Happy Campers

We just got back from camping overnight in Glacier National Park with our friends Laura, John and Matthew Peschel. As you can see, we bought a BIG tent for the occasion. We're hoping to do more camping in the future so we decided a 7 person (5 comfortably) tent plus a "pet den" was the right size for us. We had a great time. The weather was overcast, but dry. After setting up the tent and getting settled we went to Lake MacDonald. The boys played in the water and the sun came out briefly. We barbecued hot dogs back at our site and set up dinner family style with lots of good food to share. Then we drove into Apgar Village and had ice cream. The verdict is still out, but maybe ice cream before bed for little boys isn't the best idea... Back at camp, Doug put the boys to bed and the adults enjoyed a campfire.

The boys really enjoyed their friend Matthew and I'm sure taught him some naughty tricks. Annemarie did great. The tent was big enough to set up her Pack-N-Play, so she was very comfortable. I made sure she was really warm and she slept most of the night. The boys slept well too. We didn't all emerge from the tent until after 9a.

Our sleepy and cozy camper.

Will, Jack and Matthew playing in Lake MacDonald.
John and Doug doing some digging for the boys.

She's Wearing Shoes

We've hit a milestone...the one where Annemarie's feet are big enough to fit into a size 1. And how appropriate is it that the first pair of shoes to fit are cheetah print flats (my favorite pair of shoes ever, I wore out the soles, were cheetah print flats!)? My little girl is getting so big. I'm having so much fun indulging in all things girly. Of course due to our location and the impending cold weather every dress I consider I make sure will look good over a long sleeve onesie and leggings. I can only hope Annemarie will continue to let me indulge her (and myself) in dresses, shoes and anything sparkly and girly for years to come.

TD&H Company Picnic

Doug's company picnic was this past Saturday. It was held at the Lozar family cabin on Flathead Lake in Polson. It's such a beautiful location and the boys (Doug included) really enjoyed playing in the water. Some highlights included losing Gus (he tends to wander if he's not tied up). Then finding him at a neighboring cabin, inside on their sofa (apparently they let him in and didn't mind him on their furniture!?). Thank goodness he was found. In the evening we took a ride on the pontoon boat, this was Annemarie's first boat ride, too bad we forgot to get a picture. Also, we had a campfire and made s'mores.

Will, Jack & Doug all getting ready to take the plunge.

Jack, Will and Alex all playing on the diving kayak.

Gina holding Annemarie and giving my arms a rest!

Jack, Doug, Will, Collette and Kris enjoying dinner.

Dan, Doug and Will putting up the tent. Doug and the boys spent the night in the tent, Annemarie and I slept in the cabin (I think I got the better deal!). Thank you Lozars for hosting us!

Pirates at Play

Being pirates, playing pirates, building a pirate ship continue to be popular activites among Will and Jack. Here they are talking about their most recent ship...

Four Months (8.11.08)

Annemarie turned 4 months on August 11 while we were in Oregon visiting family. When we returned home she had her 4 month check up. Current stats are: 13 pounds 6 ounces (50 percentile) and 25 inches long (75 percentile).

She's a healthy baby, growing and developing everyday. She eats about 6 ounces 4 to 5 times a day. Naps sporadically, but sleeps through the night, usually an 8-9 hour stretch (I know, we're very lucky). She coos and smiles when people talk to her. She's started putting anything and everything she can into her mouth. She's rolling from side to side (still not completely over onto her stomach) and has started pushing herself around (in a circle) on her back. It seems like her arms and legs are constantly moving. She also loves to grab her feet and is starting to drool, a lot. Maybe teeth are in the near future??

At this time we're not feeding her any solids, we'll probably wait until she's 5 or 6 months old to tackle that milestone. Also, she's a baby who likes to be held, all the time if possible. When she notices that you're not holding her she's started doing this awful high pitched screech. Aside from that she's a very easy baby and lots of fun. Will and Jack continue to adore her and always want to entertain and kiss her. What a lucky girl!!

A few more pictures from our trip...

Will, Matthew and Caleb in the hammock at Mick and Chris' cabin in PrinevilleFamily picture, including the dogs. From the back row: Mick, Chris, Will, Doug, Jack, Sara, Gus (our dog) Penny (Sara & Jason's dog), Jason and Marcus (Sara & Jason's dog).

The grandparents at Annemarie's baptism. Grandpa, Grandma, Tutu, Annemarie and Opah.

An exhausted Annemarie after her party. Here she is being held in her favorite position only wearing a diaper. It was such a hot day! She held on as long as she could and once everyone left she passed out.

Another family picture. Amazing how everyone is smiling and looking at the camera, even Annemarie. Plus Gus made it into the picture. This was us Sunday morning before our 11 1/2 hour car ride home to Montana.

Annemarie Kate's Baptism (8.16.08)

Annemarie was baptized on Saturday, August 16 at the Church of the Resurrection in Tualatin, Oregon (my mom's parish). Father Bill Moisant baptized Annemarie in a private ceremony at 2:30 in the afternoon. It was HOT, around 100 degrees so we were lucky it was a short ceremony. My sisters Erin and Corey are Annemarie's godparents. Since we were in Oregon we were able to share this special sacrament with family and friends. The baptismal fount was extra special as well, Mick, Doug's dad built it. After the ceremony we held a reception up at Mick and Chris' house. It was a very special day and we were so happy to have so many special people there to help us celebrate.

Tutu with Annemarie before the ceremony. Annemarie wore the Peppmeier family garment for the ceremony. All Peppmeier children (Steve, Doug and Sara) and grandchildren (Matthew, Caleb wore a duplicate garment, Will, Jack and now Annemarie) have been baptize in it. Each child's name and the date of the baptism is embroidered along the hem of the garment. We forgot Annemarie's other outfit (this one is for after the ceremony and something they can pass on to their children) so Mom bought her a new one including her hat when we were in Oregon (thanks Tutu!).

Father Bill baptizing Annemarie. She was an absolute angel for the entire ceremony. She was awake the whole time and didn't make a peep, even when she was blessed with the water. I was a bit surprised especially since she's not a fan of baths and usually cries through them.

A congratulatory kiss from Father Bill.

Corey, Erin, Kelly, Annemarie, Father Bill & Doug

Godparents Aunt Corey & Aunt Erin

Our little angel

Trip to the Oregon Zoo

On Wednesday we took the children to the Oregon Zoo. Our group included both grandmas and my sister Corey. I haven't been to the zoo since Jack was a baby. There's so much to see and do. It was a warm day, but we got there early and bought lunch. There was also a really neat dinosaur exhibit that included moving, life-like dinosaurs. Will liked the T-Rex best and Jack preferred "the one with the long neck". I think he's referring to the Brontosaurs.

Jack and Will, seeing how they measure up

Going for a ride on a mountain goat

Will and Jack digging for dinosaur bones

Jack and Will checking out the giraffe (in the background)

Jack getting a lift from Aunt Corey

Doug and Chris in the tropical bird exhibit

Family picture of Team Peppmeier (amazing, everyone is looking forward and smiling), too bad the stroller bar blocks Annemarie's face. What a great day at the zoo!

Fun with Family & Friends

We had such a great time visiting with all our family and friends. I'm glad we planned for such a long visit. We were almost able to see everyone. Some highlights include a girls night out, dinner with the McAuliffes, barbecuing at the Knights, poker (Doug did not win big), a trip to the Oregon Zoo (pictures to be posted), dinner and drinks at Kells, golf for Doug and shopping for Kelly.

Aunt Erin playing with Annemarie during our girls weekend

Annemarie and Tutu

Grandma taking the boys for a tractor ride. One of the boys' favorite activities was "helping" Grandma feed the animals.

All the Peppmeier grandchildren (Will, Matt, Caleb, Annemarie & Jack). Annemarie is definitely outnumbered, thank goodness she's a big hit with her cousins and brothers.

Swimming and playing at the Knight's barbecue (Gilbert, Will & Jack). The Spray & Slide was a HUGE hit. I think we may need to get one for next summer.

Uncle Jason, Annemarie and Aunt Sara in their beautiful backyard. Sara and Jason continue to take on big projects and make their home even more beautiful. It was fun to see Penny and Marcus (the dogs) and see all improvements they've made since the last time we were there.

Knight and Peppmeier families after Annemarie's baptism (Will, Evelynne, Jack, Gilbert, Nathan, Dianne, Kelly, Annemarie & Doug). It's hard to believe less than five years ago neither of us had children. Things sure have changed!

A Weekend in Prineville

We're back from our trip to Oregon. We had such a great time and have so many pictures! We'll start off with the boys trip to Prineville (Annemarie and I stayed in Lake Oswego and visited with my family). We arrived in Portland on Thursday and early Friday morning Doug, Will, Jack and Grandma drove to Prineville (Central Oregon) to stay at Mick and Chris' cabin. As you can tell by the pictures they had a lot of fun. Friday was spent at Prineville Reservoir in Uncle Steve's boat and on the beach. Saturday Doug played golf and the boys played with their cousins. They barbecued that night with family friends the Hoffs.

Jack, Caleb, Will and Matt on the beach
"Follow me to the boat," Uncle Steve leads the way Jack getting cozy on the beach

Doug going for a ski - looks like Mr. P. has still got it

Will and Caleb in the tube, this was Will's first ride

Taking a rest in the hammock after a day of playing

We All Scream For Ice Cream

Another summer picture of the boys. This time enjoying a cold treat from the local ice cream shop. The shop recently relocated and now we drive by it daily. So it was good to get in there and test it out. Will's just like Doug and chose Mint Chocolate Chip and Jack picked Strawberry.

I cannot believe it's August already. We're headed to Oregon tomorrow for a 10 day visit and we're driving. It's usually a 10 hour car ride. But what we're really looking forward to is spending time with family and friends.

Fly Open 2008

Last Friday Doug participated in Polson Country Club's annual Fly Open. As you can see the team decided to dress up. In case you can't tell they're loosely based on Luke Wilson's tennis playing character from the movie The Royal Tenebaums. Short shorts, tube socks and headbands...thank goodness I wasn't there to see them in person.

Dan, Doug and BJ

Doug hitting the winning shot (okay, maybe not, however it looks like a pretty easy putt).

BJ and Doug enjoying the game

Team Royal Tenenbaum...BJ, Doug, Casey, Kevin (and Dan taking the picture)

The Vocabulary of a 4-Year-Old

I've said it before and I'll say it again...at times I think my children are brilliant. Today Doug and I paid special attention to the words Will chose. Breakfast was "delicious", I didn't make it, but the people at Loula's apparently did a great job. While Will was playing with Annemarie this morning he thought the fact that she was holding her rattle on her own was "impressive". And when Doug put Will's sunglasses on he thought that was "hilarious". "Enormous" and "gigantic" are two other favorites and of course "gi-normous" which is not a real word, but one the boys have picked up from the movie Elf. Are our children super-smart? I like to think so. Recently Jack has been having some speech disfluency problems aka stuttering, but when I was talking with his teachers they reminded me he has a large vocabulary and possibly his speech is trying to keep up with his brain. One of Jack's favorite words..."actually" and he usually uses it correctly.