Strasbourg, France {June 2014}

We wanted Brad's family to get as many countries under their belt as possible so, we spent a day in France (Strasbourg to be exact!) before we headed to the airport to fly to Barcelona. We had been there previously so we were able to hit the highlights, eat some incredible pastries and call it good! 

They had a beautiful carousel in the middle of one of the plazas so Kason hoped on for a quick ride while everyone enjoyed their croissants. 

While we were wandering the streets, we bumped into our friends Jake and Jordan Johnson, who were in our ward in Germany. What are the odds!? 

We happened upon a flea market/farmers market -- so of course we had to stop and window shop. Brad was probably glad we were flying somewhere so I couldn't buy anything ;) 

Beauty around every corner! 

These dudes had to try some real stinky French cheese and boy, oh boy...was it ever stinky!! 

It was fun to watch the boat squeeze through the passageway. 

We grabbed some French pastries and headed off to the airport in Karlsruhe, to catch our flight! 

Jensen Adventures {June 2014}

In June {2014} we had some of Brad's family come to visit. His mom (Alesia), sister (Ashley), brother (Justin), Grandma Shirley (Alesia's mom) & Grandpa Francis (Ray's dad, not Shirley's husband). It was a modge podge of people but it was so fun to have a full house!!

One of the first days they were they, we borrowed a mini van and went to Praha! (aka: Prague, Czech Republic) I'd been before so I really didn't take many pictures. Regardless, Prague is one of my favorite European cities. I think I ended up going 5 or 6 times total, while living in Europe. Love it. 

The next day, we took the train to Rothenburg ob der Tauber. 

Justin realllly wanted a big loaf of bread. I think about 1/16th of it got eaten. Ha! 

Brad's family was here for his birthday, so we went to go visit him at work. Later that evening, we went to Amberg to eat at our favorite Italian restaurant: Mamma Maria. 

We had a little party with cheesecake (of course!) after dinner.

One of the nights there were visiting, we had the Elder's over for dinner. One of them was being transferred (though I can't remember which one now). Elder Mitch Brown and Elder Jacob Jackson:

Annnnd...it was Kason's last day of 1st grade! This is from my Instagram of his first day of school and last day. He really grew about a foot (or more!) that year. 

Next Up: France & Spain! 

May 2014

May was a travel-free month but it did include: 

My 29th Birthday

(Brad and I went out to dinner to Trattoria Rustica Italian in Amberg)

Kason was in his school's talent show and he played 'The Star Wars Theme' on the old piano. 

Lots of track meets for Kason. He ran sprints and was pretty dang good. I don't think he ever placed less than 3rd place. 

A Helping Hands service project with our ward. We helped at a military community day, serving 100's of people. 

{Kason & Sarah Blackman}

{Steve & Karen Gordon: Military Relations Missionaries}

These GORGEOUS flowers that were just outside our front door in Germany. I loved them!!

A bowling field trip with Kason

{Kason & his buddy Noah}

And lastly, some family friends, the Ellsworths, were getting ready to leave for Korea so, use girls got together and did the Kletterwald (ie: ropes course!) Soooo fun!

Colmar, France {April 2014}

I love the Alsace region of France. It's so charming and quaint and well...downright adorable. I could live there and never look back! While we were in Colmar, we stumbled upon their Easter Market. I'm wishing I had bought some of their decorated eggs..."should've, would've, could've" ... am I right?

(hindsight is totally 20/20...now that we've been back in the states for 9 months I have soooo many of those "I wish I would have" thoughts. *sigh*) 

It was all adorable, nonetheless. 

We stopped for lunch in the main square and it took for-ev-er ... not to mention it tasted like frozen pizza. Bleh. Thank heavens for beautiful backdrops to lift our spirits!! 

{side note: almost every time one of use would wear BYU shirts, while traveling, we would run into fellow Mormons. It happened while in Colmar and we chatted with a family from Utah for a bit. One of my favorite things!}

See? Orangia! (It's France's version of Fanta...)

After lunch we wandered and found Colmar's 'Little Venice'...

Lastly, we had to enjoy some French Delicacies. Naturally! 

So long, France!