7.22.2006

Pioneer Day

Here in Utah we are very proud of our pioneer heritage and we celebrate on the 24th of July. Our church had a children's parade to commemorate the arrival of the pioneers in the Salt Lake Valley. We were able to borrow some bonnets and an outfit for my oldest; we made aprons and a skirt for my youngest. The kids all lined up and pulled their wagons for a mere three blocks. They all looked so cute as they pulled away. Then they came back all rosy cheeked and huffing and puffing and sweating. We asked our oldest if she would have liked to be a pioneer. She said "No way! That was hard walking that much. I wouldn't want to walk miles!"

I really don't blame her. I could have never made it as a pioneer. I am grateful for the sacrifices that they made. I know that our trials are different in many ways and I am sure they are looking down on us wondering how we are raising children in the world today and they wouldn't trade their trials for ours. Still, I am grateful that I didn't have to leave my family and home and possessions to avoid persecution for practicing my beliefs. I am grateful that I can worship as I wish and I don't have to run from mobs. They went through so much for us, and for that I will always be grateful.





11 comments:

Millie said...

Very, very, VERY cute. I miss Utah and Pioneer Day stuff. One year, our parade was Grand Marshalled by L. Tom Perry (because he's from Logan, ooh, ahh.) Here in Heathen State they couldn't care less about Mormon pioneers, but we have our stake party to look forward to today, and they always do fun stuff.

Unknown said...

I so miss being in Utah for Pioneer Day! I have been reflecting upon our pioneer women this past week after giving birth complete with drugs and medical intervention. I simply can't IMAGINE crossing the plains and having children out there. Unbelievable the hardship they endured.

Char @ Crap I've Made said...

Last year at a HFPE activity, after countless sisters standing and saying "I never could have been a pioneer", a lady next to me leaned over and said "I could have....I just would have been one of the dead ones." I would have been a dead one too.

Anonymous said...

I've never been in Utah for Pioneer day, but at least we did had a ward picnic or something...so I miss the whole thing this year!

Your girls look adorable and I completely agree with your daughter!

Valarie said...

your girls look so sweet. I think about the pioneers every time I complain about driving the 10 hours across Wyouming.

Gabriela said...

Wow, cute outfits! We are going to a parade on Monday, I am excited I have never been here over the 24 with kids. Should be fun. A little hot though...

Missy said...

What a fun day! I love Pioneer Day and one of these vacations we will actually make it to Utah for. :) Your girls are precious in those bonnets! Are those the ones you made?

Gina said...

Thanks for paying homage on your blog! Looks like your girlies learned a lot! We have so much to be grateful for... we are so blessed!

Anonymous said...

I love the comments, and the reminder. Thanks!

Wendy said...

Sweet pictures!

Super Happy Girl said...

So cute! You are so good with pictures.

I’ve always been out of town for Pioneer day.
This year I thought we would be home, and finally go to our Stake’s party for the very first time.

Nay, we are not home, no Pioneer celebration for us.
But today we visited a Ward close to my mom’s home and for Sacrament the Bishop said people could just come up, tell something about their favorite hymns, bare their testimonies and we could sing a few verses of the hymn.

It was a lot of fun! Tons of people were coming up, we sang hymns UI had never even heard of.