Father's Day 2025

 The annual Westra gathering ... year two at the Highland House! 

Shane sent out the email invitation

We're excited to see you at this year's BBQ! Deets:

• Sunday June 15 (that's Father's Day if you didn't know...you got one week in case you need to do some Father's Day shoppin'. It's also Chris and Kim's anniversary!)
• 5:30pm or whenever. We'll plan on eating around 6pm
• Feel free to park in the driveway or on the street
• We need two volunteers named Scott and Grayson to help bring and cook meat. (Scott and Grayson, if you can't, please let me know.)
• Bring some food to share (salad, dessert, chips, or side dish)
• Yes you can bring your dogs if you want.
• We'll have 9-square and lots of other yard games

PLEASE FORWARD this to all your married kids, and/or Grandma can send it out too (I don't have everybody's email, and I'm lazy) Let me know if you have any questions!

We got the annual group photo ... and a few other pictures too. 

There was sourdough, Brazilian cheese rolls and some dinner rolls by Landon. Fruit, potato salad and jello cubes. For the main, the meats! Marinated chicken, hot dogs, ribs and brisket. Lots of different desserts too. 

In addition to the eating and conversation, there was 9-square, axe throwing, cosmic catch, trampoline and Keaton brought his One-Wheel. Two doggies, Honey and Vera, in attendance.  

 Chris got some great shots too, including a couple 4-Generation combos!

Father's Day 2025 in the books ... and on the blog.

 

Father's Day 2024

 

The annual Westra Father's Day gathering ... Scott and Amy hosted at the Old English address from 2006-2022 when they moved ... to the Hermitage House! 2023 Father's Day was held there. Check out all the Father'sDay Blog Posts!  For 2024, the group gathering shifted to the Highland House ...

Here's the email invitation ...

Hello Family!

It's that time of year again...time for the Westra Father's Day Party! Due to the renovation of Scott and Amy's yard, this year the party will be held at the Westra/Westra Headquarters in Highland:  Sunday, June 16, 5:30 pmYorkshire Ct

As always, the theme of the Father's Day Party is Food, Fun, & Family (insert audible "awwwwww" here.)

Let's talk about food:

BBQ: chicken, hot dogs

Sides: chips, fruit tray or fruit salad, veggie trays/salads, baked beans, pasta salad

Desserts: assorted variety of gluten free and gluten full goodies

PLEASE LET ME KNOW WHAT YOUR FAMILY IS PLANNING TO BRING! You can reply to this email, text me (801-503-5024), hire a skywriter, send a carrier pigeon, or even *dramatic gasp* call me on the phone. 

Let's talk about fun:

9-square

Spike Ball

CanJam

Ladder Golf (aka golf shoes)

Axe Throwing

Trampolining

General Socializing

Let's talk about family:

PLEASE make sure your grown kids know the details! This is one of the 2 times a year we get a good sized group of us together...we'd love to see as much of the posterity of LaMar and Margie Westra as we can. We will be taking our Annual Father's Day Party Photo at some point during the evening as well.

FAQ's

• Where should I park? In the driveway or on the street in front of the house. 
• Should I come through the front door or around to the backyard? Either!
•  Do you need people to bring the games listed above? Nope! These are all games that we have here at Westra/Westra Headquarters.
• Can I bring an outdoor/card/board game that isn't listed above to play with extended family? Of course!
• I'm a single pringle...can I bring a +1? Only if you are willing to be responsible for any & all speculation that happens afterwards. 
• Oh no! I have tickets to see Taylor Swift that evening! Should I go to the concert or come to the Father’s Day Party? The obvious answer is to bring Tay-tay as your +1.

Excited to see you all on Father’s Day!

Love, the 2024 planning committee (aka Alicia & Shane)

**************************************** 

 There was yummy food ...

... and lots of games and socializing 

Here's a little LIVE action

https://youtu.be/90OhN2z_xbk

... until next year!

F-Day 2023

It's hard to get the WHOLE crew together as the families grow. Still, twice a year, there is a gathering of the Westra clan, calling all those who can make it. Father's Day and Christmas Eve. The Father's Day gatherings have consistently provided a photo opportunity, with 16 posed pictures on the back porch of Scott and Amy's house on Old English road (see the 2022 post). This year ... it was at the Haven Moor House. A familiar backyard, because it was the Westra (Lamar/Margie) backyard for years before (although inside the house! Many changes and updates!) As per picture usual, one regular, one silly. It was quite a crew this year!

Blackhams didn't bring the 9-Square this year, but there were other games: Kan-Jam, ladder golf and corn hole. Marinated chicken, Brazilian Cheese Rolls and amazing gluten free desserts ala Christine were among the food offerings. 

Cal and Kate had called Scott to ask if they could bring their new doggy, Vera. It wasn't planned, but Kate and Keaton were most matchy! Five boy picture pose around the patriarch (Grandma) and as Gray was mia, a picture with one of the other bald guys around for the Blackham Father's Day photo (thanks Scott for filling in!)

... there were several selfies thanks to "Be Real" going off during the party.

... and the girl cousins had a fun time putting together a little dance!

https://youtu.be/7HhjcuwS9TM

Father's Day 2022

Sunday, June 19, 2022 ... the final group gathering and family photo with the back patio of Scott and Amy's home on Old English Road in Draper as the backdrop. Change is in the air, and the house was on the market and sold in the months afterward. 

Scott sent out the annual invitation June 2 ... "Hey Family! You are all invited to the annual Father’s Day extravaganza at our home on Sunday, June 19th. We will probably start around 6:00 pm if that works ok. I will fire up the BBQ and the Treager if Grayson can provide me some smokin’ tips. Please bring the 9 square game. Let everyone know what you can bring and pass the invitation along to all your family members."

On June 19, the day of the party, Scott sent an update ... "Happy Father’s Day! It looks like a cold front will be blowing in early afternoon and the evening temperatures will be on the cool side. Who would be able to come if we moved the start time to 5:00 pm? Please let me know and if that doesn’t work for everyone, we can keep it at 6:00 pm. Please let me know and I will send out a definitive plan early afternoon. I will be smoking some tri-tip on the Treagar and will have our traditional Sprite chicken on the Weber. We will also have baked beans and fruit. You are welcome to come earlier to visit and help. I know many of you will be disappointed to not see me in my short-shorts and tank top but I still hope to see as many of you as possible. Bring a sweater. "

The change in the weather was ironic, as just last year (Father's Day 2021) a heat wave hit the holiday and the festivities had to be shifted a little later to accommodate! With the cool temperatures this year, there wasn't any water fun, as was the case in many Father's Day parties in the past. 

There was food, and visiting. Many got to meet little Letti  for the first time. Layla had a little beaded bracelet business going, so there was some crafting going on. Chris's crew brought some fresh eggs from their chickens for a few people to take home, and Jen brought some tomato plants she'd picked up at a Blackham family reunion the day before. 

It was a bit breezy, and we weren't sure the 9-square would work with the weather.

But we got some games in.

It was a smaller group for this final farewell to Father's Day here at this house.

We missed those who couldn't make it.

... for a fun look back at all the photos from this back porch.

Starting in 2006 in the top left corner, ending with 2021 in the bottom right. Skipped 2011, as while there was a Father's Day photo at the house, that year it wasn't taken on the back porch as all the others were. All of these years have party recaps with additional pictures. Check them out by year (chronologically on the blog archive in the sidebar), or scroll through all the Father's Day posts. 

Father's Day 2021

 

In May, the annual invitation email from Sir Scott was extended to the Westra Clan ... 

"Family: The Draper Westra’s will be honored to host the annual Father’s Day event one month from TODAY! I hope Sunday, June 20th works for everyone. We will plan on the traditional barbeque and if Grayson will share some of his secret recipe’s (or at least some advice); I will fire up the Treager as well. Please let me know what you can bring so I can pretend to round out the menu with anything missing (by assignment to someone else of course). I think we will plan on starting around 5:00 pm with dinner. We will dedicate 6:11 pm to 6:12 pm for a group family photo. Even I can smile that long. If it looks super hot, we may shift things back an hour. Derek – as the youngest and healthiest sibling, I nominate you as chair of the activities committee. Hopefully nothing that requires a liability waiver. Feats of strength, airing of grievances, etc. Please forward the message on to your kids. They are all welcome as well. Cheers, Scott"

We WERE experiencing a heat wave in June, so slight shifts in the time frame were added ...

"Is everyone super excited to celebrate all the great dads in the family?? Hopefully we can also celebrate a Jazz victory over the Clippers in Game 7! Who names a NBA team after a manicure tool anyway? Due to the heat, we will be starting the party and having dinner at 6:30 pm. I hope that isn’t too late for everyone. If you really want to come earlier, there is some pruning and weeding that I didn’t get to. The photo slot will be moved to 7:38 – 7:39 pm. It should be a nice Summer Solstice evening with the sun setting at 9:01 pm. Projected temperature at 6:30 pm is 91 degrees, cooling to 76 degrees by sunset. See you Sunday!"

Due to the heat, instead of smoking meat, there were pulled pork sandwiches prepared. The vegetarian crew brought a veggie version. Salad, veggies, fruit, chips, Brazilian cheese rolls (for the gluten-free guys, although gluten eaters enjoy them too). Scott and Amy had installed a kitchen in their basement and it was a great out-of-the way spot for the last minute baking. Jen brought a bunch of sourdough loaves to hand out. Oodles of desserts as well ...

In previous years there has been a trampoline, slack line, jump ropes, a segway, water balloons ... this year 9-Square was introduced. The game setup is a mix between four-square and volleyball, and while you can buy the set online, it's a little pricey. Keaton made a set on his own (and then Shane ended up making one for their family as well) which he brought and set up. The Westra backyard still had the decorative lights hung (from Kemery's wedding) but Scott had taken out a tree (no more slack line!) so there was a spot for the poles. 9-Square is a great game, fast moving, good for large groups and all ages. Little Layla liked it a lot! 

A little "live-action" look at the fun ...

9-Square in the Air ala Westras

Father's Day Questionnaire - Family History Challenge

Time for another Weekly Westra Family History challenge ...

From Chris to all the grandkids ... Good morning, and happy Father’s Day! Today’s family history challenge is about your dad, of course. Come up with short answers to the 10 questions below, and send them to me.  If you don't know the answers, ask your dad! You can see my examples below the questions, I did the challenge also. Jaiden won the speed award last time, who will win this time? Make sure and share your answers with your dad.

Questions about your Dad

1. When I spend time with Dad, we like to?
2. Dad is really good at?
3. How am I like my Dad?
4. How am I not like my Dad?
5. I know my Dad loves me because?
6. My Dad's favorite food is?
7. At home, my Dad likes to?
8. Something funny about my Dad is?
9. My favorite memory with Dad is?
10. What I love most about my Dad?

(as per usual, Chris started things off ...)

Chris's Answers about LaMar Westra

1. When I spend time with Dad, we like to work in the yard, and go on hikes and walks.

2. Dad is really good at incremental actions on large projects (like building a cave).

3. How am I like my Dad? We both like to hike, and to do yard work and rock work.

4. How am I not like my Dad? I'm more talkative than my Dad.

5. I know my Dad loves me because he's willing to teach me family history.

6. My Dad's favorite food is toasted zucchini bread with butter on it.

7. At home, my Dad likes to do family history and work in the yard, and nap.

8. Something funny about my Dad is he doesn't care if his clothes match.

9. My favorite memory with Dad is going on many beautiful hikes.

10. What I love most about my Dad is how he taught me to treat my wife.

(then came the grandkid submissions, reorganized into family sections)

Kadan

1. When I spend time with Dad, we like to? Talk about crypto, markets, money, entrepreneurship, lifestyle, etc.

2. Dad is really good at? Routine, delegation, collaboration, and service.

3. How am I like my Dad? I like technology, efficiency, research, and communication.

4. How am I not like my Dad? I'm not really into rocks haha 

5. I know my Dad loves me because? He makes it a point to find ways to connect with me on a regular basis and interacts with me through those mediums. He tells me he misses me.

6. My Dad's favorite food is? Uh, pancakes?

7. At home, my Dad likes to?Work in the garden/yard, and do rockwork.

8. Something funny about my Dad is? He likes to have part-time personal assistants who are usually young kids.

9. My favorite memory with Dad is? Watching him build the house in Gunnison and going for a ride in the old Toyota pickup.

10. What I love most about my Dad? He's easy going and laid back, and when he can't be, he communicates his schedule so you know what to expect. He's trusting and inclusive.

Camden

1 I like to work outside with dad

2 dads good at finding rocks and using them as decoration.

3 I'm like my dad because I'm a hard worker.

4 I like to play video games sometimes

5 I know my dad loves me because wants me to succeed.

6 my dad eats a lot of interesting things but he likes fish

7 work outside!

8 something funny my dad does is collecting lots of rocks

9 one of my favorite memory's with my father is jumping on his little trampoline when I was sick

10 what I love most is how my father taught me to be a hard worker.

Cayson

1. When I spend time with Dad, we like to look for rocks.

2. Dad is really good at Growing plants.

3. How am I like my Dad, I like to be outside.

4. How am I not like my Dad, I am wazy wike wiky.

5. I know my Dad loves me because he says he loves me

6. My Dad's favorite food is crunchies

7. At home, my Dad likes to build with rocks

8. Something funny about my Dad is he sings weird songs.

9. My favorite memory with Dad is hiking with him

10. What I love most about my Dad that he loves me

The Jensen family ... wow, got answers from everyone! Wendy did a post on her blog with pictures, putting the kids in chronological order. Seriously ... I'm going to send you over there to read all the answers about Rick (and Ellen participated and featured her father too!) Questionnaire for Father's Day.

Cooper

1. When I spend time with my dad, we like to… do pinewood derbies.

2. Dad is really good at… making food.

3. How am I like my dad? We both like to rewatch certain videos over and over.

4. How am I not like my dad? I really like playing board games, while he doesn’t.

5. I know my dad loves me because… he buys and provides stuff for us often.

6. My dad’s favorite food is… any type of meat he has smoked.

7. At home, my dad likes to… cook food using his smoker

8. Something funny about my dad is… how he throws a football at the beach.

9. My favorite memory with my dad is… our vacation at Orcas Island.

10. What I love most about my dad is… that he provides for us.

Adria

1. When I spend time with my dad we like to mountain bike or play soccer

2. My Dad is really good at making pies 🥧

3. I’m like my dad because we both enjoy art and designing things

4. I’m not like my dad because he is much more logical than I am

5. I know my Dad loves me when he talks through decisions with me and helps me make good choices

6. Sushiiiiii ️and bananas 

7. At home my dad likes to walk in the yard and hang out with us kids

8. Something funny about my dad is that he doesn’t like teams that wear the color purple

9. My favorite memory with my dad is playing soccer with him in the backyard

10. What I love most about my dad is that he his so patient and loving to all of us even if we are having a hard time

Rella

1. When I spend time with my Dad we like to play on the guitar/bass

2. Dad is really good at taking care of a garden

3. My Dad and I both like to listen to groovy music

4. I like to read more than my dad

5. I know my Dad loves me because he spends lots of time with me

6. My Dad likes pizza and sushi

7. At home my Dad likes to practice guitar

8. Something funny about my Dad is he drives super fast when we don’t expect it

9. My favorite memory with my Dad is when we went out to eat together.

10. What I love most about my Dad is how he treats others

Ani 

1. When I spend time with Dad, we like to? Play softball together and to watch a star wars or marvel movies.

2. Dad is really good at? At building and taking care of us.

3. How am I like my Dad? We both like sports, like action movies , and Chinese food.

4. How am not like my dad? We have different eye colors and circus peanuts and I don’t.

5. I know my Dad loves me because? He works so hard for me and my family everyday and would do everything to make me happy.

6. My Dad's favorite food is? Donuts

7. At home, my Dad likes to? Play games with us and talk about are days while we eat dinner.

8. Something funny about my Dad is? He makes lots of jokes and does funny things when he play’s with me and the girls.

9. My favorite memory with Dad is? It is a video of me and dad when I was a baby and he pretended to sneeze but it made baby me laugh so hard.

10. What I love most about my Dad. He loves me and would always put family first.

Layla

1. When I spend time with Dad, we like to? Snuggle. Cuddle. Hug. And eat Pho:

2. Dad is really good at? Ummm…working and fixing things.

3. How am I like my Dad? I’m creative and make things and he makes stuff out of wood.

4. How am I not like my Dad? I don’t really like donuts. Too much sugar. They make my tummy hurt.

5. I know my Dad loves me because? Because he kisses me!

6. My Dad's favorite food is? Burritos! Tacos! Donuts!

7. At home, my Dad likes to? Work and build things.

8. Something funny about my Dad is? He’s bald.

9. My favorite memory with Dad is? Running together and going on dates together.

10. What I love most about my Dad. He’s the best!

Noelle

1. When I spend time with Dad, we like to? Play at the park!

2. Dad is really good at: working.

3. How am I like my Dad? We both have blue eyes. :)

4. How am I not like my Dad? He works really hard and all day.

5. I know my Dad loves me because? He takes care of me.

6. My Dad's favorite food is? DONUTS!

7. At home, my Dad likes to? Do projects.

8. Something funny about my Dad is? He made a joke at Church and instead of instead of saying “light” he said “shower” and all the primary kids laughed.

9. My favorite memory with Dad is? Going on birthday dates together!

10. What I love most about my Dad. He sings me songs when I go to bed!

Derek went ahead and wrote up his answers too ..

1. When I spend time with Dad, we like to? Play tennis. I remember inviting Dad to play and then driving around to find an open court and then begging for slurpees afterwards.

2. Dad is really good at? Digging. Family History. Kind of the same thing actually. :)

3. How am I like my Dad? We are both hard workers who love sports.

4. How am I not like my Dad? He’s thin. :)

5. I know my Dad loves me because? He always came to my games - even the away tennis matches and soccer games.

6. My Dad's favorite food is? Lasagna - the next day.

7. At home, my Dad likes to? Work in the yard and play with his grandkids.

8. Something funny about my Dad is? He can wear two button-down collared shirts at one time. I’ve never seen anyone else do that.

9. My favorite memory with Dad is? Him picking up trash while pushing me in the stroller. Wheelbarrow rides around the backyard. Teaching me to ride a bike.

10. What I love most about my Dad. He loves my Mom and puts her needs and wants first.

... and then Dad/LaMar wrote up about HIS dad (get to know Grandpa Westra by reading about him -  Joseph Ate's biography.) 

1. When I spend time with Dad, we like to? We would spend most Saturdays fishing. I remember especially Fish Lake, and the Uintahs.

2. Dad is really good at? He made lots of friends, he was a good Purchasing agent for the Granite School District.

3. How am I like my Dad? We both loved our wives, and our families.

4. How am I not like my Dad? My dad was overweight, and I am not.

5. I know my Dad loves me because? He would spend lots of time with me. We would go out at night and catch nightcrawlers for my business.

6. My Dad's favorite food is? Roast beef.

7. At home, my Dad likes to? Play basketball with me.

8. Something funny about my Dad is? He would always stick out his tongue when he was playing basketball.

9. My favorite memory with Dad is? Fishing on the far side of Fish Lake, wading out and casting for rainbow trout.

10. What I love most about my Dad? How he loved and cared for my mother, and our family.

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).