Christmas Eve and Christmas Day 2008

Click here to see Toby's fake snow, Susan's nutcrackers in the sky, our BIG family stocking with a sweet surprise inside, Christmas trees, Christmas Eve program and visit complete with Andrew pole dancing?, scenic shots, the big gift exchange, helpful grandparents, and some modelling . . . thanks to everyone for a great celebration of Jesus' birthday! The Jensen kids are glad he shares his gifts with everyone (Heather did this one year on her birthday per Susan's suggestion, so Heather knows how difficult this is to do :) ). Merry Christmas!

FHE Temple lights

We braved the Monday night rain to see the lights at the Temple. The kids loved being able to use umbrellas (and fought over who got to hold them and poke eyes out) and it wasn't too crowded. We saw the nativity displays and Heather made random new friends including a brand new missionary from the MTC who said he had heard his mission was going to be dry and hot, but he had yet to see it that way . . .
We also saw Mark Mabry at the Mesa Arts Center and got our Reflections of Christ book signed. Toby actually really enjoyed the production movie they had showing and TJ and Heather just liked teasing each other.
When we got home, TJ realized his pants had been on backwards the whole time . . . I guess he saves time with his skinny body by not zipping/snapping jeans and just pulls them on and off!?!

Oh, and mommy and baby had a nice, peaceful, relaxing evening at home - since Susan's job has quadrupled with the kids out of school!

Siblings

They can't wait for Julianna to join them (next year?)!

All of us sledding

Snow Day!

We made our 2nd annual "bumpy truck ride" to the top of 4 Peaks in search of snow (oddly enough, there wasn't as much this year as last). We were happy Heather joined us this year even though she wasn't crazy about the ride back down the mountain! The kids had a blast 'sledding' on cardboard box pieces - maybe eventually we'll work our way up to skiing!?!

Family Photos

Susan'll probably be upset that I posted this since she would want a pic to be a surprise in a Christmas Card/Letter, but just in case we don't get around to getting the cards out in time this year, here's a sneak peak (and don't forget to book my sister for your family photo shoot):

http://www.neon-jane.com/Neon_Jane/Photography/Pages/The_Jensen_Family.html

Bobcats, Trains, and Christmas Parties

In reverse order (because bloggers photo uploading makes no sense), here are pics from our Saturday.
We started with a bobcat sighting in our neighborhood on the way to our ward Christmas party - where Toby excitedly sat on Santa's lap, Heather made crafts, and TJ made friends that he brought back to our house to play legos, lasertag, and ride bikes.
We then visited the owner of Tia Rosa's Restaurant and his backyard FULL of model trains - Toby was in heaven, as you can see.
Right next door was my parents' chapel where they were putting on their ward party, so we crashed it (we were the first ones there) - thanks, Grandma and Grandpa!

Donuts!?! Nope - bagels

Cousins & Chores

Decorating Elves