The musty smell of chlorine mingled with sunscreen. Drippy chins stained blue or green from popsicles. Barbecues, car rides, fairs and fireworks. Summer brings it own brand of exhausting and exhilarating magic. Utah offers unique opportunities for fun and education throughout the summer. Today I'd like to highlight some of the events we've enjoyed this season.
Fitting for a desert, this area has no shortage of public pools and water parks. Spanish Fork and Springville both boast lovely splash-pads, free and open to the public. My children like to gather bark or bring bath toys from home to have boat races! Springville's pad is much longer, with a variety of depths and fountain areas. Spanish Fork's will get you wet whether you intended it or not! But each has a separate playground next to it and bathrooms available. I also love the sculptures, waterfall and rocks that decorate Springville's pad. Of course either one gets pretty crowded, and it can be difficult to keep track of the kids. But with five to keep track of, I've just accepted this as a fact of life.
Splish-Splash Bash
Fitting for a desert, this area has no shortage of public pools and water parks. Spanish Fork and Springville both boast lovely splash-pads, free and open to the public. My children like to gather bark or bring bath toys from home to have boat races! Springville's pad is much longer, with a variety of depths and fountain areas. Spanish Fork's will get you wet whether you intended it or not! But each has a separate playground next to it and bathrooms available. I also love the sculptures, waterfall and rocks that decorate Springville's pad. Of course either one gets pretty crowded, and it can be difficult to keep track of the kids. But with five to keep track of, I've just accepted this as a fact of life.
Colonial Fest
When I was very young, my family lived out east. We loved visiting Plymouth Plantation and a variety of other historical sites. I guess this rubbed off on me, because now I've become the mom in sunglasses, pushing the stroller behind a row of enthusiastic little explorers that turns out to every historical reenactment in town. I can't get enough of the costumes, the dusty old artifacts and the quirky, loveable people who come to share their love of history and heritage with us. The Colonial Fest has really expanded in recent years. I remember years ago when I lived on Center street in Provo and first discovered it. Back then it was just a handful of volunteers in costume, tucked behind a row of businesses, showcasing a few aspects of colonial life. I loved it then and am so excited to see it develop into the bustling activity it's now become. Besides the battle reenactments, they now have a schoolhouse, an apothecary, children's games, chores, Indian village, bakery, and an assortment of other vendors. A local charter school had students in costume performing a number of orchestral pieces. One area was entirely devoted to the history of the Jamestown and the early pilgrims of the Mayflower. We even got to participate in a mock trial of an alleged hog thief! How can a textbook lesson even begin to compare with this experience? It's the closest thing to time-travel we've got! My gratitude goes to the many individuals who worked to make this incredible event available to us at no charge. My young historians sure enjoyed themselves.
Pioneer Village
More history lessons to celebrate Pioneer day! I'd often seen this village as we drove past, but though we lived nearby for 3 years, this was the first time we've stopped in. The Provo Pioneer Village keeps some unusual hours, so check their website before you plan a visit. This too, was free. The volunteers (adults and children alike) were eager to show us around and answer our questions. We were given a list of items to find. After we finally spotted the rug-beater, adobe brick and climbing bear, we each received a lollipop from the general store as a reward. Here too, they have a schoolhouse, as well as a blacksmith shop, a corn crib and cooper's shed. Going inside these old replicated cabins makes you supremely grateful for some of our more modern amenities. Thank heavens for air conditioning! The village is located right next to a Pioneer Museum, a playground, water park and rec center. So, once you've had enough of "olden times", you can cool off at the indoor pool!
Whether its the comfort of being surrounded by stories of the past, or reveling in the sunshine and soaking up every new experience into a pleasant memory, Summer is a time of discovery and preservation. Pilgrims and pioneers harvested, dried, pickled and canned. I venture out into the excitement of the unknown and click! snap! "Smile!", in hopes of securing some warm memories for the colder times ahead.
What memories have you made this summer?
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The joys of life taste sweeter when they're shared. Please share your joy by leaving me a comment. I love to hear your stories-- the joys as well as the sorrows.
Thanks for reading mine!
--- Bethany