Christmas Eve

This morning the kids were up early (6:30ish).  They were on a self-directed mission to find Allison's slippers.  It was cute listening to them work together to find them.  Sydnee was the leader.  In the end, Rich set it up so that Will was the one who found them.  Then I left for a workout and a little shopping at Old Navy.  Strange I know, but I had a ton of Rewards from my Gap card and a great coupon for Old Navy.  Plus, their prices were crazy.  Meanwhile, Moose cleared the deck of snow and the boys played outside for awhile.  After lunch we watched Despicable Me 2.

Then the preparation started.  Now that the kids are a little older and it seems to be more manageable, we thought we would attempt to attend a Christmas service.  We went to Grace Lutheran in Hermantown this afternoon.  I had an idea of what I wanted the kids to wear.  I was 0/4.  At least Will put on a "handsome" shirt.  We made it to the service and lasted until the offering.  After at least 4 trips to the bathroom, it was time to go, literally.

Allison, Sydnee, Jack (minus a front tooth), and Will
ready for church.

Will being Will.

Sisterly love.

 After church, the kids put on a "show" with their stuffed animals.  This year's theme was "A Star Wars Christmas."

Sydnee and her best ninja for Charades.

Benner/Lutz Christmas

When we moved back to Minnesota, we declared Christmas in Duluth.  It was lovely not having to load the kids and half the house up.  Instead, our family had "white-knuckle" drives to celebrate Christmas with us.  It snowed all day and into the evening.  Thank you to them for making the drive.  Merry Christmas!

Showing off their Christmas outfits.

Waiting for family.

Cheese!  We love Grandma Linda!

Drew enjoying a snack without the girls.

Drew and Kathy opening his gift.

He takes after his dad.  Must adorn everything he opens.

Jack is so happy about his gifts.

The Benner Six (6)

The Benners

Uncle Bear and Aunt Katie

The newlyweds, Papa and Grandma Linda.

Aunt Kathy, Uncle Robb, and the cutest nephew/cousin
and family favorite, Drew.

Christams Concert

Last Monday, Jack and Will had their Christmas concert.  I am so happy that I was able to go.  When they both walked out on stage, they were searching for me.  Once they found me, you could see them instantly relax.  It was a great mommy moment.

The morning of the concert.

Jack came onto to the stage first.  He was searching.

William getting ready to sing.

Yesterday, Jim and Michelle visited for the day.  Jim brought his ice fishing gear and the men spent the afternoon on the lake.  Lots of "man talk" took place in the fish house.

Meanwhile inside, Michelle and I whipped up some sugar cookie dough.  We frosted a few before they left.  As always, someone was in costume as we decorated the cookies.

Treats & a Tree

On one of our snow days last week, we made truffles.  The kids helped my crush the Oreos.  Jack deemed himself a professional cookie smasher by the end of it.

In case you missed it, our kids love to dress up. 
Jack was pulling Will on indoor water skis.

On Saturday, after a few attempts to see Santa at Fitger's, we caved in and stopped at Menards to buy a tree.  We usually go to a tree farm and cut one down, but the subzero temperatures prevented that from happening.


Moose assisting Will hanging ornaments.



Jack's new move, giving bunny ears.

Sydnee trimming the tree.

Everyone helped hang ornaments. 

Jack and Sydnee dancing to some Christmas music.

Jack putting the star atop the tree.

Admiring the tree.

Snow Days Part 2

Here a few more from our days at home.

They all "helped" clear the driveway.  Sorry, they are not for hire.
Syd, Will, Jack, and Allie

Will's first costume yesterday.

His second costume of the day. 
Sydnee had to get in the picture with her cape and shield.

Snow Days

Our first winter snow storm of the season did not disappoint.  It snowed continuously for three days.  The boys have had three snow days and I am on my second.  Sunday and Monday nights Moose removed the carpet and from the dining area.  What else do children in Northern Minnesota do with a large open area, but play knee hockey?!

Sydnee took her turn as goalie.

Then Allison had to take a turn.

Sydnee, Allison, and Jack posing for a group shot.

Floors were installed on Tuesday despite the snow storm.

New floors!

The snow has stopped.  This is a view from the deck.

This is the view from the front door. 

A long lost friend & DIY projects

After several months of missing, Bunny has resurfaced.  We thought we lost her forever.  She was found in the back of an end table drawer.  I think her safe return gave Will some inner peace.

Moose has been hard at work the past few weekends creating a mudroom from nothing and the beginnings of a bench with storage in our front entry. 

This morning Sydnee peeled her own orange.  She was so proud.