Chicago 2010

Last weekend I took a four day trip to Chicago for a much needed girls weekend. Eleanore lives out there and since Stef and Sarah's visit with her a few years ago I've been dying to get out and see her and her place. We had been planning this trip for quite some time. Aside from getting to visit Eleanore in Chicago we were able to celebrate her bride-to-be status since she'll be getting married in August. What a great trip! Of course the company was outstanding but aside from that the eating, shopping and relaxing was amazing. I returned to Whitefish very refreshed (and full). Stef did a detailed list of what/where we ate in Chicago. To take a look at that and see our picture with Chef Graham Elliot Bowels click here: http://lifeolarkin.blogspot.com/2010/04/chicago-food.html

Sarah Spindle and I at Tank (an amazing sushi place) on Friday night.

Eleanore, Stef and Sarah. This was on the 96th floor of the John Hancock Building in downtown Chicago. As you can see behind them there was no view that night. It was very foggy and it felt like we were inside a cloud.
Finishing up our meal at Graham Elliot. As you can see we didn't leave anything on our plates. We finished our wine too.

Late night at the bar at Graham Elliot. What a great trip. Ellie, thank you for everything and for hosting us. Your home was so cozy and wonderful, I loved it!

Jack & The Leprechaun

It was time for Jack's grass for hair leprechaun to say farewell. We took a picture to record and show everyone just how long his grass/hair grew. This was a fun St. Patrick's Day project. Jack's class made faces on cups and then planted grass seed. I don't remember Will's doing very well last year but Jack's did great! So long Harry!

Most Improved

This last Thursday Will was presented with an award during chapel. It was for most improved student (for the third quarter) in Mrs. Puchta's kindergarten class. He did not know he was going to receive it but was thrilled with the honor and recognition. We are very proud of him and enjoy watching him grow and learn everyday.

Sleep Over Ready

On Friday Jack had his first ever sleep over at a friend's house! He was so excited and had so much fun. His friend Ian from school invited him over and they had lots of fun riding their bikes and playing. They even had a bonfire and roasted hot dogs and marshmallows. They stayed up late but were very good boys. I'm so proud of you Jack!

Wine Drawer

"A place for everything and everything in it's place" isn't that how that saying goes? Well I'm still trying to find a place for everything. I know there's plenty of room it's just the matter of doing it and getting everything put away. I'm a big fan of nothing on my counters and in this house they are constantly covered with not only kitchen stuff but everyday items. Our kitchen is the definite "catch-all". Anyhow, after another day of feeling unproductive and looking at all that still needs to be done here I took all the wine and stuck it in a drawer. It's out of the way I don't have to look at the bottles cluttering my counter. Of course this is not where they will stay but there was some form of satisfaction in moving them from one place to another.

Princess Annemarie

Annemarie received a huge box of dress up clothes from Tutu for her birthday. Here's one of her favorite outfits. She really likes the tiara and insists on wearing the high heeled shoes. Thanks Tutu!

Annemarie running in heels, it's pretty amazing.

There she goes!

We got another few inches of snow overnight. This is what we woke up to this morning.

Annemarie Turns Two!

Our Baby Girl is Two! We celebrated Annemarie's birthday with brunch at our favorite spot and gifts and cake at home. This time of year always seems to be a bit of a blur with Jack's birthday and Easter just a week ago. So what can I say about Annemarie? Just in the last six months she's changed so much. She's much more independent and gets busier by the day. She talks alot. I'm probably the only one who can tell what she's saying half the time but that doesn't stop her from talking to anyone and everyone. She especially likes to say "hi" to unsuspecting strangers and she will continue to say "hi" to them until they acknowledge her. Annemarie has quite the personality. She can be silly and loud, then cuddly and sweet. She rolls her eyes (which I wasn't expecting) and can be quite dramatic when she doesn't get her way. Overall she is a complete joy to be around and we enjoy every minute we spend with her. Happy Birthday Annemarie!

Showing off her pink sparkly All-Stars from Aunt Corey. Annemarie loves shoes. She is constantly putting on other peoples shoes and trying them out.

Trying out the doll bed from Grandma and Grandpa.

Time to ride! Annemarie with her pink balance bike. We're looking forward to the weather getting better so she can try it out outside.

Time for cake!

Blowing out the candles. Good job!

Annemarie trying out her new bike.

Jack Turns Five!

Our number two is five! That's so old! This has been a great year for Jack. He's finally old enough to participate in many of the activities Will gets to do. This is Jack's first year of school full-time (he's in preschool). His teacher says he's such a delight. Very smart and quick to learn. What we have learned this year is that Jack is VERY creative. He's always coming up with additional projects to work on at school and he loves to share them with everyone. Jack has lots of friends and enjoys making them laugh. Jack is our early riser, he never sleeps in. He loves LEGOS and coloring and making special projects. He loves to play games and read. He really enjoys swimming and riding his bike. This year Jack gets to play T-ball (starting next week) and will be on the same team at Will and some of their school friends. Jack still lets me cuddle him and he always has a big hug and kiss for me.
Jack's birthday was on Easter this year. We celebrated his special day with a family party at home with Aunt Erin and risotto for dinner (Jack's pick). Jack opened gifts and we had cupcakes for dessert. On Monday Jack celebrated his birthday at school and brought popsicles and cookies for treats.

All smiles next to the load of gifts.

Will needing some attention. (Mom, don't you have a picture of like this, but Erin's the one yelling?) Jack opening gifts. Don't worry, he was thrilled with the LEGOS.

More gifts and Annemarie being silly.
Happy Birthday Jack!

Make a wish!

So proud.

Jack showing off his new light-up shoes from the Hunt family.

Easter 2010

Happy Easter from Team Peppmeier. Look at these cuties...cannot believe everyone is so old! Annemarie wants to do everything the boys do, including taking pictures as a group. If you look close Annemarie's Easter bag says "Hallie" on it. For those of you who didn't know, that was what we were planning to name her. I purchased and Easter bag and Christmas stocking with "Hallie" on them. With the move and everything that's been going on I didn't have time to get Annemarie a new bag. We woke up this morning to Will saying, "Mom, Annemarie's name is misspelled, the Easter Bunny spelled it with an H." Next year I'll redeem myself.

Miss A. with her new sunglasses seconds before she broke them.

Jack and Will checking out their loot.

Family photo at the new house. We went to Mass this morning with Erin. Annemarie made it 30 minutes before the yelling and screeching began. A new record for her! Happy Easter everyone!!

Closing Weekend at Big Mountain

This is closing weekend for Whitefish Mountain Resort. Doug and the boys got in a good day of skiing and watched the pond skimming this afternoon.

Jack and Will posing for the camera.

The last ski video of the season.

Here's an example of one of the contestants for the Annual Pond Skimming Competition.

So Long Pink House

We've sold our house, it closed today. I just heard from the agent and it is no longer ours. I feel such mixed emotions regarding this transaction. Tons of relief because the monthly payment was somewhat outrageous and was holding us back from living the way we want to. But on the flip side, just like many of our other homes most of the projects/improvements had been completed and the house was really the perfect size for us. With that said we are looking forward to what the future holds for us.
Currently we're renting (we have a one year lease) a newer home in Whitefish. For the first time since our first home we have a two car garage, what a luxury! We're located within walking distance of Whitefish Lake and there is a great bike path at the end of our street. I feel like this next year will be a great opportunity to enjoy the kids (no projects means lots more time for family activities) and really think about what our goals and dreams are. Nothing like hitting the RESET button every once and awhile.