Christmas 2014

The boys had their Christmas program last week.  When they were entering the stage, I whispered to Moose, "I hope they have their shirts tucked in.  I hope their zippers are up."  Moose chimed in with a, "I hope their dry."  Well, they were dry and their zippers were up.  Will's tie on the other hand, was note even under his collar.  Not sure what happened between daycare and school.

First grade Christmas program.

Jack, Mrs. Zelen

Will, Mr. Olson.
Will said earlier this year, "I like having a mister for a teacher."

It was nice that they were standing near each other.
Too bad I couldn't get a better shot.

Early this week, Moose set Christmas morning rules with the kids.

1. They had to wait on the landing until everyone was awake.
2. Stockings opened first.
3. Then breakfast.
4. Finally, they had to be patient as we opened gifts one by one.

The first three were successful.  The fourth one, was followed the best that could have been expected.

Stockings first.

Pure joy.

"Mining" for gems.

Playing Disney's Guess Who together.

Benner/Lutz Christmas

Yesterday we hosted the 2nd annual Benner/Lutz family Christmas.  Our family was gracious to drive north for the day and celebrate.  One thing I continually forget is to take pictures, especially group ones.  There's always next year.

Auntie Katie is so good about getting pictures with the kids.

Drew loves to color and draw.

He is also an avid reader.

Jack tearing into his gift.

Sydnee very excited to receive an Elsa doll.

Robb and I.
What you can't see is Sydnee at my hip.
She really wanted to be in the picture.

Santa

While Moose was in bed with strep throat.  The kids and I head south to attend my Aunt Kathy's wake and see Santa at the Mall of America.

The boys did great waiting patiently for Santa.

The girls played with their Lego people
while Santa was feeding his reindeer.

'Tis the Season

After being away from the family for almost 5 full days, it was heart warming to return home to find the tree ready to be decorated.  We spent the evening reminiscing as we hung the ornaments.

Sydnee lead the ornament hanging tonight.

Jack had a very specific location in mind for one of his ornaments.

Will was extra careful as he hung his ornaments.

Allie enjoyed seeing herself as a "baby."

Lots of hugs from Will tonight.

Allie wanted a pic with mommy too.

Allie's nutcracker is hanging so low that it is standing on the floor.

Moose and Jack were the manning the hook station.

Sydnee did the honors of placing the star on the tree.

I tried playing around with the settings on our camera. 
This is the paint setting.

Allie made adjustments to the star.

 



End of the night group photo.

Summer snapshots

Here are some pictures from our summer thus far.  I think about blogging often because I enjoy it, but when time is available, it does not make the cut.

This summer our parenting has shifted focus from caretaking and providing the basic needs to actual parenting: breaking up fights, teaching life lessons and manners, explaining endlessly how anything and everything works.  We are professional negotiators and liars.  Thankfully the kids haven't picked up on our trickery.  Yet.

Snuggled around the iPad watching something on Netflix.

Playing their version of bags at Grandma Linda's.

Allison and Sydnee posing at Grandma and Papa's.

Kayaking on Pike Lake.

Girls' boat ride.

Our neighbors gave us their swing set this summer.  We replaced the swings and the boys taught the girls to swing this summer.

Baseball this year.  We were the Hermantown Twins again this year.

The Goodwill bag.  Where neglected toys go.

Sleeping beauties.  The girls still napped this summer.  They often curled up on the couch together and conked out.

This summer, Mikey and Jamie were in town from Alaska with their twin girls

The girls took swim lessons this summer.  They were so excited to have their own teacher.

The Children's Museum of Duluth was one of our stops this summer.

Grandma Linda and Papa had several bears this summer pass through their yard. 
We had to wake the kids to see this cub.

On our way to the park, we had to stop for this sign.

We traveled near Hill City this summer to see the Andersons
and the Codys on a beautiful summer day.

I was the only one truly excited for strawberry picking.

Best buds.

Rock climbers.

The Great Lakes Aquarium.

Helmets on the dock.  Why not?

Our first hiking trip this summer.  The trail was dense with foliage and mosquitos.  Despite being heavily armed, we were no match for Minnesota's state nuisance.