Hangin' at The Jensens!

This week was a crazy week. Kurt has been VERY busy with work and he had a job that took him out of town for about 4 days. Hailey and Hayden were originally going to go with him but it didn't work out. That really saddened the kids so I figured that nothing would cheer them up more than getting to go swimming at Aunt Chris's house!
So Friday, late morning, we headed over to Nampa . . . Mark and Jonathan were camping . . . so it was Me, Chris, her girls and my kids!

They had a great time!

Getting ready to get in. We had already had a nice lunch and now it was time to play! If you watch throughout the pictures you get to see the transition of Tyler. He was very afraid of getting in the water. He would stand on the steps but that was it. Throughout his time in the pool, Emma and the others gave him encouragement and by the end of the day - he was lovin' it!

Emma, don't be shy!

Howdy Kelsey! I am afraid she is more like me, doesn't really like to get wet. She sat out and talked with me and Chris on the Canopy Swing or went in to play video games!

Swimming can be hard work, huh Hayden!

Here's Ty safely on the steps!

Hailey loves swimming!

I think Kimmy didn't stop moving the whole time and wow, could this kid cannonball!

Tyler not quite ready to get in all the way . . . . just contemplating . . . .

Oh hey, went down another step!

Kimmy and Ty taking a break in the lobster pool!

WOW! Emma talked him into the tube! She is hiding behind him but believe me, this was a BIG STEP!

He wanted back to the ladder but Emma slowly moved him around the pool, he was fussing a bit but she kept talking sweetly . . .

We were all cheering for him!

Hi Chris! She made some excellent sun tea . . . I didn't drink as much as I wanted! It was soooooo goood!

Now they have Ty going around the edge of the pool, he whimpered often but the kids just kept things positive!

It was nice to sit and chat - mom's with kids don't get to do that very often. It felt weird not cleaning something but I'd do it again in a heartbeat! There is something to this "relaxing" thing that I need to research more!

Is that Chris or Cheryl Tiegs?

Of course if you are a teenage girl you MUST get in some tanning time with a good swim. Hailey and Emma were no exception!

By this time Tyler was walking freely around the pool. Emma had given him a challenge and he took it! The water was up to his chin but once he found out he could stand up on the bottom . . . freedom reigned!

I truly believe Kimmy is part fish and Hayden's eyes were so red at this point it was almost creepy.

After the kids swam they enjoyed watching and playing a little video games and enjoyed some popsicles. The day went by SO FAST! It was sad to have to leave but I hope there will be other days!

I would like to someday get a pool similar to this ourselves and then we can take a turn hosting a day of swimming and popsicles!

Hot Chocolate Anyone?

Some people have their coffee, some people crave their tea but for me . . . Hot Chocolate! I actually find reasons to drink the stuff.

In the summer when most people are driving around and drinking soda pop, ice water or coffee, be it a frappe', froppe', frippe' (whatever those things are) there I am with my steamin' cup o' hot chocolate! Last night was no different.

Heading home from an evening Bible class with my sister and part of her family we couldn't help thinking with all those big, beautiful, white puffy flakes drifting all over, that hot chocolate sure would taste great right now! Especially with a nice fire going in the fireplace and some wonderful conversation. Oh, and I did add popcorn to the mix. How complete is that! The only thing missing was Kurt and the kids! (they are out of town visiting family - if you know me you know why I was here instead of there . . . someday!)




I took the rare opportunity to force Chris to take a picture with me. Doesn't hot chocolate just make people happy!



Well, here are two of Chris's girls patiently awaiting their hot chocolate . . . Emma seems quite happy (see, it's that hot chocolate thing) and Kelsey is too engulfed in a book to notice her crazy Aunt stalking around with a camera. They are going to have to get used to this because this is who I am now!

Whoever knew that hot chocolate could be such an interesting topic! Just look at us examining our beverages. You see, wine people aren't the only ones who care about "bouquet, clarity and nuances"! And who needs a fancy cork? Try taking a good long whiff of that plastic lid . . . Mmmm, mmmm, What bouquet!

I am afraid to ask what Johnny is looking at.

Here is Kimmy showing the absolute joy one has when partaking of smooth, creamy and incredibly delicious, yes, . . . Hot Chocolate!

After the hot chocolate "high" I think Johnny was missing his cousin, Hayden. Of course the need to play a video game was mentioned but, sorry, they had to go. Still had a long drive left with the snow still coming down.

I tried to take a picture of the snow coming down outside because it really was beautiful but I am not a pro with the camera (yet)and it was too dark. The pictures didn't really turn out.

It was a perfect end to a beautiful evening! Hot Chocolate anyone?