Another Peppmeier Project

We have two skid-steers, a chipper and a trash trailer currently out in our yard. That can only mean it's project time! As most of you know we live in a darling little pink house and ever since we purchased this home two years ago we've been saying we were going to paint it. Well, the time has finally come...Of course once we started talking about painting the house that lead to other projects that needed to be done. The other big one is redoing the front yard. So this past weekend Doug has been hard at work, trimming, clearing and chipping all the old landscaping (and not to mention trimming the enormous hedge that runs almost the entire length of our property).

So, what does the entire project entail?? We're having the house painted, a new railing installed on the back deck and a new front door and hardware (outdoor lights and house numbers). In the yard Doug's installing a picket fence along the front of the property, we'll be getting a load of rock for around the house, a load of top soil and new sod. I don't think I've left anything out. Needless to say Doug's been busy. We cannot wait for it to be finished! We'll post pictures as the work continues.
Doug cut everything down with clippers and a hand saw. After it was done I told him we could have purchased a chainsaw, but he said the work is good for him!?

Mr. Bobcat himself - Doug has pretty good skills when it comes to operating one of these.

All clear!

The pile of brush before...

during...

...and after! Great job Doug!

Favorite Places

Lately Annemarie has really enjoyed climbing into small spaces (as pictured above) and into Gus' bed (pictured below). I don't mind her crawling into the built-in because usually she climbs back out, and then back in which can keep her busy for a short while. However, I do not like it when she climbs into Gus' bed, mostly because it's covered in dog hair, but also because it's his little space. Of the two spots Annemarie much prefers the dog bed and has even started standing up in it! She's so busy and so adventurous.

Play Ball!

Will had his very first T-ball game on Friday. We were all there, including Erin. It was really fun to watch (the kids are so cute) and Will had a great time. The games are very low-key. Each player gets a chance at bat and the coaches really have to direct all the players where to run, where to throw, etc.

What a throw!

Annemaire enjoying the action and trying to stay warm.

First time at bat...

...and it's a straight shot down the middle!

Our Goofy Girl

Annemarie is such a ham! I took a few pictures the other day and I felt they really captured how silly she can be. She definitely knows when the camera is out and loves to smile or be goofy.

She thinks she so funny! Check out those top teeth.

Such a happy girl!

Another Birthday, Another Party

Wednesday we celebrated my birthday. I thought I'd spare myself the title ... "Kelly Turns...". Though for any of you who are truly curious I was born in 1977. I enjoyed a very low-key day at home with the kids. We all went out for dinner and then opened gifts and had cupcakes at home. Both Annemarie and I received so many nice gifts. Thank you to everyone for thinking of us!

Annemarie with her cupcake
More cupcake

A girl with her books

A gift from Grandma and Grandpa

Apparently Annemarie DOES have enough hair to hold a hair clip.

More Palm Springs Pictures & A Video

This is one of my favorite pictures of Annemarie and I. It was taken on her birthday before we went out to brunch. She's wearing a darling dress the Larkins gave her and we're sitting out on the patio at my grandma's house. I have so many great memories from our trips to Palm Springs from when I was young and I continue to make more each time we return.

We made it home without too much trouble. It's good to be back, the weather is warmer and most of the snow is gone. Doug and I feel we could have used at least another two days of vacation, five is just not enough. All the packing and planning that goes into a vacation can be exhausting. On the bright side Doug got in lots of golf (shocking, I know) and we all enjoyed great food, company, sunny weather and the pools.

Annemarie and Tutu in the pool at Thunderbird. Jack getting a helping hand from Tutu. Saturday night before Easter the grown ups having dinner at Eldorado. Kelly and Doug at dinner.

Check out Annemarie's first swim. She loves the water!

Easter 2009

Easter started early for us this year. We attended 7:30a Mass and then headed to Thunderbird for brunch and activities for the kids. Brunch at the club is a tradition in our family. It's so fun to see that they still have the puppet show, magician and Easter egg hunt. Something new (for us at least) was the mini petting zoo. The boys weren't that into it, but Annemarie was a good sport and even tried to pet a goat.

A duck, goats, chickens and a rooster, oh my!

The boys checking out the baby chicks.

Doug and Jack enjoying brunch.

Catherine and Jack working on an activity book.

Will (and Alex) enjoying the puppet show.

Annemarie and Doug, Anna and Mike playing outside.

Jack trying to hold as many eggs as possible.

Happy Easter!

Annemarie Turns 1!

Annemarie turned one today! The year has flown by and we've been very blessed with a healthy and happy little girl. And what a lucky girl, celebrating her first birthday in Palm Springs. We celebrated by having brunch in the morning, swimming in the afternoon and cake after dinner. We're also planning another small celebration when we get back to Montana. Annemarie's 1 year check up is later this month, so I'll be sure to post stats after that visit. Happy Birthday! You bring our family such joy - you are so curious, and silly and such an adventurous eater and explorer. Much love to you on your special day!

Family picture after brunch. I have to mention - Jack's finger is not in his nose, he's actually giving the camera the number 1 sign.

Annemarie playing with a birthday gift.

Here comes the cake...

...but this candle looks so tasty.

What a happy girl!

A Great Day in Palm Springs

This is our third day of vacation and I think we've accepted the vacation routine very willingly...sleep, eat, play(swim or golf), eat, sleep, play, eat, sleep. There's lots of sun and the temp has been in the low 70s. Here are a few pictures from the last two days.

Will and Erin speeding away in the golf cart.
Doug at the golf range.

Grandma, Jack, Mom and Will after lunch at the Club.

Will and Jack at the pool. Annemarie still has not had her first swim.

Jack SWIMMING!

5 Hour Layover at SeaTac

In order to get to Palm Springs from Kalispell we endured a five hour layover at SeaTac Airport. Truthfully it wasn't THAT bad. We arrived at 7a and departed for PS around noon. We had a leisurely breakfast, tried out all the moving walk ways, spent some time in the kids play area...you get the point. We arrived in PS on time and with all our luggage (three car seats, three large bags and a set of golf clubs). All in all it was a good start to our vacation and we only have a three hour layover during our trip back.

the boys on the moving walk way

Will in front of some airport art a little traveler

Annemarie in the play area

our sleepy girl