Warming up in Chicago! (Finally!)

The later part of the month has been pretty busy! Full of fun, family and friend activity!

It seems that mother nature has flipped the warm weather switch and brought some warmth to Chicago. To celebrate, I took the dogs to the dog beach on the north side of the city. It was really busy! I love this pic of all the dogs in the water and on the beach with their owners. So fun!

Here we are, about to head down for the fun!

Canon and Nikon have fun fetching after the ball and running on the sand!

As well as mingling with the other dogs at the beach.

They got close to the water this time, but actually didn't get in. :)

However, there are lots of dogs who get a big kick at swimming. Look at 'em splashing around!

Before we headed home we sat on the grass and enjoyed the sunshine.

Nikon wore himself out! :)

This past weekend I made a last minute trip to Midland, TX to attend Callie and Blake's commitment ceremony. I was so excited to hear the good news of their choice, and thought that I had to be there! Heather decided that we should throw a BBQ in honor of Callie and Blake and I helped! I arrived in Midland on Friday afternoon, and from there didn't stop till after the party. Heather, Beth and I decorated, and cooked all the food. The party was a great success, and all our family couldn't believe that we pulled it off with out burning the house down. I believe that Grandads reaction to hearing of the party plans was "Who's going to be in charge of that fiasco?!" Thanks G-dad! It was perfect!

I love this shot of all the girls at the party!

Here Callie poses with both me and Heather. Aren't we pretty girls!

(...well, I'm a bit of a cheese...)

Callie got some sassy Victoria Secret presents, and Blake got to open the candle! :)

He also got a computer from his future brother in laws. What a sweet gift for a guy who will be starting college this year!

We has such a great time chatting and laughing in and outside!

The dips Heather made were a great success! Look at my cousins, they're no longer boys! It's kind of weird that we're all becoming adults. Scary! Watch out world, here come the Jensons! Ha ha!



Heather will probably kill me, but I love this shot of the morning after the party! This was taken before we made the sausage balls for the wedding. lol

On Saturday evening we all gathered at a family friend of Janee and Mike's; Beth & Bud's house. They're the family who hosted the ceremony in their back yard. It looked beautiful!

The sun was bright and warm, but aren't we gorgeous!

Love this shot of Heather and Grandad!

Here we are all gathering, getting ready for the ceremony.

There she is! Our baby cousin walking down the aisle! She's so beautiful!

Bud officiated the service. He did such a lovely job!

After the ceremony we all mingled and chatted. Which gave plenty of opportunities for photos. :)

The cute new couple!

The twins together as always! Grandad #1 and Grandad #2! :)

Here's a great view of the whole party.

I love this shot of the family.

Cake time!

Snack time! :)

Callie looks so beautiful! (Just like her Momma!)

It was such a beautiful night, and I was soo glad that I took the trip to be there! Many blessing for Callie and Blake for a long fruitfull future!

I flew back to Chicago on Sunday evening with a bad sunburn from the hot Texas sun!

However, I made it back in time to help Ruben get ready for his summer recital which was on Monday night. Ruben he staying focused on his playing and got two friends to get together and play with him.

A copy of the invitations that I made.

Ruben made arrangements to use a small performance space in a community house in our neighborhood called the Benton House. In exchange for free use of the room, Ruben will do a free performance for the elderly community that the house serves. What a great trade off!

Here Ruben and cellist, Chris Fiore play two pieces together.

Ruben and violinist, Kim Lawson played a suite by Gliere.

And here is a group shot of the guests who attended the recital and the performers. It was so great to have our friends and neighbors there to support them!


Here they sit and chat about the performance. They did such a great job! It was a lovely way to spend a Monday evening!

Today Ruben and I will be getting ready drive to Texas for the Jenson Family Reunion. I'm so excited to take a road trip with Ruben and to see some friends and family along the way. Lots of pics to come!

Hope everyone has a blessed and safe Independence Day weekend!

Love ya!