The Big Jesus and the little land plus a whole bunch of tradition.......

This weekend was one of those back to back fun filled, family filled weekends. My sister's children and both of my brother's children came to stay for the weekend. We started with Friday going to Temple Square to see the lights.We decided to take Trax down so we didn't have to deal with the parking. The kids enjoyed the train ride and Eric and I laughed at all of the people giving us weird looks having nine children in tow.

Waiting for the train

Pretty Girls

Cute kiddos

The "big" Jesus, as Lorin said. She wanted to see the big Jesus and the little land.

The entire crew.

Me and my boys.

The next morning I took T's kids up for a visit. It was so nice to visit her and be able to "talk" without having to be in group. I cannot wait for her to be home. I miss being able to just pick up the phone and chat. She is doing very well, actually amazing.
Our next event was the "Jamo's Annual Gingerbread House building event." We had new guest this year with my cousin Mitzi, her daughter, Torann, and her daughter, Mikel. They had a wonderful time. It was so much fun since it was their first time ever making houses.

Mitzi and her cute outhouse.

Aunt Jenny and Link's

Guido and his masterpiece

Mikey the little artist

Sweet Ave

Sarah Bear

Rachie

Lorin

Mikel

Kenya

Tiko

Sunday evening we went to Eric's sisters house for a traditional Polish Christmas dinner. With all of the classic dishes including homemade Cream of Mushroom soup, Pirogi, Fish,and stuffed mushrooms. The best was my Brother-in-law John brought Sledzie, which is pickled herring. It is something that is an acquired taste, I myself actually enjoy it. He told each of his children he would pay them each $1.00 to eat a piece. Keygan at his, Chloe ate hers and then she even came back for a second one (She has some taste that girl.) Then even little Kyler wanted a piece and he chowed it like candy. What cute kids they are.
I also was able to give Chloe a special bracelet that I give to each of my nieces when they have been baptized. Since we were not able to attend her baptism I still wanted her to have one and wanted her to know how much she was loved by her Uncle Eric and I. I asked my Mother-in-Law what she thought about me giving it to her and she agreed that I should. I told Chloe how sorry we were that we weren't able to make it to her special day and that we would have been there had we could. I let her know how proud we were that she had chose to become a member of the church and that I loved her so very much.
Overall it was a great evening, great food, and great company.
What a wonderfully busy weekend. One of those that although I was completely exhausted come Monday morning. I wouldn't take it back for anything.

So Long Summer...

Although this summer opened and closed with the big move.

We still were able to fit in some fun in between.

One of our favorite and longstanding family traditions is to go to the Mormon Miracle Pageant in Manti. It doesn't seem like summer until we go to the pageant. It is such a wonderful time, the spirit is always so strong, and although the pageant is the same every year, there always seems to be something new and more special about it every year.

The little indians

Rachel, Mason, Kenya, Kaiya, Tiko, and Sarah

Me and my boys

We go down early enough to enjoy people watching, visiting,
and the excitment building up to when the pageant starts.

Usually I am annoyed by more then one protestor. This year this guy took the cake. He didn't appreciate the statement that Jesus didn't carry his cross with a pillow.

Nothing is more beautiful then being able to see the temple

all lit up after the pageant is over.

We were able to see Kenya skate several times.
Over the summer she has won 3 gold medals and a silver.

One of the final summer traditions is "The Jensen Family Reunion" This year our family was in charge, so we did our best to transform the park into a Tropical Paradise.We had a wonderful time, all went well and we enjoyed one anothers company.
It was a great party to wind down the summer.

Mason ... after 13 years finally found something he would do for the talent show.

Mason and Dr. Cook in the Rubik's Cube Challenge.

Mason -47 seconds

Dr. Cook - Still working on it

Everyone had a great time and got into the fun.

The Aillia family was amazing and we were so lucky to have enjoyed their talents.

Daisy even got into the action and Tiko was sporting the Hawaiian Ronald McDonald look.

So ends another fun filled summer

and to think only 179 more days until the first day of Spring.