Everything Jensen

Merry, Merry Christmas! We had a wonderful, quiet Christmas at home this year. We would have loved to have had some family visitors. But, having no guests and no where to go until the afternoon meant we were able to let the kids set their own pace. They are slow present openers, taking time to enjoy every new item before they move on. Showing off their new  "Christmas Eve" pajamas. Steven giving out hugs for Christmas. Shopkins! She was so excited to finally have the "it" toy for kindergarteners.  Eleanor playing with a Lego set from her stocking while Mom makes breakfast. While the kids enjoyed their stocking goodies, we made gingerbread pancakes and got tidied up. The kids preferred to stay in their jammies - and why not? It's Christmas!  We finally found a purpose for  our giant cookie cutter.  Whip cream to top it off! This is Steven's first Christmas! He was a little overwhelmed. He's not normally...

My sisters said mom was making cookies in the kitchen.... but, she put them in the oven instead of my mouth. Why? WHY?! Oh the Humanity!!! ...8 Minutes of Despair Later.... Mmm... It's okay buddy, Mom feels like that whenever she doesn't  have cookies too.

It's the most wonderful time of the year... so we're going to fill it with wonderful memories (or bust!). Every December Melinda gets all gun-ho about doing ALL THE THINGS. And, this year was no different. From the disastrous trip to the Encinitas Holiday Parade (alas, kids have zero patience for waving at mayors in convertibles) to the Los Posados procession (success - we bribed the kids with homemade gingerbread cookies). We've been buzzing around all month enjoying all the interesting events and activities that come around this time of year. Steven showing off his Christmas style. Four successful gingerbread houses!  The church Christmas program was ADORABLE. Of course, we think the littlest angel stole the show. Santa came to visit after the nativity scene! We talked our friends the Collinses and Alleys to join us for the candle lit procession of Los Pasados in Old Town. Actors playing Mary and Joseph traveled around the square, try...

It's TURKEY TIME! Check out those sweet turkey shirts!  Grandma Mikki and Grandpa Phil offered to host Thanksgiving this year. We had a big crowd with Sally and Joe down from Davis and Jeff's family in from Santa Barbara - plus all of us locals. We provided the bird, but Sally actually did all the work preparing it the day of. We just stood in line to pick it up at the Honey Baked Ham Store. It was a long line... but still, credit to Aunt Sally for a delicious roast!  Before we started feasting, Grandpa asked Klisa to give a quick speech about the history of the holiday. Klisa punted to Melinda... which was okay because Melinda watched the Charlie Brown Thanksgiving Special last year so she and Captain Myles Standish are old pals. Don't ask Melinda to tell you what she had for breakfast, but obscure facts about holidays with puritan origins - on it!  Matt took this panorama of the crew as they prepared to hear Melinda's big "speech." See h...

A whole week off of school! Wahoo! The kids were thrilled. Melinda was terrified (j/k). How to keep this active brood entertained for a whole week? Never fear! Super girls are here to banish boredom! There is nothing mom can't do with felt and a glue gun! Zoom! Off to the park by our house. We collected some pinecones at the park for our next big adventure... Bird Feeders!  Steven was here! and here... making a wreath. Whew! We did a lot of crafting, coloring, sliding and playing over the last three days. And, we're ready for some more fun with family, football and turkey! 

Who wants to climb down 145 uneven, rocky steps into a dark, dank cave with three squirming kids?  We do!  We took the kids to the Shell Shop this weekend. Evidently sometime between Melinda's childhood and today it was renamed the Cave Store... but who can keep up with name changing (San Diego Safari Park... we know you are really the Wild Animal Park... and don't even get us started on the so-called San Diego County Fair, it's the Del Mar Fair forever!) But, grumbling about name changing aside, the Cave Store  passage is as it has been 1903 when it was carved. Steep, uneven, a little slippery - and totally awesome. Heading down into the cave... To see Sunny Jim's Profile! She loved watching a seal sleep on  the rocks inside the sea cave. OOoo! Waves! Seals! Seagulls!  Topside Again! Any morning in La Jolla is a beautiful one - even if you spend most of it in a cave! Being inside a sea cave is a unique, fun experie...