Holiday Festivities

Originally Brad and I decided to drive down to El Paso for Christmas on Wednesday, December 23rd. After looking at the weather reports on Sunday, we decided, if possible, we would try to leave Monday, the 21st. Luckily, Brad was able to go to work and finish up some loose ends and was allowed to leave around 4 that afternoon. Basically, we were fleeing the storm, hitting towns just hours before it would hit. After stopping at my sister, Brei's, house to pick up some stuff that we left, and stopping at my brother, Soren's, house to pick up some gifts, we were on our way to Texas. We drove through the night, switching about every 2 hours and sleeping when it wasn't your turn. We arrived in the Lone Star state around 11 the following morning where we were greeted with hugs and kisses and a nice warm shower :) Needless to say, it was WONDERFUL being home. Last Christmas, our house was going through some remodeling so we stayed at a family friends home for Christmas. It was great to be able to be home and relax at home and sleep in my old bed, yada yada yada. Goals of the trip included eating lots of fantastic Mexican food, go hiking, spend time with my family, and eating more Mexican food. It was a much quieter Christmas this year with all of the nieces and nephews not being around and a new experience with our Uncle Kris participating in the events.


We took the dogs on multiple walks, this one being along the Rio Grande River. Brad came up with a new way to walk the dogs by attaching one leash to another.

A Christmas Eve tradition for the Jensen family is to make and set up luminarias. Last year we weren't able to do it, so this year we showed Brad what it was all about.

I think he likes it :)

That evening, before Christmas dinner, we went and lit the luminarias. Uncle Kris even joined in the festivities. I heart Christmas!

The final product:

Christmas morning:

Merry Christmas!!

While in Texas, Brad realized there was a basketball tournament occuring at UTEP so Sonja, my dad, Brad, and I made our way down to watch the final two games. The crowd was a LOT friendlier than the USU Spectrum crowd but it was still a fun environment. Brad had received a UTEP t-shirt as part of some pajamas so he fit in quite well.

For New Year's Eve, my parent's hosted an open house for Brad and I. This was the first time that we were able to come down to El Paso since we got married so this was the first opportunity we had to introduce Brad to some of our friends. There was SOOOO much delicious food. Mom made an amazing shrimp cocktail that I kept snacking on throughout the evening. So many people came by and shared their wishes and love. It was fun to see people I hadn't seen in years!

Happy New Year!!

As a New Year's Day activity, Brad, Sonja, and I went on a hike up in the mountains. It was nice and refreshing and a bit odd to see snow! Oliver ran up and down the mountain about two times, only got a few cactus pricks stuck and was absolutely in heaven when we got to the snow.


After debating, once again, whether to leave on Saturday or Sunday (the 2nd or 3rd of January) we decided to spend an extra day in El Paso and drive back on the 3rd. Luckily, we were able to sleep during the night and drive during the day. I love the drive from Texas to Utah, it's so diverse. Luckily, I think Brad likes it now too. We sure had a wonderful Christmas vacation. We hope everyone else enjoyed this wonderful season and were able to be surrounded with family and friends.