Mom and Dad Ski Date

It was a work holiday but Erica was still coming so Leif and I decided to take a ski day together.  It is still our favorite thing to do together and it was so much fun to just be together.  It was a perfect sunny day.  I love him so much.

by Brie Jensen

Hiking and bike riding!

We had such a great weekend and even though it takes 45 minutes to get all three kids to the car, the end result was worth it!  We went hiking in St. Edwards Park on Saturday and bike riding in Juanita Bay on Sunday. Everyone was in such good spirits and the sun was shining bright. 

by Brie Jensen

Leif let Liam use the blower...

Leif asked Liam to blow the leaves off the deck and the next thing you know here is what happened...

by Brie Jensen

Presley or Skyler??

by Brie Jensen

New Years Day

We had a mellow New Year's Eve. Spent a couple hours at the Kings house to toast in the new year but headed home early to get the kiddos to sleep. We did not want to start the year off with exhausted kids!  And it worked. Babies were sleeping by 8 and Leif and I by the NY New Years!  We had a great day today that started with a fantastic breakfast compliments of daddy, the famous cook. Waffles, bacon and eggs!  The kids played at the house while we got things back in order - got rid of the clutter, packed away the Christmas stuff and organized the storage room. Then we all went out for a hike and picnic at Saint Edwards. So much fun with smiles all around!

by Brie Jensen

Christmas!

Such a fun-filled Christmas this year and yet, for me, one of the most calm and relaxed ones too!  It was the perfect combination. We had the mandatory work parties and the crossfit party and santa pictures and snowflake lane all before the 20th of the month. Then from the 21st through Christmas, it was ON!  Mike's Seahawks/holiday party at his amazing condo with the most incredible view of the lake (he literally lives ON Lake Washington) was on Sunday. Monday was my mom's holiday "drop by for a drink" party with horsdeovres at her condo (which was so festive for the holidays and decorated to the kids' delight!). Tuesday was Christmas Eve dinner at our house but not before we went to church with Ted, Steph, mom, Kent, Mike, Keith and Mary Ellen (Leif was in heaven that his uncle showed up). Back at our house, we were joined by Aunt Chris, Sean, Yuko and baby Grant.  We had a ham dinner and everyone brought wonderful sides, apps and desert to take some of the pressure off of the Jensen fam (new family of 5!). The kids were thrilled with all the presents they received and even though we felt like "good Lord they were spoiled", we remembered that Christmas is only this magical for a few more years so you know what?  Spoil them rotten for all I care. They are definitely on the nice list!!
Christmas morning had all the excitement we'd hoped for with the kids up early running downstairs to see their stockings and santa pics. We went for a family walk (just the 5 of us) to get some fresh air and remember what Christmas is all about. Then up to Everett to the Jensen clan for more good food and company. The baby was the star and, as usual, did SO well amidst the chaos! 
Ted and Steph left on the 26th and my mom and Kent left on the 27th. Kayla came into town from the 26th-31st and the kids, who absolutely adore her, were in second heaven. They made rainbow loom bracelets, built a Jensen aquarium, watched Brave and mommy and daddy even got to go out on a date!  
We had the house back to ourselves by New Years and after a quick stop at the Kings for a drink to toast in 2014, we all went to bed early!
Merry Christmas and Happy New Year!  I really believe 2014 is going to be incredible. 

by Brie Jensen

Uncle Mike's Holiday Party



So much fun this evening watching the Seahawks play over at Mike's house, visiting with family and friends and, of course, eating and drinking to our heart's content. The kids did great - no one caught on fire from the candles or spilled their blueberry juice on the floor. Phew!  Presley slept for a bit in the back room but spent most of her time smiling at the guests. Thanks Mike (and Stephanie) for a wonderful evening!

by Brie Jensen

Bikini parties in December

Let me start by letting everyone know that it has been 26 degrees in Kikrland over the last week. Apparently, in a four year old's mind, there is no better time to have a bikini party. Each day Skyler and her girlfriends Ari and Gwen get their bathing suits on and strut around with a confidence that I hope and pray Skyler will always have. 

Today, when it was time for the bikini party, my mom (who is nannying for is his month) told Skyler that she needed to wear a jacket over her bikini if she was going to go outside. Skyler freaked out and told her that she was, and I quote, "ruining her life!"  Yep. She's four. Wow. 

by Brie Jensen

Family time

We had such a great day today proving that three kiddos does not have to slow us down. After church, we headed out to Woodinville to cut down our own Christmas tree. I have been asking for the last three years to have a real tree because that is one of my fondest childhood memories - cutting down our own tree. The kids grabbed their own saws and I strapped the baby into her Ergo and off we went in search of the perfect tree. Leif and Liam cut it down together and I caught it and put it back up so Skyler could take her cuts at it!  It really is the best tree we have ever had and we decorated with purple lights and silver flowers. I am not going to tell you it was an "easy" day. Creating these memories and dedicating full days to the kids is not a walk in the park. But we love to do it and felt so good about our day. I am so grateful I have a husband whose energy matches my own!  I couldn't do this without him!

by Brie Jensen

Thanksgiving

I have to hand it to my husband. After the week he has had with a stressful work situation, a wife who went back to work and a 3 month old who has not been sleeping very well, Leif somehow had the energy to cook an entire Thanksgiving dinner. He was up early getting the turkey going, the stuffing cooked, the green bean casserole put together. He did it all and still had time for a morning walk (my favorite) with the kids and I. 

Grandma came over to be with Presley so that Leif and I could spend some QT with the older two and take them to see the new Disney flick "Frozen" (awesome movie that we all enjoyed). 
Mike came over and it was just the 6 adults and 3 kiddos for dinner but it felt like such a festive event. Mom was in charge of the mash potatoes and Mike brought deviled eggs and the drinks. 
I felt extraordinarily blessed and grateful for my family. Thank you God!!!

by Brie Jensen