So it wasn't a surprise when Grandma and Grandpa Hendricks invited us to go on a weekend trip July 19-20 with them to northern Utah to see some important places related to their family history. By the time we drove home Saturday evening, we had visited Cove, Richmond, Smithfield, Newton and Clarkston with an extra side trip to Logan for some of the most amazing cheese and milk ever.
We came away from the trip with a greater appreciation for our ancestors and the hardships they endured so we can be where we are today. We're so grateful that Grandma and Grandpa Hendricks arranged for us to have this experience, and for Grandma Susan and Grandpa Dennis coming along. The smoked muenster and cookies and cream flavored milk aren't bad, either.
Grandpa Hendricks, Grandma Susan, Rebekah, Analee, Seth, Miriam, Andrea and Grandma Hendricks outside the home where Grandpa Hendricks was born and later where Grandma and Grandpa Hendricks lived during the first years of their marriage. Grandma Susan was born in the hospital in Preston, but lived here in Cove for the first few years of her life.
Near the barn, Grandpa Hendricks points out where they had pressed Grandma Susan's tiny baby foot into some wet cement.
Close-up of the baby footprint.
Grandma Hendricks and Grandma Susan reminisce about the outbuildings and land while the rest of the group walk back toward the house.
After driving to see Grandpa Hendricks' brother's place, the group visits with Grandma Susan's cousin and her dogs. (At least, our girls visited with the dogs.)
A look at the mill that W.D. Hendricks built. Grandma Susan is holding an old photograph that shows what the mill used to look like.
Grandpa Hendricks, Grandma Hendricks, Rebekah, Grandpa Dennis, Analee, Miriam, Grandma Susan, Seth and Gwendolen next to Grandma and Grandpa Hendricks' headstone in Richmond. Seth's uncle Chris is buried behind where the group is standing.
Gwendolen checking out the grass next to James and Drusilla Hendricks' headstone in Richmond.
Grandma Hendricks sharing a family history story in the Smithfield cemetery.
Gwendolen next to Robert and Annie Thornley's headstone in Smithfield.
The house that Grandma Hendricks' father grew up in in Newton.
Rebekah and Analee next to Martin Harris' headstone in the Clarkston cemetery.
To see more pictures, start here.