Father's Day 2020 - Memories of Dad

As for Mother's Day 2020, Chris wanted to put together a collection of memories, from each of the Westra siblings about Dad ...
here they are in the order received:

From Wendy~ 

• I am grateful that I could grow up with the priesthood in my home and that I could receive Father’s blessings from my dad through the years! It was clear that both Mom and Dad had strong testimonies of the gospel and I learned so much from both of them! Recently Rick recorded a podcast (an audio interview) of Mom and Dad and I loved learning new things I hadn’t heard before and received advice and “words of wisdom!” 
• Dad helped me to gain a love of sports -- basketball, softball, soccer, tennis, and hiking! We would often play basketball in our driveway, or play catch or soccer in our yard or at the park. When I was a teenager (or young adult) Dad and I joined the Stake tennis tournament playing doubles as a Daddy-Daughter team. We actually did pretty well!!
• Dad challenged the grand-kids to tennis matches, telling them that they could win $100.00 if they beat him in a tennis match. One such match was with our son, Jase, when he was staying with Mom and Dad while going to a Math camp at the University of Utah. Dad went into Cardiac Arrest and was rushed to the hospital. It was touch and go there for a while and so scary for all of us! There were many tender mercies during this time and we were SO grateful that Dad pulled through!! How fitting that he was released from the hospital on Father’s Day (five years ago) and that we could all join together that night to celebrate Dad and also the miracle of his recovery! 
• Dad always had lots of little songs and sayings. I remember Dad singing to us and later to our children…. “Pretty baby, pretty baby, how I love my pretty baby, how I love my pretty girl, pretty baby, pretty baby…” (I sung that to my babies too!) Whenever we passed by a sewer grate Dad would say, There are “Heffalumps and Woozles down there!” 
• I remember Dad chanting, “Rootie toot toot, rootie toot toot, we’re the boys from the Institute. We don’t smoke and we don’t chew and we don’t go with girls who do!!” Later on I heard this saying from President Hinckley in a General Conference talk but I had already heard it long before that from my Dad!! I also remember the little Dutch Christmas song, “SinterKlass Kapoentje” that he often sang to all of us!
• I look a lot like my dad and we are similar in temperament. Both Mom and Dad helped me to gain a testimony and love of the gospel. Other LOVES I received from my dad are: Love of naps! I also gained a love of sports, the outdoors, singing, journal writing, and more recently family history!! I am so grateful for Dad and for the legacy he has given to us! Thank you Dad, I love you!  (Wendy also wrote a list of memories for Dad in 2003).

From Scott ~

• I am grateful for the example my dad set for me. Dad and I are very different from the personality profile perspective. I am Type A, flaming Red, ears glowing with passion and emotion whereas dad is the peacemaker, calming color code white person.
• I appreciate him giving me advice. It came very infrequently which made it so much more potent. Some of that advice came at critical junctures in my life and changed the direction on my progression – always for the better.
• I am grateful that he was able to ordain me to the priesthood and be an example of the proper use of its power.
• I am grateful that he didn’t correct me even when I was obviously wrong and he knew clearly knew it. He just let me keep saying the same stupid thing until I figured it out myself.
• I enjoyed being with him fishing, hiking, camping and working in the house and yard. I am grateful that I learned how to install and repair sprinkler systems, fix walls, repair plumbing and electrical, plant a garden and a hundred other things that have been useful in my life.
• I love his passion for family history and I am grateful for the legacy of my ancestors.
• I remember the terror of finding out mom was going fishing with grandma and grandpa and knowing that we would have to live on graham crackers with butter and peanut butter in between them or maybe toast if we were lucky until she got back.
• Dad was not an exemplary mechanic. I remember learning how to check a cars oil in 10th grade auto shop and coming home to check our cars oil. With horror, I discovered the dipstick for the Impala station wagon barely registered any oil and what was there looked and felt like tar. My exasperation only grew when I checked the 1977 Honda Civic and the dipstick registered no oil at all. When I (with great despair) ask my dad why he had not changed the oil, he replied: “Why would I want to change the oil?’
• I remember him killing a rattlesnake when we were hiking on the Grandeur peak trail. I understand now that that wasn’t the best course of action but I thought he was a hero for protecting the world from a great threat.
• I remember dad being made the Scout Transportation Coordination when I turned 12, by virtue of him purchasing a station wagon. His first experience was taking about nine scouts to the Bear Lake camp. On the way, one of the boys suggested we stop at a firework stand in Evanston. My dad failed to see any problem with this and we left a few minutes later with enough fire power to take over a small country. When we arrived at the camp, the leaders were stopping every car and checking for fireworks. They asked my dad if he had any fireworks and since my dad had personally made no purchases, he looked the 16-year old straight in the eye and said: “Absolutely not.” We then proceeded to terrorize the camp, dropping smoke bombs and M80s into latrines and firing bottle rockets over the camp. My dad (the only adult leader for several days) knew nothing of this as he brought his fishing gear and was gone before sunrise and didn’t return until late after dark.
• I admire his frugality. Even with more money than he could spend in his life, he wears two button-down shirts, one purchased from a store in Richland Washington that went out of business in 1970 and another that I handed down to him 23 years ago when it was too old for me to wear any more. I know that the lives of his children and grandchildren have been and will be greatly blessed by the lifetime of saving, canning, drying fruit, couponing, refunding and scrimping both our parents did since they were married.
• I am grateful for all he did to support his family and to raise them in the gospel. There is no question that our parents fully fulfilled their sacred obligation and duty to teach us truth and light and provide us with all we needed to govern ourselves. They should be proud of their tireless efforts.

From Derek ~

I feel so grateful for my Dad. I even wrote a little article about him as one of my personal "heroes" a while back. https://medium.com/@derekwestra/trading-card-heroes-7cf8e822199d

There are so many LaMar-isms that I find myself remembering, or thinking, or even saying as a Dad myself. Here are a few: 

• Calling all kids George and Henry (irrespective of gender) :)
• Calling all kids Mr. Jones (also irrespective of gender)
• Whenever seeing a hole or grate or sewer, saying "there are Heffelumps and Woozels down there!" T
• elling all male kids/grandkids that girls were "nothing but trouble," and telling the girls the same about boys :)
• Saying "Good morning!" when Dad got home from work
• Dad singing "Oh What a Beautiful Morning!" or "On Moonlight Bay" 
• Dad using Dutch words exclusively for "green beans" "shoes" and other things
• Dad teaching us all the "sinterklaas kapoentje" song at Christmas, and what it meant
• If a kid is doing anything remotely dangerous: "you'll break your bones Mr. Jones!"
• If a kid has in fact hurt some body part "it's okay - you've got another one!

Dad was always soft-spoken. I don't remember him ever raising his voice or yelling (I wish my kids could say the same for their Dad). He was not over-corrective and let his kids figure things out. I remember once being bored as a 13-year-old kid during Summer break and pulling out an old golf-caddy (a three-wheeled device that held your golf-bag). I asked Dad "can I get an old lawn-mower motor and make that thing into a go-cart?" Dad certainly knew that I entirely lacked all the skills to do such a thing, but said, "Sure." I think he was genuinely entertained at what I might do. When I was 16, I asked Mom and Dad if I could get a motorcycle. I remember being VERY surprised that they were somewhat supportive. Dad helped me look in the classified ads in the newspaper for motorcycles in my price range ($650). We found one (I remember it was on Wayne's World Drive in Draper) and Dad drove me out there to see it. I had never ridden a motorcycle with a clutch before, but I managed to test-drive the bike without killing myself (although it was really scary). Dad wisely told me to sleep on the decision and we could come back the next night to buy it. The next day, I was so excited to get it, but in my excitement, I pulled the car out of the driveway without checking my blindspot and hit Shane's Mazda 626. I was very upset, but Dad wasn't, and said "these things happen." The cost to fix it was $650, so my motorcycle never made it home. I remember Dad letting me learn in my own way. 

Dad was my soccer and tennis coach growing up. He taught us all to kick with the side of our foot for control, and to pass the ball in triangles. As I got older and played competitive and High-School soccer and tennis, Dad would come to my games and matches. He even drove clear out to Davis High and other further away schools and watched. I remember him pacing back and forth and licking his lips nervously (which I only remember him doing when watching his kids play sports). He was invested in my athletics. I recall one time really wanting this Adidas soccer jumpsuit and telling him "Dad! I NEED it!" I recall him explaining to me the difference between wants and needs. I've thought about that conversation hundreds of times since then. 

I remember being bored as a kid in the Summertime, and Dad was out working in the yard. I would say "Hey Dad, want to play tennis?" Almost every time, Dad would say "I'm working on this or that so I can't right now." Somehow, Mom was always watching, and I would see her come out and talk to Dad. A few minutes later Dad would come find me and say, "Want to go play tennis?" Haha. :) Not sure what Mom would say to Dad, but I'm guessing that it was some combination of "this is your last kid and you're missing key father/son moments!" and other "Cats in the Cradle" lyrics. But I always appreciated Dad's willingness to listen to Mom and to do what she asked. I see that now with Mom's generous financial offers and incentives, and other things that I'm sure she's talking Dad into. I like that he thinks about it, and supports his wife's desires. 

I am so grateful for things that Dad taught me. How to respect women. How to find answers to my own questions. How to fish. How to work hard. How to be loyal to a calling or an assignment even when it wasn't convenient or even wanted. How to love the outdoors, and love hiking and tennis and soccer. One lesson that I think we've all mentioned is how to live within our means. Mom and Dad were very frugal, and taught us how to take care of money. Dad epitomized the "waste not, want not" mentality of his generation, and I wish my generation were better at this. 

Things I don't share with Dad? His body type, his hair, and his love of digging. ;) 

From Jeni~ 

• Others have mentioned some of the “Dad-isms” … not sure if I’d seen mentioned how he calls parmesan cheese “parameciam” cheese, and butterflies “flutterbyes” and would often say “I just ate a bar of soap”. We WERE seriously considering using “Jones” and a middle name for one of the kids so that Dad would actually be correct when he called that particular child xxxxxx Jones (we didn’t end up doing that, but joked about it!)
• I remember him taking me “stream fishing” up the mountains. It was a tiny little stream, not even a foot wide, not fast-moving at all. There were fish in there? I recall expressing my doubts “Dad, there’s no way there are fish in here LOOK A FISH!” and I think we proceed to catch it (or try to) with our bare hands.
• I remember going up the canyons to help gather rocks for all the various projects, from the fireplace/planter downstairs, to the little pond and stairs in the backyard, the trail around the side of the house and all over the flowerbeds. Once we stuck closer to home (the old orchard) and tried to get a big piece of concrete (used for the base of one of said projects). Hitting it with a sledgehammer, disturbing a wasps nest and everyone except me got stung multiple times.
• Playing tennis, while he likely WAS taking it easy on me, it didn’t feel like it. He’d come up and play the net and run me back and forth. It was exhausting! I had to learn to lob the ball to the back of the court in defense. I remember once when he came to watch me play soccer, he seemed a little shocked that his “little girl” was so mean out there on the field.
• Dad was always working outside. I remember him cutting “snakes” along the edge of the grass to clean it up. He was supportive of me planting pumpkins and replanting the “chickens and hens” in little pots, and then I’d sell both there by the side of the road. I remember him putting us in the wheelbarrow and running us around the yard.
• I did NOT appreciate him tricking me into turning on the freeway when I was learning how to drive.
• The talk of building an underground racquetball court … we did get a cave! The little unique things added to the homes … in the Hermitage house, the “high bed” and the food storage underneath it (accessed from the food room) and the extra closet behind Wendy’s closet. In the Havenhill house ... the high bed again, and the little door storing toilet paper in the bathroom.
• Hiding jellybeans in the little lava holes of the black fireplace at Easter … and also up inside the fireplace on the little ledge there.
• Always giving  Mom and hello/goodbye kiss.
• Asking him for the date when a couple of our ancestors came to Utah (school assignment for Colton), and him coming back with a complete list of ALL the ancestors and writeups of their experiences. I told Colton he should see if he could get extra credit because it was so above and beyond what had been asked (and it's on the blog and in Dropbox if any of the other grandkids need that info!)
• After we'd gotten married and moved away, we'd get Christmas "gifts" of random stuff we'd left behind.
• Sleeping in a sunbeam … my cats, and Grandpa.
• I think Keaton gets the juggling gene from Grandpa. 

From Chris ~ 

• I remember when I did the Heber Triathlon when I was only 15 or so. I wasn’t even allowed to register, but I did it anyway. Dad took me up there for the race. It was an incredible time commitment - one mile swim in Deer Creek, 112 mile bike ride, and then a half marathon! It took me ten hours and he just stayed there all day, helping me with the transitions.Thanks!
• I remember one time in college when I called home and had a long conversation (with Mom, of course). Dad never has long phone conversations. However, just before hanging up, as Mom said goodbye - I heard Dad say goodbye also, and I knew that he had been listening the whole time. 
• Dad taught me how to do rock work (just much later in life - but I’m catching up). I also love all types of yard work as he does. I’ve also enjoyed delving into family history lately and he has taught me a lot of that also. Spending much of my time with yard work and family history suits me just fine.
• I’m glad he taught me how to treat a woman with respect, and Kim appreciates that also! 
• My kids comment that I’m starting to look like Dad as I work around the yard with my hat and long sleeved button down shirt for sun protection. I’m the only child so far who has been able (so far) to follow his Grandpa example. Dad will tend lots of grandkids, but they will be involved in the projects he is doing (for the most part).
• That’s what I do with Integrity - sure I’ll read a bunch of books and dance with her, but much of the time I’m simply involving her in the yard projects I’m doing anyway (and she loves it). And yes, I call her Integrity Jones. And she says, “Nooo”.

From Shane ~

These are all great! With me going last (my fault), I have fewer unique things to add, but I'll add a "plus 1" to a few things as well.

• I remember Dad being so dedicated to his calling. All growing up, he was in the Bishopric, which I only realized later how big of a commitment that was.
• Dad was (is) an excellent singer, a trait that I didn't inherit at all. I loved how he would sing the hymns, usually switching between tenor and bass parts on each verse. 
• Dad was willing to try new things, even rollerblading. Which he did fine until the day he fell and broke his wrist. I remember when that happened (picnic up the canyon), he still hadn't eaten dinner yet...so he wanted to eat first, then go to the doctor/hospital to get his wrist fixed. He ended up getting external pins in his arm, with this big metal thing that was very inconvenient. So with his right arm out of commission, he couldn't shift the stick-shift very well, so when driving places I would shift for him. He would put the clutch in and say "shift!" and then I'd put it into the correct gear (I was not even near driving age yet). 
• Even with Dad's right arm not working, he'd play tennis. He'd play all left-handed, and still beat me easily. 
• Because Dad was in the bishopric, and he liked hiking, camping, and fishing, it seemed like he was the dedicated bishopric member for ALL hikes and campouts. Dad would take me along well before I was a Boy Scout, and I loved it. I've been passionate about hiking and camping ever since. 
• Dad was so calm and patient -- even when I crashed the car into the garage, he handled it in a very kind and understanding manner. 
• Dad taught me sports -- how to drop-kick a soccer ball sky-high, how to do an under-the-leg layup in basketball (a great shot when playing "Horse"), and how to throw and catch a baseball. 
• Frugality. Dad taught me how to hammer nails back into shape and re-use them, how to fix hoses and extension cords, and do all sorts of home improvement projects. Besides just being frugal, he taught me how to be grateful for what I had. 
• Dad always treated Mom so well, and would be so supportive of what Mom wanted. I remember being so shocked at some of the arguments/fights my friend's parents had, because I had never really witnessed that before. 
• I loved making creations out of random things in the "Dingwidgets" and "Doogoogalies" boxes. 
• Dad was both quiet and non-controversial, and so discussing "the birds and the bees" was not his thing. But I think Mom made him agree that he would have "the talk" with me. So on the day that the elementary school had the maturation program, during the drive to the school, Dad said to me "So...you've raised hamsters. You know how all that stuff works?". I replied, "Yep". He simply said "Okay, good."

Funny sayings: 

• "Peas, cheese, and chocolate pudding"
• "Hello, toast!" when the toast pops up (we say this in our family now)
• "Faster than a terd of hurdles"
• (While moving the limbs of a baby), "Exercises, exercises!" 
• Calling everybody "George" or "Henry", or <fill in the blank> Jones. Once I went out with a girl named Jessica Jones, and he said "I don't know much about her, but I love her name!" 

We love you Dad! Have a super Father’s Day!

Now DAD and GRANDPA can be completely different ...

We'll have to get some memories from the grandkids! I asked Keaton what Grandpa Memories he had and he said "Tennis, PingPong, swimming with a hat on and tossing tennis balls, the pond and the cave in the backyard, sleeping in a sunbeam" ...

Father's Day 2020

Father's Day 2020 ... this was the 14th annual group gathering in Scott and Amy's backyard. It's been held every year since 2006. Ironically (per the pandemic) this was probably the largest group there has been. There were even two dogs in attendance. The traditional family photo was first up on the docket (as Kellen had to leave for work) ... and there were going to be some water wars, so best to get it done before the kids got all wet. 

Blackham's brought Grayson's super cool water balloon filler - a nice set up where eight balloons can be filled at a time, with on/off spouts to keep the H20 in some control. Chris brought a bunch of baby balloons (and Jen brought some big ones). So there was tossing, chasing, throwing and launching, as Chris brought his "launcher" to fling them high in the sky.

Cornhole is a favorite, with the Blackham Bunch especially. The girls liked the hula hoops, and of course there was plenty of food and dessert for all (and the dogs were begging everyone for scraps). 

The Jensen's performed a rendition of "Oh My Father" with voice and bells ... 

Perfect for Father's Day! Videos below!

 ... and some family fun in action!

... and let's not forget Scott's poetic invitation! 

 On Father’s Day, the place to be 

 Is at our home, Covid free 

 We’ll gather and greet 

 And of course we will eat 

 And games we will play 

 To round out the day. 

 We’ll begin at 6 so it’s not too hot 

 And see how decrepit Scott has got 

 We will see how the Westra clan had grown 

 And allow for friendships to be sown 

 We hope to see you safe and sound 

 It will be fun to gather ‘round 

 And honor those who’ve done so much

 And pledge to better keep in touch 

 And since you all are dying to ask 

 No we won’t require a mask.

Father's Day 2019

The Westra Way blog started in 2020 ... I don't know if Scott had any idea that his clever email invites from past years would be saved and showcased. Will this inspire him to write something even wittier this year, or will he become shy and standard. Does Scott even know there is a blog? *Ü*

He kept it fairly simple for 2019 ~

From Scott: Dear family, it is once again time to celebrate all of the fathers at the annual Draper Westra Father’s Day Spectacular! We have arranged for Emeril Lagasse and Guy Fieri to cater dinner and Cirque du Soleil to provide entertainment. Festivities will begin at 5:00 pm. We hope to see everyone there.

From Mom: I'm embarrassed to admit that I only know one of the three famous names:-[  We will be there! At least you won't have to do your yard prep this year!

From Wendy: The Jensens will be there!!! I haven’t heard of the two famous chefs either mom -- but I have heard that there is this guy named Grayson Blackham who also has the gift! Maybe we could enlist those services along with the rest of the foodies in the family!

From Shane: We really wish we could come to the Father's Day party, but my schedule has me in California that day so that my family can shower me with gifts and praise. Tell Emeril and Guy hello for me, it's been a while since I've hung out with them.

Derek had written that a few days before, Layla had suddenly turned very sad. He asked her what was wrong and she replied  "I just miss my cousin Jaiden so much and I really want to see her!" :) Happily, the Jensen's were able to make it this year, and Wendy and Jaiden and Jenna slept over at Derek's house so the cousins could hang out a little more before heading back the next day.

There were the usual outdoor games, and inside, Landon had set up a customized Jackbox game set. There were lots of funny questions about all the family members. Lots of funny answers about the Westra clan. What do you see when you look down from a hot air balloon?

Father's day 2018

Time for the annual Father's Day funny photo ... and we get a "good" one too.

Missing Shane's family, away in California. Jase and the rest of the Jensen's made it up though. His homecoming had been Sunday, so the party got pushed a day. It was on a Monday this year. Colton was gone with his Wolves to a basketball tournament, and we were missing a few others too. Added Sol (Landon's fiance) and Courtney and Seth were there with their new baby (they left before the picture). 

 As with the 2015 blog post, Scott's amusing email is included:

Family:

You are all invited to a Father’s Day dinner on MONDAY, June 18th at 6:00 pm at the Westra residence. I will grill some chicken and hot dogs and have some baked beans. Please let me know if you are coming and what you can bring. I have arranged for some very nice weather. We still have a basketball hoop and tether ball pole but we had to remove the trampoline and fire pit. I know – Taylee is still mad at me. However, the tramp is right next door and I am sure you are welcome to use it there – their kids will likely be over at our house anyway.

Amy has nixed most of my suggested activities, including the garden weeding competition and car wash fund-raiser. Kemery has offered to give slack line lessons (you will probably have to sign a waiver – Derek or Grayson would have to sign two waivers). I am also willing to lead a hike to the suspension bridge or Ghost Falls. There are frequent Heffalump and Woozel sightings along both trails.

We hope you can come. Scott and Amy

So, no trampoline! But the slackline was up, and there was the new addition of swings. Grayson brought his latest toy ... a segway.  It got some use. Josh loved it, although should he really be riding with a newly broken hand? The kids took to the Segway easily. The adults ... Scott almost went down and there was a close call with the Segway almost taking out Noelle (Daddy Derek was right there for the rescue). Without the trampoline (hole) ... what happened to the TOADS?

The annual photo is featured up top ... here's a peek at what happens during set up!

Father's Day 2017

... I wrote in my journal that we got Dad a cordless vacuum this year ;) 

Ummmm, not having a lot of other memories, writing in retrospect.

Wendy had done a post on her blog, so a little more information from her ... 

We really enjoyed the party at Scott and Amy's. It is always fun to see and visit with everyone! The girls really missed Adria and Rella since their family couldn't come from California (because Adria had Girls' Camp) but they had fun playing with their other cousins. The food was awesome!! Grayson has really gotten into smoking meat lately and cooked a delicious, tender brisket! The marinated chicken was extra good too. Loved all of the extras too -- Mexican corn on the cob, Brazilian Cheese Rolls and so forth. Janika teases me that I always describe my meals in my journal, so I will stop gushing about the food, ha ha!  We had to do the family picture with my camera since Alicia wasn't there, so the quality and resolution isn't as good, but it still turned out cute!

Thanks to gmail saving old emails ... I was able to locate Scott's emailed invitation and a few responses.

From Scott:

Family:

We will be hosting our annual Father’s Day Barbeque on Sunday, June 18th at 6:00 pm. Amy and I will actually be attending this year which will really ramp up the fun! I will be grilling some hot dogs, hamburgers and maybe chicken but the Blackham’s may want to show off Grayson’s smoking skills, which would not offend us. We will also have some beans and can fire up the cotton candy machine after dinner.

 Be thinking about what you would each like to contribute in terms of food, games, entertainment and/or sparkling conversation. Please let the group know what you are bringing so we don’t miss anything important or double up on side dishes or entrees. Anyone bringing Mexican street corn or Brazilian cheese rolls will receive priority parking and first choice in patio seating.

The time between 7:09:00 pm and 7:09:20 pm has been reserved for family photos, however, we plan to digitally record the entire event for posterity into Mom’s Dropbox account as well as live stream it over Youtube. Full size cut-outs of those on missions or otherwise absent will be welcome.

We will grandfather Roxy’s attendance as she joined the family prior to our pet prohibition but regrettably, any and all ducks, chickens, cats, geese, bees, goldfish, mosquito fish or other animals, insects, fowl or fish should remain at home.

Please let us know who will be or won’t be attending so that we can be sure to have enough food, plates, security, etc.

From Grayson:

While disappointed with attendance ban, particularly as it relates to waterfowl, the Blackhams would love to offer my meager smoking skills with the one request as to which item would be most enjoyed: Ribs, Brisket,  Pulled pork (sammies). I'm certain someone will inquire as to why we can't have all three but for the sake my rising cholesterol levels I need to stop somewhere. I think Amazon carries a new multi-color version of Lipitor that looks like Skittles.  We'll put a bowl amongst the buffet.

Father's Day 2016

 Father's Day ...

Ah, the annual Westra gathering at Scott and Amy's house. This year ... sans Scott and Amy, who were in Switzerland for a work trip! Their kids stepped up and hosted though.  The Blackham bunch, was almost missing, as it was the scheduled Seattle vacation. But Grayson decided to pull the plug on it as his Meniere's has been acting up, and he's had so much pinched nerve pain. 

Grayson pulled out a slackline kit. He had purchased it months ago (maybe even a year or two?) and we'd never gotten around to putting it up. There were two trees in the backyard that were perfect. It was a hit with the kids!

It was fun to visit ... Shane and Alicia were even in town from California, and Jensens had made the trip (they usually do, but not always). So other than our missing missionaries, Callahan working, Mckenna and Spencer back East ... and of course Scott and Amy, we had a pretty full house.

 There was some frog kissing 

(okay, it's a toad from under the tramp).

... and some baby throwing.

(There MAY have been some photoshopping of this photo). 

Father's Day 2015

Every year, we have our annual Westra Family Father's Day BBQ at Scott's home. Scott doesn't send out emails often, but we enjoy it when he does, because they showcase his humor. Here is his invite for 2015 (for future reference and posterity!) 

Greetings! 
Here is your formal invitation to the annual Father's Day BBQ at the Draper Westra's. The weather report is indicating sunny with clear skies and a high of 86 degrees. 
We plan on starting at 5:00 pm with dinner. We will have some gluten free chicken and hot dogs and baked beans and a fruit and/or seven layer salad. We would love it if you could bring some Brazilian cheese rolls, chips, salad, desserts or Brazilian cheese rolls. 
Special invitations and activities: 

• Significant others are of course invited but don't expect any of us to be on our best behavior. Take that as fair warning. For the FIRST time ever, in an effort to be more inclusive, Roxy, as well as Grayson's duck(s) are invited to participate. Sorry Chris, the only chickens allowed will be those on the grill. All other species will need to be cleared with the Father's Day BBQ Committee and we assume no responsibility for the health or safety of your pets (or for you or your children for that matter.) Disclaimer: We have placed snail bait in the flower gardens and will "fog" the yard with insect spray two hours before guest arrival. 
• The annual Westra Family Father's Day photo session will take place between 6:10 pm and 6:11 pm (yes, we realize that creates a minimal familial time commitment of 72 minutes - deal with it). 
• Immediately following the family photo session will be the first annual "Lamar Westra Look-Alike contest." That's right, get your multiple plaid button down shirts and baseball cap on and grab your trekking poles. Winners will be determined by the number of likes for all pictures posted in Instagram! The cut-off for judging will be 8:00 pm. 
• I will fire up my cotton candy machine about 8:00 pm. A power washer will be available if you want to clean off any family members prior to departure. 
• Optional Hike: Suncrest to Triangle peak to watch Sunset on Summer Solstice: Kemery will lead this under 1 mile (1/3 mile up and back). Sunset will be at 9:02 pm (but the actual summer solstice will have already occurred at10:39 am). Depart Westra home at 8:30 pm, return by 9:30 pm. Note: sacrificing of virgins is NOT permitted within Draper City limits at any time and summer solstice is no exception.

Note: Amy reserves the right to alter the menu or activities schedule at any time, including the day of the event.  We look forward to seeing you this coming Sunday!  Scott

Our Father's Day celebration was actually in jeopardy this year though. The Tuesday before, Dad had a heart attack. Tuesday night and Wednesday, there was some question as to whether or not he would pull through. Then, the physical recovery looked quite optimistic, but there were still some worrisome neurological issues. But happily, Grandpa Westra progressed leaps and bounds ahead of what was expected, and the doctors actually released him on Sunday, and he was able to come to the Father's Day party! If you weren't aware he'd just been in intensive care for the preceding days,  you wouldn't have known!

 Ah, the annual family picture! We were missing our missionaries (five of them). Mckenna was in Washington, Rick was gone to EFY, Callahan had to work a REAL game... 

As promised, there was a cotton candy machine. Yum! Pink ...

... and blue!

There was frisbee fun, water balloons, some juggling, jump-rope, lawn darts ....

Until next year!

Father's Day 2014

As is Father's Day tradition around here, we went to Scott and Amy's house for the annual Father's Day barbecue. I brought jello cubes and Chex mix ... I ate way too much of the Chex mix. We take the annual Father's Day photo with everyone. We try to get a couple "good" photos, then a "funny face" one ... I guess Jared didn't get the message that this photo wasn't a funny face photo!

I thought it would be good to take a picture with Dad and us six kidlets. I can't remember if we've ever done that. It turned into quite the production, with so many camera's taking pictures, and of course Grayson always makes everyone (especially Derek) laugh. My oldest brother, my youngest brother and my hubby ... I swear it's a competition to see who can have the shortest hair (I think Derek wins, as he actually bics it).

It was a fun day of family, photos, food ... and Fitbits! That's what Mom got Dad for Father's Day. Many in the family have them now (Callahan just got his) and so there was a lot of Fitbit talk as well.

Gray posted a sweet tribute to Dad on Facebook ... this is what he said:

My father-in-law’s name is Lamar but I’ve only always known him as dad. Here are a few random recollections:

• In the 90’s he would obtain a yearly “rock permit” allowing him to bring rock down from Big Cottonwood Canyon. Each year, armed with a wheelbarrow, shovel and a truck we would haul load after load down to the house. Those rocks now adorn and comprise the sandbox, the cellar, walkways and, of course, the fountain and pond. He gives new meaning to “the wise man built his house upon a rock” or perhaps “this wise man built the rocks around his house."

• I’ve never met anyone as passionate about and committed to compost. Whether it is the Cool Whip container next to the kitchen sink or the 4’ deep pit in the yard, organic material and scrap does not go wasted in this household. I see now where Jen gets her aversion to waste.

• Dad (and mom) will be my lifelong excuse for NOT doing genealogical work. There doesn’t seem to be an aspect of genealogy and the technologies available that dad isn’t conversant in. I remember getting my first iPad years ago and he and I had a discussion about the iPad, centered around its suitability (or lack thereof) for use in family history work. I must confess that his sometimes passionate and highly detailed explanations on the ins and outs of family history work may be lost on me. I have not been a quick study. 

• I’ve heard him speak over and over again, in glowing terms about the doings and accomplishments of his grandchildren. He seems to be one of their biggest fans. He is quiet, and gentle and giving…and I am a better person for having known him. 

Dad, thanks for all…I hope it’s a good day.

Father's Day 2013

Not a lot of pictures this year ... I (Jen) checked my journal, but I didn't write much about the day. Maybe we'll see if Wendy wrote more ;) 

Father's Day 2012

 See those wet heads in the picture? I seem to recall someone shouting "wait on the water until AFTER the family photo ..." You can see that didn't happen. It was a WESTRA weekend this year, as Chris&Kim had their wedding on Friday, there was Mom&Dad's Golden Wedding party on Saturday, then the annual Father's Day party on Sunday! We were missing Shane, who was on a business trip, and Alyssa who was on a humanitarian visit to India, but I think this was the most complete family picture in a while though! Even if it was all wet!

Father's Day 2011

It was out to Scott and Amy's for the annual Westra Father's Day BBQ.  There was rain, which continued all through the day keeping us mostly indoors or under the canopy. That was perfect for paracord projects, and Gray had brought a handy portable paracord kit. The rain did stop enough for the kids to peek at the toads under the tramp. 

The paracord was a bit hit, and the cousins all ended up with new bracelets. 

Looks like we tired some of the guys out!

Then it was TOAD time ...

WHO let the toads out? 

According to this video, Callahan grabbed one of them ...

Some never before seen (before this blog post) footage of the family party!

Father's Day 2010

 Missing the Jensens this year. Got the annual photo. 

Some digging in the sandpile, jumping on the trampoline, throwing balls ... Happy Daddy's Day!

Father's Day 2009

I think we had everyone + this year. Quite the crew! In addition to all the people, we had TONS of pictures taken. Pretty sure Alicia had a new camera and was experimenting. Jen was into action, taking several photos right in a row, and Wendy was there with her camera.  So in addition to the annual family photo (above) and the outtakes (below) we feature wagon pulling, tramp jumping, swingball and of course, toads! These collages capture most of the activities, but there are more photos in Dropbox.

Some assorted snapshots ...

 The who knew how much fun a simple wagon could be?

 

You can see the swingball set in the background of the photos above. Here's an unobstructed view.

I believe the Blackhams brought this ... I don't know where it is now!

Trampoline time ...

... and toads!

In addition to the big family photo, there was this cute one of Scott's family

... and the Jensens.

... but where is Josh? Oops!

Father's Day 2008

Father's Day 2007

A memorable moment was a family "lightening" tournament ... there's even video below!