lily couldn't be happier to see her old friends (especially since she was hanging out with a bunch of boys).

 The kids got to ride on the little train a few times.  It's nice when the crowds have already gone home.

Then they played on a pioneer ship (or a pirate ship as they called it).

 I was able to find a small bit of shade to feed Sophie.  I really was worried about her in the sun and heat, but she seemed to do fine.  She even took a good nap in the stroller.

 The kids had fun panning for gold.

They were each allowed three pieces of gold.

 Later, we were able to trade the gold in for some candy at the bank.

Lily went off with her friends and Shelley and I took the boys to see some of the village.

They loved the little pony ride.

Here's Cedric with a trough full of chicks.

 Here he is with a baby goat.  We also saw little baby pigs.

 Jeff loved milking the pretend cow.

 Although the park closed at 5, we stuck around and played at the little village until 5:30

Again, the boys found a train.

 Lily and her friends caught up with us and played too.

 Lily loves the fact that we are related to Brigham Young and had to get a picture in front of his house.

 We were all hungry and tired.  Some even took a nap in the car.

 Then we went to Chick-fil-a for dinner.  Amazingly enough the kids still had energy to play on the play ground.

It was a fun day, and a great field trip the first week of summer.

 The next day, Saturday, the fun continued.  My brother, Mike (who is running for SL County mayor) asked us if we wanted to be in the Herriman parade.  I thought it sounded fun, until I had to get up early and pull two kids out of bed (Tom was already up and gone, training for marathons).  But once we were all up and there, it was fun!  I put signs on the sides of the stroller.

 We had a nice turn out and the weather was perfect, even a little hot.  Here is our group.

 My Dad and Lori were there.  He was so nice to push the stroller for me.  We helped pass out taffy and the kids had fun throwing it.  We ran out of taffy before the parade was over, but as I was unloading my stroller afterwards I found a whole bag of taffy we never opened.  Oops!

 The parade route was two miles long.  All my kids were tired by the end.  Sophie took another nap in the stroller, and by the last few yards Jeff was in the sit-n-stand stroller, Lily was holding on to the stroller being pulled on her scooter, Cedric was being carried by Lori and I was stuck with Jeff's scooter.

I'm glad I was able to support Mike with this.  Only a few more weeks until the primary elections.  I hope my brother wins as I know he would do a great job for our county.