Play Time!

Tyler and Stef came over for a visit today. The little ones played nicely for awhile and then Annemarie starting hogging all the toys - I wonder who she learned that from?? Tyler and Annemarie are about nine months apart in age and they're getting to a stage where they're doing some of the same things. Who knows maybe they'll even start playing together. I think Annemarie still has about four pounds on Tyler and is kind of pushy (literally she pushes him) but I'm sure he'll be the same size as her soon enough. We're looking forward to many more play dates.

Now what??
Annemarie showing off her standing/walking skills.

What a happy guy!

Last Few Days of Summer

This has been a great week. My mom is here visiting and she's been spending lots of time helping with the kids (I've actually been able to get some stuff done). Today we took the kids to City Beach. I think that may have been our last trip of the season. School starts next Wednesday for the boys and Will has his first soccer practice on Saturday.

So much going on...what to do next?

Annemarie running for the water. Her feet are barely touching the sand.

Annemarie going for her first swim in Whitefish Lake. Mom and I were surprised by how much she wanted to be in the water. The water wasn't very warm (thanks Mom for going out there with her!) but Annemarie did not want to get out. She loved kicking her legs and splashing with her hands. She even puts her face in the water. Finally a child that likes the water as much as Doug!

Put the Fire Out!

Receiving instructions from a local firefighter on how to properly handle a fire hose.

Will putting out the fire.
Jack's turn!

We finally made it to the farmers market (first time this summer). My mom is here visiting until Monday and we wanted her to see it. When we got there the local firefighters had set up this fun activity for the kids. The boys really enjoyed spraying the hose and putting out the fire in each of the windows.

Happy Campers

Yesterday we wrapped up another successful Peschel/Peppmeier camping trip. This year was so much fun! We stayed at the Apgar campground in Glacier Park. The weather was great, even warm during the days. Our last night it got a bit cold and we were freezing when we woke up in the morning.This picture was taken on our last day right before Doug took the tent down. I didn't realize I looked so tired!

There were lots of camping activities (aside from eating a drinking). Here's a picture of the boys working on the Junior Forest Ranger packets we picked up at the visitors office. Will was very adamant about completing his packet and getting the badge. Jack and Matthew worked on theirs but I think preferred riding their scooter and strider more. The boys also used our tent as a bounce house (jumping on the air mattresses and bouncing off the tent walls) and that kept them busy for hours.

The Peschels brought their boat with them and we were able to go out on Lake MacDonald. The weather was perfect but the water was cold. Annemarie did pretty well. She was most content holding a can of Coors Light.

Our view from the boat. Pretty spectacular, right?

Evening activities included taking the boys for a ride around the loop.

Will with his Junior Forest Ranger badge. Way to go Will!

Vacation Wrap-Up & Highlights

We're back home. We got back around dinner time on Saturday. What a great trip...lots of driving, but also lots of visiting with family and friends. Friday before we left we got together with the Knights and Hovdes for a family barbecue. It was so great to have everyone together. The kids are getting so big! Unfortunately I forgot my camera, but thankfully Dianne was able to snap some good pics.
To view them click here: http://goodknights.blogspot.com/2009/08/7-kids-6-adults-crazy-chaotic-fun.html

Other vacation highlights included seeing my Dad and Papa, a girls night out with Dina and Dianne, a quick trip to Prineville and staying at Doug's parents' beautiful cabin. Doug and I also had dinner with my high school friends Renee, Evan, Ryan and we met Ryan's fiancee Christina (we're looking forward to their wedding in September!). It was a busy two weeks! Things are getting back to normal for us here in Montana, the weather has improved and it's feeling like summer again. My mom is coming for a week long visit next week and we're really looking forward to seeing her. Only 14 more days until the boys start school. Where did the summer go?

Trip to Cannon Beach

Family picture in front of Haystack Rock.

Today we took a quick day trip to Cannon Beach. The weather was good, about 65 degrees and sunny. We got into town early so it wasn't too crowded. We went to the beach first and let the kids play for about an hour. Then we headed into town for a bite to eat. We walked along the main street and did some window shopping. What a great trip!

Annemarie enjoying the beach and playing in the sand
Doug and the kids digging a hole
Doug and Annemarie taking a beach stroll

I love this piece of sculpture, it used to be in Lake Oswego so I was thrilled to see it had found a new home. It's called "what came first the chicken or the egg?"

Concert in the Park

Tonight we met up with McAuliffes for a concert in the park. We ate dinner, drank wine and listened to music. The boys played, danced and eventually got rowdy. It rained on us but we felt like true Oregonians. We had so much fun!

The rowdy bunch...Will, Ryan, Matthew and JackAunt Marcie and Annemarie

Ryan dancing the night away

Matthew and Jack showing off their dancing moves

Trip to Enchanted Forest

Matthew, Caleb, Jack, Will and Annemarie at Enchanted Forest.

As Will kept saying "Enchanted Forest is so enchanting!" and for the kids it really was. We had lots of fun today. Chris, Sara, Doug, myself and the kids all spent the day enjoying "the Forest" and for us "older kids" we talked about what we remembered from when we went there as kids and what was new.

The Gingerbread House from Hansel and Gretel
Jack and Will in front of the "Jack "N" Jill sign Aunt Sara and the boys in Western Town

Doug and the boys after the Log Ride, they were soaked!

Time for a treat, the popsicles were almost as big as the boys!

Caleb, Will and Jack on the Frog Hopper

The boys enjoying the Bumper Boats

Annemarie was such a good sport. She watched all the excitement from the comfort of her stroller. Once we were back in the car she fell asleep within a minute or two.

Jack in the car on the way home, showing off the souvenir Aunt Sara bought for him. Thanks Aunt Sara!

Children's Museum

Today was all about the Children's Museum. The kids had so much fun exploring and enjoying the exhibits. It's really a great place with activities for their age. Though I don't have a picture posted they probably enjoyed the hospital exhibit the most since there was a small ambulance they could pretend to drive. Here are pictures from our visit.

Will trying to brush the crocodile's teeth and Jack trying to start a toothbrush sword fight.
Jack and Will enjoying Water World. Lots of fun and lots of water. Will managed to get a couple of adults wet - so I decided it was time to move on.

Will in the Story Tree.
Will playing the xylophone
Annemarie relaxing while the boys ran around crazy...

Will and my friend's son Brayden building with oversized Lincoln Logs.

Jack going for a horseback ride.

Little Firefighters

The activities continue...Yesterday we spent some time at the local library enjoying storytime and doing a craft project. The boys are Corey went swimming in the afternoon and I went grocery shopping at Trader Joes (how I miss Trader Joes!). Later the kids stayed with Mom and Corey and I went out to dinner and made a trip to Ikea. I'm happy to say I only purchased items on my list so I feel the trip was a success. This morning we took a walk and Corey took the kids to the park so I could go have a pedicure. Nothing beats the no-appointment-twenty-dollar pedicure! I thoroughly enjoyed my 45 minutes of quiet time. On the way to the park Corey and the kids walked by the fire station and one of the firefighters came out and gave the kids hats and stickers. They were thrilled! This afternoon we're going to see a puppet show at the library and then the kids and I are meeting Mom at the Spagetti Factory for dinner. Yum!

Vacation Activities

Great start to our vacation...This morning the boys picked apples in the backyard and made applesauce with Tutu while Corey, Annemarie and I did some quick window shopping and coffee drinking. Later I took the boys to Ibach Park in Tualatin. Then Will and Corey went to visit Papa this afternoon and we had a very nice visit with my aunt this evening. After dinner we went for a walk and the boys played in the fountain downtown. What a full day!

Prepping apples for applesauce.
Jack demonstrating his apple cutting skills.
MJ, Annemarie and Mom visiting. Playing in the fountain at Millennium Plaza in LO.

Enjoying a lovely evening in Lake Oswego.

Pictures From the Road

Annemarie testing out her new shades.

The kids and I drove to Oregon on Saturday. It was a great trip and one we're very used to. It took 12 hours (11 hours of driving) and the kids were very good. I had activites planned for them and they watched a few movies. Overall it was a pretty quick trip. We're staying with my mom and Corey in LO this week, Doug gets into town on Friday, we head over to Prineville for the weekend and then will be staying in Sherwood at Doug's parents house. It's good to be on vacation!

Jack sleeping for 45 minutes of the trip
Cozy Annemarie taking a snooze.

Walking!

I took this video yesterday. Annemarie is definitely making progress. We knew she'd start walking eventually!