SV - Chapter 3, Utah Fun - Day 1

On Monday we took the kids to "This is the Place" Park. It's in Salt Lake - across the street from the zoo. It's a replica pioneer village where you can wander the streets & visit shops (& schools & such) of what it was like to live in Pioneer times. Nate wasn't sure about it when we left to go, but by the time we left was asking to buy a pioneer outfit for himself. We had a lot of fun.

Nate & Abbie with the statue at the park entrance
For some must push (Uncle Mike & Abbie) and some must pull (Dan & Nate) - our attempt at a handcart.
Nate tried on a "Coon Skin Hat" at the tanner/shoemaker shop
and then he tried to crack the safe at the bank
Abbie quickly mastered the teddy bear climbing toy at the woodworker's shop
While Nate & Grandpa gave the lathe a try


Nate wouldn't even go into the school house - Abbie gave it a shot
Last stop pony rides
In case you are wondering - yes Kassie went with us - she was stuck in the stroller most of the time & from some strange reason didn't show up in any of the pictures - I'm sure I'll get grief for this from someone - if not now in 15 or so years from her....

After lunch & a change of attire we headed off to the open house for the new Oquirrh Mountain Utah Temple in South Jordan. Grandpa, Grandma, Aunt Lorraine, Uncle Michael & Julie Fratangelo (the friend that introduced Dan & I so long ago) all came with us. It was a great experience for Nate & Abbie to get to go inside the temple. They did really good about being respectful & reverent - I was very proud of them. We took pictures on Julie's camera so when I get a copy from her I will post it. After the temple we met up with Katie (a good friend from my NY days - thank you Facebook!) , her family & Julie for dinner & mini-golf. We had a great time there as well.
I am grateful for the chance we had to make some new family memories, have some good fun and re-connect with good friends. We hadn't seen Katie for 12 years, but we picked up just where we left off. There's something to be said for friends that you can just pick right back up with, no matter where/when you left off last.