Church History Tour Part 2

This month our family had the opportunity to go on Part 2 of the Westra Family Church History Trip! Those who participated were Rick, Wendy, Jared, Josh, Jenna, Derek, Ani, and Cayson! Part 1 of this tour was last summer. You can find that post HERE! We had each of the kids do a "write-up" of what we did each day. Jenna wrote about the first day...

Saturday, June 29 (written by Jenna):  Mom, Dad, Josh, and I stayed at a hotel last night in Las Vegas. We woke up at 3:30 am to fly out of Vegas into Salt Lake. There we met up with the Westras and Jared. Then me and Ani bought snacks and then we boarded the plane to Kansas City, Missouri. After landing we got our rental cars and got lunch at a place called Hiboys (which wasn’t the best food).

Afterwards we went to the visitor's center in Independence Missouri. All of the other historic sites (such as the Community of Christ Temple) were closed, but we still walked around them and had gospel discussions and then went to Liberty Jail. We learned about what took place in the jail and all of the hardships that lasted for four months. Liberty Jail was a horrible place and big trial for Joseph Smith and the other prisoners. After seeing the jail we sat in the lobby and talked about what had happened and asked questions.

Next we went to Corner Cafe for dinner, and it was great! They had to move our seats because of a leak and felt bad so they gave us free desserts! Then we also went through the McDonald’s drive through, and Derek got a chocolate shake. When we got back to the hotel Rella, Cayson, Ani, and Derek went and caught fireflies, which was super fun!

Lastly we all went to Walmart and got candy, and me and Ani got matching Bluey shirts. When we got back to the hotel we all went to sleep.

Sunday, June 30 (written by Rella): Today we woke up and went to the local ward in Cameron, Missouri! After sacrament meeting, we went back to our hotel, Red Roof Inn, packed up our stuff, and drove to the Far West Temple Site! There we talked about the history and wrote in our journals. After that we headed to Adam-Ondi-Ahman, which kinda just looked like a big field but it was so cool to learn about it during Jared’s lesson! 

For a late lunch we went to Murray’s Buffet and Grill in Chillicothe, and then we finished driving to Nauvoo. Our new inn, the Willard Richards Bed and Breakfast, is so cute and is full of historical stuff which is fun! A bunch of us went to Dollar General and a gas station to find some dinner options, where we got microwave dinners. These would have been great but we realized once we got back that we don’t have a microwave here. 

Finally, we went to a pageant about eternal families which was good, and they sang some classic songs which was cool! Overall it’s been a fun and spiritual day!

Far West, Missouri

Despite threats of violence to stop them, Brigham Young, Wilford Woodruff, John Taylor and other apostles and church leaders gathered in Far West, Missouri to lay the cornerstone of a temple and depart for their mission to England.

“And next spring let them depart to go over the great waters, and there promulgate my gospel, the fulness thereof, and bear record of my name. Let them take leave of my saints in the city of Far West, on the twenty-sixth day of April next, on the building-spot of my house, saith the Lord.” Doctrine and Covenants 118:4-5 

(Wendy): Rick taught all of us about this experience and explained how the apostles and church leaders risked their lives in order to follow the prophet and fulfill this prophesy. After his lesson he asked us to what lengths we would go to in order to follow the prophet of God. He then had us go to a spot alone and write in our journals on the subject. I read through some President Nelson's recent messages and wrote down some things that I need to do in order to better follow the prophet. 

The saints sacrificed their safety and sometimes even their own life in order to follow the prophet. We have been asked to sacrifice our time. This can seem difficult in our busy lives, but it is so minute compared to what the saints went through! Surely we can give up our time in order to attend the temple, do family history work, study the scriptures, and minister to others. This was a great reminder for me! 

Adam-Ondi-Ahman

The kids had loads of deep questions as we discussed the Savior's Second Coming to this location! What an amazing time that will be! 

We all agreed that Murray's Grill and all-you-can-eat Buffet hit the spot! And they had lots of gluten-free options, which was a big plus! 

We ran into someone who reminded us of Grandpa Westra and so Derek snuck a picture! 🤣

The historical Willard Richards Inn was SO cute!! It was also really close to everything. It was the perfect place to stay! (The only downside is that we didn't have access to a kitchen and so we had to go out every meal). They did keep it stocked with snacks and drinks though, which was nice. The young couple managing the place for the summer just happened to be one of the guys that Jared mentored at FSY! Small world! 

We realized that the big Nauvoo Pageant isn't playing until next week, so that was a little disappointing that we would miss that. But the upside of that is that Nauvoo was not crowded at all while we were there. From what I have heard, it is VERY crowded during the couple of weeks the pageant is running. There were still other shows that we were able to see. Tonight's show was called, "Our Story Goes On." They had a variety of songs, such as Broadway tunes, Disney, Popular music etc. and tied them all together through a loose story of a couple getting married and having a baby and then the baby grows up (with ups and downs) and then the story goes full circle when the child also gets married and has a baby. The show was pretty good, but we liked the young performing missionaries better and went  to their shows throughout the week. 

Monday, July 1 (written by Cayson): Hey everybody! Cayson here doing the daily report, and today was the best day! We did a cool wagon ride this morning with Ray and Richie (the horses), which allowed us to see the main sites at Nauvoo. After that, we visited the smith family homestead and Joseph and Emma's mansion house, which had a hotel attached to it when they lived there, but that part is no longer there. However, you can still see the original foundations of the hotel section and other buildings in Nauvoo. 

After lunch, we went to the Blacksmith and saw how they made horseshoes, attached to the blacksmith was the Wainwright (the person who makes wagon wheels, like how a cobbler makes shoes). We then visited the home of a gunsmith, which I really liked because they had lots of guns on display, but one little girl there repeatedly expressed how boring she thought it was. The last thing we did today was a live show called Sunset on the Mississippi, which showcased performing missionaries who danced, sang, and played instruments. That was super cool! That concludes our day.

Tuesday, August 2 (written by Ani): 

Today we got to sleep in a bit and we all went down for breakfast. my dad gave a lesson about our ancestor elam cheney. we learned about how he was alive during the time of the restoration. joseph smith probably knew him by his name which is really cool. then we went to the temple to do baptisms for the dead. it was a really amazing experience, they talked about how these ancestors are very excited and grateful. the temple president and his wife told a cool story about one of their senior missionaries. i guess he was doing family history, and one night he was woken up by words. as he started to write them down, he realized they rhymed and had a melody. it was a song from beyond the veil, and the person was saying “i’ve accepted the gospel, and i need you to come find me.” it was cool.  then we went home and relaxed for a while. we went out to lunch.

we drove for a bit to carthage jail. they told us many stories like how the family who lived there realized how the latter-day saints were good and moved them to a better room, but then had to move them back to the prison for their safety. it sounds like joseph and hyrum smith knew they were going to die. they sent some of their friends to go do things for them, probably for their safety. in the jail it was dark and it would’ve been very uncomfortable. when we walked in the room where joseph and hyrum smith died, it was like my heart dropped and i'm pretty sure everyone else felt the same. it was very interesting to learn about it, but it was also very gloomy and sorrowful. we got out of the building and talked for a minute about the events that happened, then we wrote in our journals.

we stopped at dairy queen and talked for a bit. dad was telling us all about how he met mom, it was super cute. then both cars left and our car went to a thrift store. we were there for a while and then we started driving back. when we were driving back my dad pulled over and we looked for frogs. they found one, and a snake, and even found an otter! 

tonight there was a huge thunderstorm and lots of lightning. we were going to go to the trail of hope, but it was raining so hard that we just stayed home. the jensen kids all went and ran in the rain. i guess they don’t get a lot of rain in st. george. tomorrow the jensen’s will go to chicago and we’ll go to st. louis.

This picture is of Rick and Wendy with Derek Furch. Elder and Sister Furch are currently serving a mission as the directors for the young performing missionaries in Nauvoo. They are certainly doing an amazing job! Derek was also Rick’s director of the Sunburst Singers in college. Sunburst Singers was big part of Rick's college experience, and so it was fun to meet with them and his wife even invited our family over for lunch before we left Nauvoo on the last day we were here.

 

Wednesday August 3 (by Josh): This morning we checked out of the Willard Richards Inn and then started the day by visiting a statue of Joseph and Hyrum riding horses, right outside the Nauvoo temple. There we talked about all the saints who were endowed in the old Nauvoo temple before the trek west, and the importance of endowments. 

After that we went to the 70's hall and the young performing missionaries performed a short play about the first mission voyage to England. Some of the elders who went were Brigham young, John Taylor, Heber C. Kimball, and Wilford Woodruff. 

After that we walked along the trail of hope and read some experiences from the early saints when they were forced to leave Nauvoo and begin the trek west. It was a really cool experience and I'm really glad that we were able to visit all those places! Overall, this has been a great trip and testimony builder. Thanks Grandma!!! 

After the Trail of Hope we all said goodbye to the Westras before they headed to the airport for home. The Jensens had lunch with the Furches and then drove to Chicago for a couple days of fun before heading home! The Church History Tour was very rewarding! We are grateful for Rick for putting if all together, and for everyone who helped teach, and for Grandma and Grandpa for funding it so that we could all go! 

Derek - Hawaii, Bob and #99plus1

Derek posted this on June 27 to his Facebook account ... a sweet memory of a helping hand in Hawaii. 

We were newlyweds with very little money – about to move to an island where we didn’t know a soul. Until we met Bob.

Danielle and I were just 25 years old when I was offered a full-tuition scholarship to the University of Hawaii to pursue my MBA. I was working in a Provo basement for a tiny 6-person startup called Qualtrics, when I decided it likely wasn’t going to take off. Haha. Whoops! We accepted an offer for graduate school in Honolulu – sold everything we had (which wasn’t much) and boarded a plane. 

We literally didn’t know anyone on the island, but my parents mentioned our situation to some couples in their Church congregation. One of them said “I have a brother on O’ahu – here’s his email address – I’m sure he’d be happy to help.” I remember writing an email that basically said, “Hey Bob. You don’t know me – but my wife and I are moving to Honolulu and our flight arrives at 12:30 AM. Uber hasn’t been invented yet, and we wondered if you could pick us up from the airport and let us stay the night in your house, and then drive us to our apartment the next day.” The only thing we had in common was that we were members of the same Church. I sent my email, embarrassed that I was asking so much from someone I had never met. 

Five minutes later, I got this reply: “Aloha Derek. Tell me your flight number. I’ll be there.” And he was. By the time we gathered our luggage (not a couple carry-ons – we were moving…this was everything we owned) it was well after 1AM. I got a text message “This is Bob, I’m ready when you are.” We met him outside and he loaded our bags and drove us to his modest home for the night. The next morning, Bob said “let’s get you some Spam and Eggs at McDonalds – you’ve got a big day.” He drove us to McDonalds, bought us breakfast and then to our apartment. We thanked him profusely for his generosity – but it didn’t stop there. “You don’t have a car – how are you going to get groceries?” We’ll walk I guess – I answered. “Hop back in, let’s get you what you need.” Bob then drove us to Foodland and walked with us for an hour as we bought what we’d need to survive our first week in our new place. 

I never saw or talked to Bob again after that day – but I’m forever grateful that a perfect stranger would willingly drive in the middle of the night to pick up two scared kids from the mainland and not leave their side until he knew they were okay. President Nelson, the man I believe is the living prophet of God is turning 100 years old this year. As he reflected on the significance of that number, he invited us to consider times that we’ve been the “1” in the parable of the lost sheep. As I thought about this – I immediately thought of Bob, who reached out to my wife and I as we were (quite literally) lost in a new place. Thank you, Bob, for being like the Good Shepherd and ensuring that we made it to safety. 

#99plus1

_____________________________________________

Derek has written official articles for the church website before, so I asked him if this had been an assignment. He answered "The church is doing a little 99+1 campaign ... and if I'm being honest, I was asked my some of my leadership to help "model" what members might do if they were to engage with this campaign) - but no assignment, this was on my own. :) "

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!

New Havenmoor

The June 2022 Father's Day at Scott and Amy's house was the last one at the Old English address ... they then moved to the Haven Moor House. The folks were shifting to the G-Suite in Shane and Alicia's new build in Alpine.  While there have been posts on The Hermitage House and the Homes  Before Hermitage, there has yet to be a Haven Moor post featuring the LaMar/Margie years there. These pictures taken April 2023 show the "after" Scott and Amy came in and made the home their own.

Still getting the master suite finished up ...

... Scott and Amy moved into the lower level after their home sold, but before the folks had moved into their new place. Nice full kitchen downstairs now.

Storytime with Margie ~ Corduroy

 While audiobooks are common place today, once upon a time, they were called "Books on Tape" and they were actually ON a cassette tape. Many libraries had little bags that contained the a book, and a cassette tape with the story. You had to provide your own tape player. 

In the Westra household, there was also storytime/reading aloud. At some point, Mom/Margie made some "books on tape" and in the present day, those tapes have been digitized. Now, in today's world, there are already several versions of Corduroy being read on YouTube ... but here for the Westra audience, we have Mom/Margie as the narrator, with the pictures added to follow along. 

https://youtu.be/fJKXh5t8PGk?si=6aM-aLkUiNIV_yHP

While at this point, the kids and grandkids are probably past the Corduroy age audience ... the original Westra six would probably get a kick out of hearing "mom" read a story again, and the latest generation could hear great-grandma read a bedtime story. 

The book IS still being published and is available for purchase today. It's a classic! There's even a set that comes with a little bear, and there are some sequels I didn't know were out there. So hopefully the original six siblings enjoy this reminder of reading time in the Hermitage House with Mom ♥

Annual Westra Christmas Newsletter 2023

 

To see ALL the newsletters at a glance - peek HERE.

It's fun to see the change (or not) in photos, fonts & presentation.

There is a PDF of this year's newsletter saved in Dropbox as well.

The newsletter text and some additional photo collages for each family are also featured below.

Scott and Amy live in the Murray Holladay area and recently remodeled their home. McKenna and Spencer Erickson live in Seattle. Spencer works for Amazon and McKenna works for Microsoft. They welcomed Eddie James Erickson to their family in May. Alyssa and Jed live in Sugarhouse. Jed is an optometrist and Alyssa teaches 5th at Midvale Elementary. They are getting married on June 28, 2024. Kellen and Natalie were married in April and live in Henderson, Nevada. Kellen is in his second year of medical school at Touro University and Natalie is a personal health and fitness coach. Kemery and Mitch Willes live in Payson. They are the proud parents of Letti (2) and Della Merle Willes who was born on December 10th. Mitch works for a company that supplies contract software for the insurance industry. Taylee is a sophomore at UVU and works at Urban Outfitters. Amy stays super busy being a grandma. Scott is the Chief Financial Officer for WCF Insurance.

Chris and Kim live in Pleasant Grove, and Camden and Cayson are living with them. Kim works for Revere Internal Medicine and Chris works from home. Conner (31) works construction and Amber works from home for Progressive Leasing. Krystal (30) and Boris live in Texas and are both going to law school. They have a baby, Mylo, who is six months old. Kadan (29) and Christine live in Chris and Kim’s basement apartment. Kadan works for Fastenal and she works for the school district. Courtney (29) and Seth are back in Utah. Seth will finish law school in April. Integrity is six and Charlotte is 18 months. Corin (26) and Kylie live in Redmond. Corin works at the United States Gypsum plant. Seth (25) and Aspen live in American Fork with 3 dogs. Seth works at KCI. Aaron (23) moved to Florida to be closer to his girl Abbi. He is working in sales. Camden (21) is engaged to Hannah and works at Equinox IT. Cayson (17) is a Senior at Timpanogos High School.

Rick and Wendy live in Santa Clara, Utah. They have seven children and three (soon to be four) grandchildren! Rick is the ASL coordinator and advisor for the United States and Canada for Seminaries and Institutes. Wendy is the interpreter coordinator and interpreter at Utah Tech University. Wendy also spent the past nine months serving on the language committee for the St. George Temple open house. Janika is working as an elementary school counselor, and Brandon works for Flex as the Revenue Operations System Administrator. They have a 17-month-old and are expecting another baby boy in April. Jase is currently working at Co Diagnostics as the formulation team lead. Ellen works for Cambridge Financial Group and just graduated with her Master of Arts in Professional Communication. They have two boys, Evan (age 2 1/2) and Eli (age 1). Jared was hired to teach Seminary full-time, teaching in Saratoga Springs. He just earned his bachelor’s degree from Utah Tech University in Business Management. Janelle finished her missionary service in Taiwan in April and is currently at BYU and working at the MTC. Jaiden finished a year at SUU and is serving in the Mongolian Ulaanbaatar Mission. Josh, a senior, is a Madrigal section leader. He studies Chinese and plays soccer for the high school team. Jenna is a freshman, and is involved with music, Chinese study, dance, and FRIENDS!! Check out the Jensen Family Newsletter: https://jensenchristmas.blogspot.com/

The West Jordan Blackhams have stayed busy and active this year. Grayson is working hard at Symphony Homes, but found time to do a lot of hiking. He got on his machines (RZR, waverunners) and took a few trips (California and Europe/England/Paris). Jen has continued baking sourdough, teaching Zumba and listening to endless audiobooks. Landon is busy with work at LKL Associates. He got a new car, and also did quite a bit of hiking. Cal and Kate have a new addition – an adopted doggy named Vera who keeps them on their toes. Cal is working with Camsen Electric and Kate works at SLCC. Keaton is living on his own in a cute basement apartment. He left Camsen to try his hand at commercial work but decided to return to Camsen with his residential journeyman's license. Cooper is working full-time for DLP Unlimited. He plays pickleball and ping-pong and does lots of jogging in the home gym. It's football season, and his fantasy team is currently doing well. Colton ... plays basketball. He started varsity his junior year and now again for his senior season. He traveled with Metro in the Summer, played in the UtahTop50 league in the Fall, and is hoping to play college ball. Landon and Callahan have had some knee issues and Jen had another 'episode' in April (ambulance/ER & more medical tests). We're hoping everyone stays happy and healthy for the New Year! You can keep up with the Blackham Bunch on the family blog Gray and Jen Blackham (http://blackhamboys.blogspot.com/).

Check the bottom of the post for Derek's nudge/ChatGPT update ...

Shane, Alicia, and their 3 children live in Highland, Utah. Shane is now the Chief Product Officer at Canopy, a company that builds software for tax accountants. Alicia is the Assistant Retail Manager at the Kneaders Home Office. Adria (19) is a freshman at BYU. She is currently studying pre-Business and preparing to serve a mission. Rella (17) is a senior at Timpanogos High School. She is still dancing up a storm and recently added country swing dancing to her repertoire! Calder (12) is in 6th grade. He loves listening to music and playing video games. Their family enjoys spending time together traveling, playing games, and generally just having fun.

Derek and Danielle and their three girls live in Traverse Mountain in Lehi. Three kids at three different schools keeps them busy! Aniston (13) plays softball, loves all things music and hanging with friends! Layla (9) loves soccer, tumbling and art and is super creative – making homemade gifts for her multiple boyfriends. Noelle turns 8 in January and is in French immersion at her school. She loves reading and playing piano. Derek works as Director of Reputation Management for the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. Derek and Danielle love DIY home projects, and this year built a workout room and a 4-person custom sauna in their home. They are doing daily cold plunges and wondering what crazy lifestyle choice will be next: Chickens? Raw Milk? Danielle is an amazing cook and baker and loves to design and create pretty spaces. She loves researching about health and nutrition and gave up sugar over a year ago. Derek did not, and it shows. :)

We have been in our lovely new apartment in Shane and Alicia's Beautiful new home in Highland, Utah, for 1 year now---time flies. We love it here and are doing well for our age. We had a beautiful flower garden, and this Fall we planted hundreds of tulips and daffodil bulbs we are anxious to see in bloom when Spring arrives.

We are serving as Temple and Family History Consultants in our new ward (Strasburg Ward in the Highland Central Stake). Margie also serves on the R.S. Service Committee, writing to the 12 missionaries in our ward. LaMar continues to serve as a World-wide Support Missionary for FamilyTree, answering phone calls and chats from our home, as patrons call in with their questions. Margie (with Christopher's help) is always adding more content to her Church Topics website at margiesmessages.com

We wish health and happiness to all our family and friends! Love, Margie and LaMar

westra8@gmail.com

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

As Derek was prepping the Newsletter for it's official release this year, he asked for updates, both text and photos, from all the families. I'm not sure if all the families got a little nudge from him ... but the Blackham's did. You'll find it below. Pretty funny, although it would have run just a little long for the family PDF. Thanks for the laugh though Dunk! Reminiscent of 2008 when he create a real and a funny fake (see it HERE). 

From Derek: If you don't get it back in time - I'll be forced to use Chat GPT. ;) I fed it last year's update and told it to make and update for this year (and gave it a few sarcastic prompts). Here's what it wrote. ;)

From Chat GPT: 

Ladies and gentlemen, gather 'round for the thrilling chronicles of the Blackham family – a saga that unfolds like a twisted sitcom, complete with quirky characters and unexpected plot twists.

First in the spotlight is Grayson, who has discovered a lucrative side hustle as none other than "Walter Wheat," a Walter White impersonator extraordinaire. When he's not busy with Symphony Homes, he's channeling his inner Breaking Bad alter ego, proving that even suburban life can have a touch of drama. The RZR rides? Just a cover for his covert wheat empire, where each wheel spin is a metaphorical turn in the spiral of suburban intrigue.

Now, let's shift our attention to Jen, the culinary maestro and star of her very own reality show, "Breaking Bread." After the dramatic start to the year involving a head collision (perhaps a side effect of trying to cook with chemistry), she's embraced her true calling – combining the art of baking sourdough with the suspense of high-stakes reality TV. Will the bread rise to the occasion, or will it crumble under the pressure? Tune in to "Breaking Bread" to find out.

Landon, the solo act at LKL Associates, has not only celebrated the grand opening of their latest location but is also making waves in his personal life. Rumor has it he's considering a spin-off show titled "Landon Unleashed," where the grand opening of his heart takes center stage. Will it be a hit or a ratings disaster? Only time will tell.

Cal and Kate, the dynamic duo with a taste for adventure, have turned their road trip escapades into the thrilling travel series "Road Trip Rendezvous." This dynamic couple brings you the latest in scenic drives and romantic roadside picnics, proving that love is a journey – preferably with a full tank of gas.

Meanwhile, Keaton, the adrenaline junkie of Camsen Electric, has decided to bring his high-flying adventures to the small screen. Catch him in "Shockingly Bold," where he combines skydiving, roller skating, and electrical work in a mesmerizing dance with danger. It's a shocking spectacle you won't want to miss.

As for Cooper, the fresh graduate turned virtual educator, rumor has it he's considering a spin-off called "Virtual Velocity." Will he navigate the roads with the same precision he handled virtual classrooms? Only time will tell if the roads are ready for a Blackham behind the wheel.

Colton, the varsity basketball sensation, is contemplating his own sports-themed show. "Hoops and Highways" promises a slam dunk of excitement as he navigates the challenges of being a junior on the court and a newly licensed driver on the road.

For a deeper dive into this reality-meets-fiction extravaganza, head over to the family blog at http://blackhamboys.blogspot.com/. It's a digital treasure trove that will leave you questioning whether the Blackham family's life is a sitcom, a drama, or an elaborate episode of a cooking show gone awry. Until next time, dear readers, stay tuned for more Blackham family escapades – where reality is just a suggestion, and the only certainty is uncertainty.

Westra Calendar ~ Sneak Peek

The annual Westra calendar ... while it is for 2024, all the pictures are from 2023 (with a few holiday holdovers from 2022), so on the blog, this is more of a 2023 recap, and this is where it will be placed. The calendars themselves will (hopefully) be proudly displayed the various Westra homes ...

A collage of each family ... these will be included on the "annual newsletter" post also. 

Calendar pages are generally grouped into a "theme" for the month  ... bundled up/cold for January, pink/love for February ... the Jensen "Mother's Day Tea" dress up SHOULD go in May, but matched a little better with the other dress-up/costumes in October.  The eclipse happened in October 2023, but was placed in April 2024, as that's when the next one is up (and I didn't see the picture of Jaiden in eclipse glasses until after the collage was complete and uploaded ... I'm sure there are other pictures that would have fit perfectly in other sections that I missed too. Hopefully they make it into the slideshow compilation correctly). Events ... birthdays, weddings, holidays were hopefully slipped into the correct monthly collage. Also, tried to make sure every family was featured in each month.

Here's to making memories ... and capturing them on camera in 2024!

January

February

March

April

May

June

July

August

September

October

November

December

Photos with the folks ...