The apple doesn't fall far from the tree...

Morgan has already learned how fun a cellphone can be, wonder where she got that idea from?


Will wasn't feeling well this day, so all he wanted to do was lay on the couch and watch Dora with his special blanket and pillow his Aunt Georgann made him. Hmmm, who has he seen do that before?

Happy 1st B-day Morgan!

It's hard to believe it but Morgan turned 1 last weekend. I can't believe that it's already been that long - it truly seems like just yesterday that Mitch and I were on our way to the hospital and Will was home with his nanny and papa. We had a lot of family and friends come in town to share her day so it was a great time. The day before her party, we celebrated her cousin's Nathan and Alex birthdays. Happy Birthday boys!



As you can see, Morgan loved her cake. She actually loves all things that are sweet so it wasn't a big shock that she dug in as much as she did!



Big cousin Stephanie was great with the kids...I'm sure she'll teach Morgan all the girlie things as she gets older!

**For all the pictures from the day, look at our family albums**

Visit from Nanny and Papa

Mitch's parents wanted to come in to see the kids and we were so happy that they decided to come in for Morgan's party! The kids were so excited to see them. I think Will already knows that when they come to town he gets to eat whatever he wants and do all kinds of fun things that Mom and Dad usually don't let him do.

It was way too short of a visit but we are excited that we get to see them again in May for Julianne's (their cousin) first communion!

Happy 2nd Birthday Will!

Last weekend, my baby turned the big 2! We decided to celebrate by having an Elmo birthday party. Will was so excited all day for his party, he kept asking all morning when his party was going to start! We had lots of great friends and family show up to help him celebrate and I think it was a big success.


Will was really into opening his gifts. I think he opened every single one by himself this time and seemed to enjoy it even more than he did at Christmas.


I decided to make his cake this year and bought a special Elmo cake pan. I had a great time making it and the cookie monster cupcakes. I had to use food coloring so the kids faces were very colorful when they were done eating!

***There were tons of pictures from the day, so please visit our photo albums on the right to see them all.***

Children's Museum

A few weeks ago Sarah and her girls and Ann came to Kokomo for a visit. My sister and I both drove in with the kids to meet her at my parents. There were 8 kids total there so there was never a dull moment. I was so excited to finally meet Sarah's newest little boy, Will. Unfortunately I didn't get any pictures of him but he is a cutie pie! The older kids were calling our Will, Willie and Sarah's son, Willie-Bob!

One of the days they were in town we packed up all the kids and headed to the children's museum in Indianapolis. That place is so neat! There is water, blocks, slides, merry go round...you name it, this place has it! The kids had an absolute blast playing.

These are two pictures from the weekend that I thought were cute. Thanks again to Sarah and Ann for making the drive in....it was so great to see you guys!

**all the pictures from the weekend are in the album on the right**

Misc...

Christmas in Kokomo - We got together with my family a little late this year since everyone was so busy. There are 11 cousins total so it is always a fun and crazy time. For some reason I didn't remember to take very many pictures but if you want to see more you can look at The Benziger Blog (link on the right). The kids all had a great time and it was good to hang out with the family!

New Toys - my mom got the kids a big blow-up ball pit for christmas and they LOVE it. we have it set up in the extra bedroom upstairs right now since it was empty and the kids go in every night and play before bed! Will thinks it's hilarious when mommy and daddy throw the balls at each other...of course daddy tends to convince him to throw them at mommy as well.

Random - These were just too cute to not post. Giovanni was so tired that night that he was falling asleep while he was eating. The picture didn't capture the moment his eyes were closed but it's still priceless.

Morgan loves to hang out with her big cousin Kailyn!!

Happy New Year...a little late

**I got our computer back and finally reinstalled the camera software so I will try to update you from everything that has gone on the past month! Check the family album for all the pictures**

New Year's Eve... We invited the Lupinetti's to come over with the kids and spend the night. We figured we could put the kids to bed and then have some time to hang out, play cards etc. The kids played so cute together and had a blast! We got the younger three to bed at their normal times but Sarah decided to stay up to welcome in the new year! She played by herself and watched movies while the adults played cards.

I think this picture was taken around 1:30 am...and she was still smiling and happy. She was such a trooper!

One step at a time...

She did it! Morgan took her first steps on Monday and we are so excited. The kids had been playing when Morgan just let go and walked to her Daddy. We were both in shock. When we started clapping and screaming, she just looked at us and giggled and clapped with us. Since then we've been able to get her to walk back and forth between us quite a few times. Of course, Will is just slightly jealous so he is now pretending to learn to walk so we can clap for him as well.

I don't have my home computer at the moment (Steve is fixing some problems for me) so I can't give you any video's or pictures...but I did find a poem that talks about watching your baby grow up. Enjoy!


First Steps

These are the tiny feet, that carried you that day.
First steps free from my hands, I watched my baby step away.
During the coming years, I'll guide these little feet,
As they toddle 'cross the lawn, and safely cross the street.
They'll soon grow strong and steady, find puddles to kick and splash,
Pedal a two-wheel bike, and win a schoolyard dash.
Kick a ball, learn to dance, race a friend home from school.
Skip a rope, jump in bed, dive feet-first at the pool.
Your small feet may often stumble, scrap a knee, or take a fall.
Misstep or need direction, or a model to stand tall.
Know I'll always be behind you, my love will give you wings.
To proudly fill the shoes, a grownup life will bring.
The years will quickly pass, and these feet will learn to drive.
Walk the stage to a diploma, as graduation day arrives.
I'll watch through misty eyes, as you walk down wedding's aisle,
A family of your own, you'll start your journey with a smile.
These tiny prints will hold my heart, for each tomorrow you will grow.
Today I'll hold you closer, for too soon these feet will go.