Sissies on the Slide!

Will's latest sayings start with, "Mommy!  I need you!  We have a sissy_____________!"  Here they are during one of those sayings.

Moose and Sydnee taking a stroll in the yard.

Niabi Zoo

Despite the rain last Sunday, we had a wonderful family day at the Niabi Zoo in Coal Valley, IL.

10 months old!

A few days late, but Sydnee and Allison turned 10 months on Monday.  They are happy little girls who love to be chased, eat yogurt melts, and crawl on their brothers.

Boating on Pokegama

We took full advantage of the gorgeous, 80 plus degree days and spent some time on the Benner boat.  One of the great things about Pokegama Lake is visiting those who live on the lake.  Thanks to the Schroeder/Dick clan for hosting us and helping with the boat.  A special thanks to Matt for the rum punches.  And to the Perrott/Bjerk family for all of the kid floaties and encouraging Jack and Will into the water.  Next year we are renting a house on Pokegama Lake over the Fourth of July week so that we can be the ones having folks stop by on their boats!

Jack and Will's favorite seat was up front with their shades on. They loved how fast the boat went and waved to the other boats as we sped by.

Allison used the side of the boat as a teething soother.

Sydnee also used the side of the boat to gain some relief from her new teeth.

Allison and Sydnee had a great time sitting in the chair at the Perrott/Bjerk beach.

Thanks to the Perrott/Bjerk family for letting us "crash" their beach.  It was great to see you!

Holycross/Benner dinner

Bob and Patty Holycross had the Benners over for dinner on Saturday night to say farewell to Brett and Elizabeth.  We are thankful to their neighbors for lending the pontoon boat so that we could cruise Pokegema Lake before dinner.  Thank you Patty and Bob for the juicy ham and Special K bars.                                                                          

Moose and Elizabeth taught Jack and Will how to do log roles. 
They tried to team up to make a big log.

 Rob and Elizabeth enjoying a great Minnesota summer day.

The 3 sets of Benner twins

Captain Bob and his co-captain Jack.

Grandma and Grandpa Benner with Will and Jack

Uncle Bear and Aunt Katie

Together again:
Rob, Elizabeth, and Rich.

The best picture of the week.  Jack, Moose, and Will sitting on the dock discussing life.

Tioga Beach

We spent some quality family time at Tioga Beach on Pokegama last week.  The sandy bottom and shallow water is perfect for kids.

Moose and the boys hanging out and cooling off.

Sydnee and Allison are natural beach babies.

Cheese!

Playdate

On Friday morning, we went over to Ann and Gary's house for a playdate.  Thanks to Ann for a delicious outdoor lunch!

Jack, Sam, Will, and Molly playing at the water table.

Joe was very sweet with Allison.

Molly and Sam found some toys for the girls to play with on the blanket.

This is what summer is all about:
shirts off and running through the sprinkler.

The Benner and Dick boys from oldest to youngest:
Sam, Jack, Will, and Joe.

The Benners and the Dicks
Molly, Sam, Jack, Allison, Sydnee, Will, and Joe.

Strawberry shortcake

After the Benner family weekend, the boys traveled with Rob and Katie to Minnesota for a few days with Grandma Linda.  Moose and I drove up on Wednesday with the girls.  Papa Ken treated us to some homemade strawberry shortcake.

A monsterous bite by Jack.



Will and his mischievious looks.



I even got to enjoy some shortcake.