Father's Day!!

We arrived at Scott and Amy's a little before the party started. My sister, Jen, mentioned in our extended family Westra Way blog that this was the 14th annual group gathering for Father's Day. It has been held annual since 2006. Ironically (per the pandemic) this was probably the largest group there has been! There were even two dogs in attendance! (Since Jen had already done the Father's Day post I took some of the information directly from there!)

We enjoyed a delicious BBQ! Blackhams brought Grayson's super cool water balloon filler (that he made himself) 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 and the girls liked the hula hoops and practicing tricks such as handstands!

Then our family sang "Oh My Father" for my dad! We had put this together for a Father's Day gift for him! I think he enjoyed it and sang along! As soon as I introduced the song my mom started crying -- and I did too. I could hardly sing! Whenever we watch the video my kids make fun of me because I look so funny playing the bells. I guess I need more practice so that I don't totally lean forward when playing them!

Derek videotaped our song on his phone and posted it on Facebook and it actually got 2700 views and 24 shares! We got loads of wonderful comments! Derek thought we should do more songs and start a family youtube channel like some others have done. The boys were NOT excited about that prospect! I think they are happy to have their Sundays back (we usually practiced the song every Sunday and then went around the neighborhood sang to several neighbors on Sunday nights).

Click HERE to see the song on Youtube!

We also took our annual photo!! Our family needs to do a little better about making "windows" for this picture now that we have so many people! There are a few people I can barely see!

 ... and let's not forget Scott's poetic invitation to the party! 

 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.

Jen has more videos and pictures from this party on The Westra Way blog!! 

After the party Rick and Jared went to stay with his mom (Grandma Jensen hadn't seen Jared since his mission) and the other kids and I went to stay with Shane and Alicia. We had originally planned on Rick and me and the kids staying at my mom and dad's but I had a little sore throat and with this whole Covid-19 thing going on I was worried about staying at my parents just in case it turned into something more! A day or so later I felt perfectly fine, so pretty sure it was "just a cold!" Rick and Jared went to Ogden since Jared needed to buy a car and they saw some on sale in Centerville. 

Rick and I had also discussed going to Lagoon the Monday after Father's Day with the cousins, but then the park was requiring everyone to wear masks while in line for the rides and there was so much on the news about spikes in Covid cases that we decided to err on the side of caution and cancel our plans. So we just stayed over at Shane and Alicia's and the kids played together and then we headed back to St. George! 

Daddy Daughter Date for our 16 Year Old!

Rick has a special tradition of taking his girls out on a special date for their first official date when they turn 16. They dressed casual for bowling at Dixie Bowl and then changed at the Seminary building for dinner out at Cliffside restaurant, and then for a walk around the cactus gardens! I sure love these two!!

Your First Date

Good morning sweet girl,

Are you ready to be seen?

Because today is the day

You’re turning sixteen!

These white roses are yours

On this special birthday.

They represent purity and virtue,

Something you show every day!

Many privileges happen

At this magical age,

But driving and boys

Seem to be all the rage.

However, dating is where

All the fun begins.

Dating  is what bring

The biggest kind of grins.

I’m the lucky one who gets to take you

On your very first date!

Date training is my responsibility,

So I’ll make sure I do great!

We will first go bowling,

And have a fantastic time!

We’ll work up an appetite,

And I’ll feed you on my dime.

We’ll then go to dinner

At the fanciest place in town,

I hope dinner at Cliffside

Won’t make you frown.

When dinner is through

And the night is still warm,

A walk in the gardens

will make the perfect forum.

We’ll talk of your hopes

Your dreams and desires.

As you think about your future

And joys that will transpire.

So, my sweet, beautiful girl,

I hope this makes you glad

To have your very first date

With your dear ole’ dad.

Happy "Sweet Sixteen" Birthday to Jaiden!!

We had a full day today! We sang "Happy Birthday" to Jaiden and she opened her presents (the ones that had arrived -- there are a few more packages arriving this week). Rick gave her a dozen roses for her birthday and a sweet poem (see next post) asking her out on her "first date." (This was the note that caused the fire -- see next post!!)

Jared taught the lesson for Come Follow Me and did an awesome job! We had a great discussion and took lots of notes in our scriptures. Then we had the sacrament administered by the men in our family.

Rick then attended another ward's sacrament meeting (first time back since the quarantine) as part of his High Council responsibilities. He is not thrilled about returning to church, but had somewhat of a change of heart after hearing the speaker in church. He said church was very different! There was no singing -- the organist just played the organ for the sacrament. There was a 15 minute talk given by a single lady. He said it was very good and opened his eyes towards people who are alone during the quarantine and really need the blessings of being able to attend church meetings with other people. We practiced the musical number that we have been working on and went and sang it for a few people in the ward. They got emotional and really appreciated the gesture.

Jaiden's friends, Mariposa, Emily, and Lizzie brought over a bunch of gifts for Jaiden -- a beautiful bouquet of flowers, a big package of "Crumbl Cookies," a pre-dating pampering kit, and several treats and little surprises. Emily had a whole box of hand written "open when" notes. So sweet!

Rick fixed a delicious meal of shisk-a-bobs. We haven't had that in years and it really tasted wonderful! We had home-made ice-cream for dessert. It was a bit runny but still very yummy! We then all played "The Resistance." Between the flowers from dance concert, the roses from Rick, and the flowers from her friends, Jaiden had three beautiful bouquets to brighten our home!!

After our family games I worked on putting Jaiden's birthday collage together! Here is what I posted on Facebook/Instagram:

Jaiden Jensen is sweet sixteen today!! Jaiden is beautiful inside and out! She is intelligent, optimistic, compassionate, energetic, athletic, talented, and a wonderful friend to others. Jaiden loves to be involved in everything and is always up for a challenge! She is a talented dancer and singer, a straight A student, and a member of the student council at SCHS. Jaiden brings so much joy to our family! Happy Birthday, Jaiden! We love you!!

Fall Break and Janelle's 16th Birthday!!

This week we had our Fall Break (Thursday and Friday). It was really nice to have a break from school, work, and other commitments. Janika babysat for our neighbors. I spent part of Thursday morning in the rain wedding the flower beds because they were starting to look really bad. Rick  decided to go to Vegas all day Thursday to interpret and I had an interpreting job Friday morning.

Janika and Brandon came for the weekend and it was great spending time with them. Grandma Jensen also came for the weekend. Julie was helping with a family wedding and so Grandma came with her and stayed with us. Friday Janika and Brandon and I took the kids to the all abilities park and then Rick grilled hamburgers and hotdogs for dinner. Julie dropped off Jhi and Neko to play with our kids for a little bit and they all loved that! We all watched a movie tonight.  

Saturday we pretty much just hung out. Jhi and Neko came over to play for a couple of hours while her mom and grandma were helping at the wedding. Our kids had a great time playing with them. They are so cute! Saturday Rick gave Janelle a dozen white roses for her birthday and this sweet note asking her out on her first date!!

Saturday night Janika and Brandon went out to dinner with Rick and I and Jase. We went to Kai'li's -- the Basso's restaurant. I was impressed -- it was really good! They had given Janika and Brandon a gift certificate for two free meals for their wedding. 

We then all celebrated Janelle's birthday with cheesecake and then stayed up and played Mafia and Tellestrations. 

Sunday was Janelle's birthday. I can't believe she is 16!!!! We had her open her presents in the morning. She even let me take her picture in her pajamas with her bed-head hair, no make on, and her retainer still in her mouth. Love this beautiful girl! Our family then played a game of Kahoot "How well do you know Janelle?" that she put together for her party this Friday. We also had a little lesson. 

We went to church and Janika, Janelle, Jaiden, and Jenna sang, "The Miracle" in sacrament meeting for the musical number. It was beautiful! Janika and Brandon left after sacrament meeting to pack up and head home. Grandma left this morning before church.