24th of July Tradition

 So, first we got some lunch at IKEA...kids eat free on Tuesdays, can't beat $15 to feed seven (Tyler was at work).

 We went up to This is the Place Monument. When we arrived, it was raining so we went into the general store to buy our tickets and check out the display...

 ...and to try on some pioneer hats

 It was still raining, so we headed down to the car. Lisa said a little prayer so the rain would subside...

 The Pony Express and Mormon Battalion Monuments were near the car, so we checked them out...

 

...riding with style... 

 ...riding with McKay...that horse would've moved if it weren't bronze. By this time, Lisa's prayer had been answered, so up to the park we went...

 The parade was just starting. It began with a shootout between the Sheriff and a hooligan, the Sheriff took him out with the help of a mother with a gun. Had I known a mother had a gun I would've put my money on the mother.

 ...then some handcarts and pioneer royalty...

 Brady is checking out the horse tie.

 Brady enjoyed petting the sheep.

Everyone getting ready for the candy cannon, the favorite event. Lots of salt water taffy. 

 Checking out the reindeer.

 Looking at the pregnant piggy.

Lisa helped Brady get a close up to the horse.

 ...the playhouses...

 ...the half-way house, a replica of the very one that was in Sandy to give aid to those traveling from SLC to Provo. I am grateful for cars and freeways.

 ...Brady on the ship overlooking the Salt Lake valley.

 Getting ready for the mini train ride...

 ...it was cool.

 Then we rode the bigger train back down to the main entrance.

It was a fun day that gave us a greater appreciation of the pioneers. We had a BBQ, watched the neighborhood fireworks (30 minutes worth) and roasted some s'mores to finish out the day.