West Jordan

We left Rhonda's and headed to West Jordan. Both of Matt's parents were born and raised here. I have only had the opportunity to be in West Jordan with his parents a few times and so I did my best to show the kids places that their Grandparents and Great-Grandparents grew up. Matt's parents (Gary and Shauna) both attended Bingham High School. The one they attended no longer stands so this markee is from the existing one.

"Bingham Miners its time to fight!"

Shauna grew up on Redwood Road and their homestead has been replaced with Condo's. Gary's homestead was recently demolished for a Trax parking-lot. When Grandpa Leak died we went by the homestead with the whole family. It was such a great experience hearing the boys talk about their childhood!

This is the home Grandpa and Grandma Leak (James and LaRae) built next door to Great-Grandpa and Grandma Leak's (Rue and Annie). Gary grew up in this home. This picture was taken two years ago.

This is what the place looks like today.

This is the old milking barn that sits behind Rue and Annie's home.

Gary milked his dad's cows in this barn for a time.

Grandpa Leaks (James) headstone.

If you remember my post from the reunion you'll remember Gary telling the kids the story of Archibald Gardner. Archibald Gardner built the mill that now houses Gardner Village (hence, the name). It is no secret that I frequent Gardner Village every chance I get. This trip was no exception. It just had more meaning this time!!!
As we pulled in I told the kids that Archibald had built this place.
Confusion.
"But Archibald lives on Big Hill".
I rememinded them that he had lived in West Jordan before the "accident".
Things were a little clearer.
We ate lunch in the Restaurant and they just happened to seat us in the silo where they have a mural of his life story.
We went through the life story and it said he built his last mill in Star Valley, WY.
Matti looked at me and said "someone should tell them that is not where he is. He is on Big Hill!"

What an absolute blast! I fell in love with my kids all over again this trip!!!

Enjoying lunch at Archibalds!

This picture is just for Grandpa Leak. They are posing with their hands on their cheeks to mimick the scar that Archibald recieved from the 'accident'!

Just one of my favorite places at the mill!

It was much harder to stop and take pictures in West Jordan than in rural Southern Utah! So I plan to go back when Gary and Shauna can go with us. I also planned on going to Park City (where Grandma Leak was born), and out to the Basin (Vernal area) where my Grandma Hunt was born and Matt's Great-Grandparents spent some time. However, strep-throat wasn't in the plan so we will wait until another time to do all that. Again, I am so grateful for my heritage and the sacrifices my ansectors (and Matt's) made. It was because of their choices and fullfilling of missions that made it possible for a punk kid from Weston, Idaho and a farm girl from Southern Utah to meet, date, marry and join in growing their posterity.

"Many years have gone and past but memories will last and last.

A legacy forever true will now pass on through me and you."