Historical Salt Lake

First thing in the morning we hiked to Ensign Peak.  Grandma Stuetz came with us on our Salt Lake explorations.  It's an amazing view of the Salt Lake Valley, but you definitely have to work for it with the steep trail.  I was so proud of Little Guy, because he only complained a little and went the whole way up.  The three older kids practically sprinted up the side of the mountain.  Oh, to have that kind of energy again!

The weather was perfect, and the view was spectacular. 

From there was went to the "This is the Place" monument where Brigham Young famously told the pioneers this was the place to settle. 

We found Joel's ancestor, Bryant Stringham, who was in the very first company of pioneers to enter the valley.

I came here as a child, but they've built it up so much since then.  There's an entire Pioneer village that is SO much fun!  This place is amazing!  There's so much to see and do.

They were a bit disappointed they didn't make it big while panning for gold.  Tee hee.

Daddy made sure they took the long route with the handcart to get the full effect.  They even went up a hill together.  I can't even imagine pulling that for miles and miles completely full.

The Native American village was really cool. 

I can't even imagine living in this one room cabin with 7 children! 

BB and Little Guy had their very first ride on a pony.  They both enjoyed it.  I'm pretty sure they all loved the ice cream, too.  That's one thing I remember from when I came as a kid. 

My favorite part is the Pioneer Children's Memorial that lists all the names of the children who died along the trail who never made it to the Salt Lake Valley.  It was very moving, and it definitely had this Momma tearing up.