Everything Jensen

After the temple ceremony, we celebrated with lunch at Lucha Libre - a Mexican wrestling themed taco shop - because we're a classy family. Melinda called ahead to reserve the wrestling ring. We got make fake announcements on the drop down mic, drink horchata from the tap, and all the kids were given mini wrestling figures. Did we mention unlimited tortilla chips? It was a special day. The taco lunch gets it's own post because... well, because of all the AWESOME pictures you can take in a luchador themed taco shop. Snuggling with his favorite person.  We are the champions... my friends... And we'll keep on fighting, til the end!  And now, for the main event... sister vs. sister! Hi-ya! Hi-ya!  Oh no! I lost my cape. I'm very sad. I'll save you sissy! Hug! Hug! Hug! (This is about how all their real life fights go too.) In addition to the fabulous wrestling ring photos, we also were able to envision ourselves on t...

Today was a special day. We've been looking forward to it for over a year, since the moment we resubmitted our paperwork to China. Before we knew who you were Jefferson, before we ever saw your face or held you in our arms, we knew that this is what we wanted - to take you to the temple and seal you to our family as our son forever. Today was the day. We knelt at an alter, held your hand, and covenanted with the Lord to be your parents, to love you and care for you. And, he blessed our family, joining us forever. You are our son, our brother, a Jensen. We love you. Your sisters will probably tell you - Steven screamed through the whole thing. Just like a brother, huh? He hates when Daddy isn't holding him. For their part, Adelaide and Eleanor fussed over you endlessly and kissed your head until you became annoyed. But, mostly, you were so happy with all the attention. You smiled and you charmed in your white suit. The sealer teared up with joy. So did your mom. And, it was ...

Twas the day after Christmas and did the Jensens chill out? Did they relax, take a rest, did they go that route? No, of course not! Vacation time is precious, and we pack it! Today the whole crew went down to the Mormon Battalion Museum and then walked around Old Town (stopping at the root beer store, of course).  Honorary Members! Steven was so serious about panning for gold. He completely soaked himself. Rocks are exciting. Rocks with  Aunt Kristin is even MORE exciting. Washboards are fun, so long as we don't ACTUALLY have to use them for real laundry. Admiring the view from the top of the tower. How do these work? Eleanor so beautiful. You're beautiful too, Kristin.  Jefferson wants in on this beautiful picture thing... Jessica walking the market.  Deep conversations over root beer. The day was a big success - and our cupboards are restocked with Sprechers (it's the best rootbeer there ...

It's Christmas! What an amazing, wonderful day! Kristin and James arrived late last night, much to the delight of their nieces and nephews (and us too!). James is a brilliant amateur photographer and was so kind as to take a bunch of pictures for us. You'll be able to tell the pictures that were taken with his quality camera vs. our iPhones. James' pictures are beautiful, just like the kiddos in them (we're totally biased). Something magical about Christmas lights, now all we need are some... Children! Can we open presents yet? Can we open presents yet? M&Ms and Play-doh in a sock on the  fireplace? Strange, but he rolled with it. After feeding him a cookie before breakfast,  Aunt Kristin become Jefferson's most favorite person. The kids enjoyed playing with their stocking presents - play-doh and tsum tsums and candy, hooray - while the grown ups made breakfast. Kristin and James brought us rainbow bagels all the way from...