24 Inches in 24 Hours...

Doug thigh-high

Scott Larkin knee-deep

Even though the mountain will be closing next week for the season, the snow continues to pile up. Here are some photos from this past weekend of Scott and myself enjoying what the last storm left behind for us to play in. Keep in mind, this is the end of March.

Boys' Bedroom

Another project completed! The beadboard in the boys bedroom was painted last week, and we finished putting items on the walls. The long shelf holds all their "treasures" as I like to call them. Also, above their beds are vintage reading flash cards that just happen to be their names. My Aunt Pat sent them to us a while back and I've been waiting for the perfect place to hang them. I consider them my "treasures". I love them! The bedroom is huge - roughly 17' x 11' so there's plenty of room for them to run in circles trying to catch the other (as they did the other night) and plenty of room for wrestling and playing. I'm really happy with the way it turned out.

Springtime in Whitefish

Spring has been in the air. Streets and yards were no longer covered in snow, but look what we woke up to this morning...
So, those of you coming to visit in the next month or so, snow is ALWAYS a possibility!

Jack's First Day of School

Jack is so big! He started preschool today. His program is Monday and Wednesdays from 9-12. Today was his first day and he did great! The class is a nice size, only 8-10 children and most of them are three-years-olds. He was very excited to get to school. When we got there he ran into the classroom, turned to give me a hug and kiss and was off and exploring. His teachers said he did really well. I hope he really enjoys this fun time to get away from all of us and do something on his own.

Happy Easter!

posing with Easter baskets

Jack & Doug working on a sticker book

Happy Easter everyone! We had a very nice and relaxing holiday. The boys were very excited to discover the Easter Bunny had left some treats for them this morning. Even more amazing they were willing to leave their baskets for Mass at 8:30a. The church was packed, but thankfully we had seats and the boys especially Will, were very well behaved. We drove into Kalispell for some coffee then came home. I made brunch while the boys ate tons of candy and Doug helped them with their new sticker books. Basketball (March Madness) has been on our TV constantly since Thursday so we've been enjoying the tournament. This afternoon everyone took a much needed nap. It's been a great day!

Getting Organized

taking a ride

"chillin" in the wine cellar

We continue to finish up projects and get organized. All the trim and beadboard in the basement was painted this week. We opted for enamel since it's so tough, and the boys can be pretty rough on their surroundings. We survived living on one level for a couple of days. The boys even camped out in our bedroom last night and were very excited to be sleeping in sleeping bags. I'm excited they are back in their rooms tonight. Our wine cellar/storage room has a fresh coat of paint - online we've located some very cool wine racks that attach to the wall. We should be getting those soon. This weekend we'll spend getting the basement back in order. Once everything is in it's place and items hung on the walls I'll be sure to post some pictures. We've done a lot of work down there, but I feel it's really added value to the house.

Big Accomplishments

This entry is all about Jack. Today he did something that totally surprised me AND also reminded me that he's getting older. First off, I recently organized the playroom downstairs so it's easier for the boys to find things and put toys away in their designated spots. The boys are pretty good at putting things away, but usually I'm right there on top of them directing the whole effort. Today Jack was playing downstairs by himself and was working on putting together the train set. I went down and checked on him a couple of times, he was having a great time. Anyhow after a while he came back upstairs to have a snack. I went downstairs expecting to find the train still out...but he had picked everything up!! I was so surprised and thrilled! I figure I need to document this kind of stuff.
The other big deal is that Jack is almost a 100% potty trained. He's had a few accidents off and on, but today he stayed dry the entire day and went to the bathroom without being reminded. He's such a big kid! Slowly I'll have to start weening him off the jelly bean reward he's grown accustom to, but right now I'm thrilled not to be buying diapers, even if it's only for a month.

Another Project

Doug rewiring the "wine cellar"
Will & Jack in the workshop

I think Doug might be nesting. This weekend he came to me and actually said, "I need a project". Unfortunately for him the ones he suggested I didn't agree with were a priority, but we did agree on emptying the smaller storage room which we call the wine cellar because it's the perfect size for one, and it's the only unheated interior space in the house. There was some rickety shelving and wires hanging down from the ceiling. Also, we had a pipe break in there a couple of months back, so Doug has been doing some plumbing, electrical work and will be replacing the sorry ceiling with new Sheetrock. We're planning to have all the trim and wainscoting downstairs painted (by professionals) so we figured they could paint that space as well. We plan to use it for excess toy storage and possibly wine. What a combo!

Done!

the updated kitchen

"Sparky" at work

before

after

before

after

The kitchen update is complete! And just under two weeks! We're very happy with our new appliances, granite countertops and new hardware. I'm not sure if the pictures do it justice. We did stick with the same paint color and it will probably be a while until we can update the floors. But until then we'll be enjoying all the new perks in our "new" kitchen.

Boys at Play

Will and Jack are at such a fun stage right now. They are really good pals and have learned that each other is a pretty good play companion. I think it helps that Jack usually does what Will wants and at times they actually share toys with each other. The other afternoon they were playing "race car driver" which included wearing hats and work goggles and running around like crazy. It was just so funny to me that not only had Will come up with this game and the outfit to go with it, but Jack was also more than happy to join in in the fun. I hope they are the best of friends for years to come. They are so lucky to have each other.

Kitchen Remodel

It's funny how some projects come to be. Our kitchen was fine. All the appliances matched, the cabinets are nice and over all it was in pretty good shape. However, a few months ago our built-in microwave started to spark (as in almost catch on fire) each time I'd try to warm something up. Then our dishwasher started, shall we say, not working so hard. And the last straw was two weeks ago when our range died. So the dilema became, just replace the appliances with similar white ones, or buy stainless steel appliances which we've always liked? Of course if we purchased the stainless then they wouldn't really go with the kitchen. In comes the kitchen remodel - so we're updating the countertops, removed all of the old tile backsplash, are putting in a new sink and updating all the cabinet hardware. So overall, it's not a completely new kitchen, but an updated one.

Of course the hardest part of the whole project...not having a kitchen to cook in or prepare food in. We've been eating out almost every day and Doug and I are especially tired of take-out. We're really looking forward to the project being completed. The thin layer of dust that is currently covering the entire main level of the house is also driving me crazy, but we're close to finishing up. Over all this project will take less than two weeks to complete. When you look at it that way, that's not too bad. The new countertops arrive tomorrow and our appliances should be here no later than Wednesday. I'll post pictures as soon as it's completed.

Nesting

master bedroom before

master bedroom after

freshly painted main floor hallway aka "the gallery"

It has been brought to my attention by my live in handyman (Doug) that I have some serious nesting going on. I of course just feel this uncontrolable urge to update, organize and cleanout every square inch of our house. If that sounds like nesting...so be it. : )

This weekend we got lots done. Painted the master bedroom, hung curtains and repostioned some furniture. Also, we painted the den (not pictured, it's still a mess) and the main floor hallway. All our pictures are hung and I'm so happy with everything. Lucky me! Lucky Doug!

More ski pictures...

riding up the magic carpet...

headed down the hill...

looking for some jumps

As mentioned Will did have another opportunity this weekend to go skiing. He's quite confident and excited to learn as much as he can. However, he does keep saying once he's older he's going to start snowboarding. When asked why, he says you can jump higher on a snowboard!

Great Day for a Ski

showing off the skis

ready to go

on the move

Will went skiing for the first time today! Doug and Will headed up to Big Mountain this morning to check out the conditions (beautiful and sunny) and see what Will could do. Doug's favorite Will comment from the outing..."Dad, just let me go, let me go Dad!" Will really enjoyed testing things out and may even get up to the mountain a couple more times this weekend.

Swim!

Will & Jack getting ready for swim lessons

Jack swimming by himself!

Will working on his technique

Check out the boys! I know I've mentioned a few times that the boys were in swim class, but here's the proof! They are quite the little fishes. Jack is becoming more confident and interested in trying new things and doing them on his own. His favorite right now is manuvering around the pool while holding on to some sort of floatation device. He's kicking well and putting his entire face in the water. Will loves being underwater. It's kind of funny because you'll be talking to him and it's as if he cannot take anymore - he'll duck under water. At first when he would go face down it looked like he was struggling. Now I've learned if there are bubbles coming up he's just fine. He's even swimming a bit on his own.

Happy Monday

Here's a recent picture of Jack with "swim hair". No matter what I do, his hair always seems to have a mind of its own. Ususally he gets a look like this if he's been wearing a hat, as he had earlier in the day.

Peppmeier Update

Jason, Doug & Sara - enjoying Big Mountain

Whitefish Winter Carnival - getting ready for the parade

Jack, Doug and Will at the parade

It was a bit dark when this was taken, but the snow is up to their waists!

It's been a busy couple of weeks! The last weekend in January the Hunts came to visit (Sara and Jason). It was so nice to have them here. We enjoyed showing off our new hometown, Doug got them up to the mountain a couple of times (pictured) and we even made sure they had time to enjoy Whitefish's nightlife. The boys loved having their aunt and uncle here to play with.

The first weekend in February I made a very quick trip back to Oregon. Doug's been working a lot and with number three due in April I decided this was my only chance to get out of town (without children) and take a much needed break. Of course I got in some shopping and came home with quite a few amazing deals. I saw a few friends which was so nice, and was able to celebrate my Papa's 91st birthday with him and the rest of the McAuliffes. Doug was at home with the boys, but still managed to get in two amazing ski days, there was lots of powder! Also, the Winter Carnival was going on in Whitefish (a yearly, big time event, which we're still learning about) and Doug took the boys to the parade. Turns out it was pretty cold and snowing, but fun just the same. The boys especially enjoyed seeing the fire engine and told me all about it when I got home.

Now we're sort of back into our regular routine. The boys finish up swim lessons this week. Will is in school on Tuesdays and Thursdays, Jack's scheduled to start (at Will's school) just before his third birthday, but he'll be in the Monday/Wednesday class. He's really looking forward to it and I love the school so I cannot wait for him to start. Doug has been working crazy hours trying to meet a big project deadline this coming Tuesday. So, we're looking forward to his return. Also, we've started the less than ten week countdown until the arrival of the "baby sister" as we refer to her around here. Doug and I have decided on a name, but in true Team Peppmeier fashion we're not sharing with anyone (including the boys - though if you ask Jack he wants to name his sister Tiger Woods). We have tons of house projects we are considering and baby prep we need to attend to, but overall we're not feeling too overwelmed and are very excited about the arrival of our daughter.

**It's been snowing a ton here, check out the picture of the boys in the back yard!

Greetings from Big Mountain

Here are a couple of pictures of Doug skiing from this past weekend. We continue to get lots of new snow every couple of days. Doug's been getting in some great ski time, he usually goes over the weekends. Best part about living so close to the resort is the flexibility of going skiing whenever you want, plus, if it's not a great day you can head home.

Does this look enticing? If so pack up your winter gear and come for a visit - we'd love to have you!

Our Future Daredevil

All the sledding, huge mountains of snow at our house and the new trampoline have given us a peek at what may lay ahead for Will. He loves to test boundries. It's funny because we assumed Jack would be the more extreme type where as he's not as into the sledding and is usually complaining that he's "freezing" (his words) and is ready to go inside. Will has yet to make it to the ski hill, but he's patiently waiting for a chance.

Ringing in the New Year

Will - hiking up the sledding hill behind our house

Aunt Erin giving Will his first facial

Happy 2008! Is anyone having as much trouble as I am not writing 2007? The week between Christmas and New Years was so much fun! My sister Erin came to visit us the day after Christmas and stayed for five days. It was nice to see her. She was very helpful and the boys loved having her here. Our friend Sarah Spindle stayed with us as well, the boys loved helping her get ready to go out, they especially liked giving make-up advice. Also, Eleanore and her boyfriend Leif make it into town for a couple of days. It was great to have everyone here. There was lots of eating (some also drank), relaxing and catching up. Erin gave all of us facials, which was so nice. Even Will and Jack got in on the pampering (Doug didn't like hearing his boys asking for facials, but they're my boys too, so it's really not that surprising).

New Years Eve we spent at the Great Northern. We had a "reserved" table (it's great knowing the owners) and Sarah made us girls amazing crowns knitted out of paper-mache. I'll have to post a picture just so you can see how fantastic they were. The band was great and everyone in our group was well behaved. I made it well past midnight which I'm very proud of. I'm looking forward to this new year, we have so much to be excited about, we are truly blessed.

Extreme Sledding

Look for the little black dot, that's Will

Will and Tim

Will - the power sledder

Jack, Cannon & Will

Doug and the boys started out their new year with some extreme sledding with our friends Tim and Cannon. Tim had located a "serious" sledding hill near Columbia Falls. The dads packed up the boys and made a day of it. I'm so glad Doug took pictures, otherwise I would not have believed how big the hill was!