Birthday Outing

We took the boys out to Coralville mall Sunday for their birthday. The boys (and Mom & Dad) had a great time.

We went ice skating for the first time. We weren't sure what to expect, but the boys loved it. No major spills, and they surprised us with how stable they got.

After skating we went on the carousel and then to the Children's Museum.

Grocery shopping at the Children's Museum.

Making pizzas.

Of course, ice cream before going home.

Jack and Will Turn 3

The Big Brothers turned 3 on Tuesday. They have been very excited for it since Christmas. Due to poor bedtime behavior, Dad threatened to take their birthday away numerous times... they called his bluff.

Blowing out candles on their train cake.

Jack ate the caboose, Will ate the engine

Opening presents in big-boy underwear

Sydnee's enhanced mohawk.

Allison enjoying her lower lip.

Church

We braved the snow and 4 kids and went to mass on Christmas Eve. The boys were well behaved and Allison slept the entire time. Sydnee had a wardrobe issue towards the end so we left at communion. We didn't want to push our luck.

Partial family picture before church.

Grandma and Grandpa Benner with Sydnee and Allison.

Christmas morning

Where did the cookies and milk go? Will and Jack's reaction to the empty plate and glass. Jack and Will like to surround themselves with their things. More trucks!

Jack modeling his dinosaur feet from Auntie Liz and Uncle Brett.

Auntie Liz and Uncle Brett sent Allsion and Sydnee beautiful dresses for a future Christmas.

Grandpa and Grandma Benner gave the girls their first Gap gift cards.

Snow, snow, and more snow

In the late evening of the 23rd, snow descended on Muscatine. It did not stop until late on Christmas Eve. The boys played outside while Rich cleared the driveway.

Lutz Family Christmas

Uncle Robb and Aunt Kathy indulged the boys with more trucks for Christmas. Uncle Robb made a great playmate for Jack and Will. Kathy and Ken worked their magic in the kitchen by making a delicious pork tenderloin and Kathy's signature green bean casserole.

Even though he wouldn't change any diapers, Uncle Robb did his share of playing the girls.

Mom and Ken taking a break from the action.

The Iowa Benners: Allison, Jack, Will, and Sydnee

Twas the week before Christmas...

Saturday night we put together a gingerbread house. Jack and Will had more fun eating the candy than decorating the house. Allison sitting on the couch.

Sydnee hanging out with her sister.

On Friday, daycare had their Christmas party. The Sydnee and Allison wore their holiday colors.

Jack, Sydnee, Allison, and Will sitting by the tree. Jack and Will think that every gift is a monster truck. Hopefully they are not disappointed.