Mini Me

Bennett is at such a fun age where he is always copying the people he loves so much.

If Marie is playing horses, Bennett plays horses.

If Marie is singing, Bennett is singing.

If Marie is watching a movie, Bennett is watching a movie. 

you get it...

 

 movie with Marie on her bed - he had to lay just like her

 watching a movie at lunch time with mac 'n cheese

 pretending to do a breathing treatment because Marie got to do one

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It doesn't stop with Marie, he also really likes to copy Daddy.

He watches the way he talks, laughs, coughs, the way he stands, even the way he watches a game.  

 watching some basketball like Daddy...and eating ice cream like Marie

 

working with his tools like Daddy

It's exhausting trying to keep up with these people!

Coyote Basketball

On Saturday we headed over to Vermillion to watch the USD Coyotes basketball game with Papa & Grammy.  The kids were so excited and I think the adults were too.  Unfortunately, Marie woke up with a cough and headache. After some Tylenol she seemed in good spirits so we hit the road. 

First stop was for lunch at a new restaurant downtown.  It was delicious and the kids loved being able to walk around the fun scenery and displays and catch up with Grammy & Papa.  

Next we kind of broke/snuck into the the new student center to check out the new construction. 

Then the boys headed to Pro's for some pregame fun while the girls went back downtown for dessert and coffee. 

During our dessert Marie started to mention her head and throat again...she definitely was fighting something so more Tylenol and a smoothie seemed to help a little bit. I asked if she wanted to skip the game and head home but she was definitely ready to cheer on the Coyotes.

During the game, the kids stayed busy with popcorn, ice cream, running around the track, and of course yelling "Go Yotes" whenever they wanted. 

 Looking at these pictures makes it pretty obvious Marie wasn't feeling the best.  But she definitely perked up as the game got started. Unfortunately she is still fighting something and will be home from school tomorrow dealing with this fever and cough.

The Yotes got a win after a nail biter finish.  It was so much fun to go to the game especially since Bennett is so into Basketball right now.  

"ba-ball" was heard all night as he pointed at the players, the ball, the court, even the program. 

What a great time- We hope to do it again soon!

Winter Fun in the pool and snow

 

Even though it was cold and blustery outside with chances of snow, we got to swim in warm water inside!

On New Year's Eve we went to the South Sioux City YMCA to swim for a little while. 

The kids loved the surprise and it was so much fun to get out of the cold.

 

 After celebrating the new year with Grandma Nel, we woke up to snow!

We decided to go out and play in it since it's one of the first measurable snows we have had here. 

Marie and Mom snowboarding down our hill - don't worry we didn't fall!

making snow angels

Bennett in the swing and Dad snowboarding - he did fall.

 We are now officially back to real life with school and work. This has been such a nice vacation for us and we have enjoyed the family time.

Here's to 2014 and all that it may bring!

Sioux City Art Museum

Because we have a few days off around the holidays we are trying to do things with the kids we can't usually do.  

The day after Christmas we took the kids to a movie in the theater.  Bennett & Marie had a great time eating popcorn and watching the movie. Bennett did better than we imagined and we hope to do this again soon!

 

Another activity is the Art Center here in Sioux City.  It is free to the public and there is a hands-on kids area, too.

Both kids loved the activities available to them in the kids area.

 Marie and Bennett both love horses - especially Marie.  The museum had many exhibits with photos of horses and even a statue of a horse. Surprisingly, the kids enjoyed walking around the entire museum viewing the photos, paintings, and sculptures.

 

After the museum we went to the Palmer's Candy Store where the kids picked out some yummy treats.

We have been enjoying our time off together as a family and hope to fit a few more fun things in by the new year!

Mueting Christmas

 On Christmas Eve we traveled to Spencer to celebrate Christmas with the Mueting side of the family.  After Mass we walked out to a beautiful light snow and headed back to Grammy & Papa's house for some presents, pictures, and snacks.

 Liz made photo props this year and we had fun posing with them.

After some caroling, Marie & Bennett opened a few gifts.

 Bennett was in love with his new basketball hoop - it will be a big hit this winter when it's too cold to play outside.

 On Christmas morning after Marie FINALLY woke up, we were surprised with the gifts from Santa. 

Marie received her precious Fiona dress and Bennett found a stuffed turtle. 

The kids were so thankful that Santa read the note we left him at our house telling him where we were staying Christmas Eve.

 After lunch, playing, and resting, we headed out for some sledding and walking.

 Marie and Bennett didn't have to do much walking.

 The lighting was so pretty and Gus was pretty cooperative so I just had to share some of this shots of him. He is such a cute boy.

Running so fast to catch up to the kids.

 Papa couldn't join us on the walk as he was home with his foot up.  He had surgery a few weeks ago so the kids spent lots of time cuddling with him.

We had such a wonderful Christmas and once again are so thankful for time with family.