Home Sweet Home

We've moved again. This time to the most charming house located just two blocks from downtown Whitefish. It was built in 1922 and most important it has 4 bedrooms! We are still settling in and making it our own. The last rental was fine but it never really felt like us. I could live in this house forever (if the owner will let us). This house has great arches, built-ins and wood floors throughout. It has a full basement which is perfect for storage and projects. There's a large two car garage and instead of of using it for storage like at the last house we'll be parking our cars in it. Best of all, we have plenty of room for guests! So, if you've been thinking about coming out our way please know that you're always welcome to stay with us.

The view out the front of the house - looking at one of my favorite houses in Whitefish

The front room. We sold our enormous leather sectional and are waiting to purchase a new sofa. Though I do like the minimal look!

No School?!

No school today. In Oregon we'd call it a snow day but since there's snow here all winter long I'm at a loss at what to call this. School was cancelled due to extreme weather (below zero) but really that isn't that unusual either. Anyhow, the kids didn't have to go to school and by 10a they had already played dress up and created amazing lego creations.

Just Like Mom

I took these pictures a couple of weeks ago. Annemarie loves climbing into our bed and pretending to sleep. The other day she looked like a mini-me reading a magazine and getting cozy on my side of the bed.

Very interesting...

Cheesy grin...

Who gave this girl a microphone?

Oh, my. Annemarie is in love with the microphone she received for Christmas from Aunt Erin. Here are some pictures of her singing and a video...

Annemarie Goes Skiing

We've been talking about this and planning for it and finally yesterday we took Annemarie up to the mountain to go skiing. She did about 5 or 6 runs on the Magic Carpet with Doug supporting/holding her. Overall seems to have been an enjoyable experience for her.

Sunday was perfect, hardly any skiers on the Magic Carpet. Hard to believe but Annemarie wasn't the youngest one out there!

Here's a video of Annemarie skiing!

Happy New Year!

So, I had every intention of posting this on January 1st...wow, how did it get to be the 17th already?? 2010 had many high points (and a few low ones) but I am ready for a new year. Time to get things done I've been putting off. As well as making sure I'm enjoying Will, Jack and Annemarie who amaze me with how quickly they are growing.

First up, we're planning another move for early February. We've found the most darling older home with four bedrooms! We'll be within walking distance of everything downtown and the schools. So, another move, another chance to get super organized!

The boys have been skiing on the weekends and started lessons last week. Basketball also started last week and Doug is coaching both Will and Jack's teams. We still have not taken Annemarie up to the mountain for her first try, but we'll definitely take pictures when we do. Annemarie has started going to daycare for 4 hours once a week. She'll be starting preschool in April when she turns three. She loves her time with the other kids and "Miss Cindy" her teacher. Thankfully she's still happy to see me when I pick her up.

Best wishes for a healthy and happy 2011! xo, Team Peppmeier

Christmas 2010

Christmas this year was great! We were so happy to have Mom and Corey in town to help us celebrate. Christmas morning stared around 8a (there was a 4:20a wake up but Doug put the boys back to bed and slept in their room). The kids opened presents and we ate breakfast. It was very festive and relaxing. Later we went to the Larkin's for their annual Christmas open house...cannot believe we've been going to this for three years! It was great to see everyone and visit. The kids had fun playing and we even had to pick Annemarie off the floor she was so exhausted from all the Christmas fun.

"Don't mind me, I'm just going to rest for a minute."

"Is it rude if I fall asleep on the floor?"

Christmas Eve

We had a nice Christmas Eve this year. Mom, Erin, Corey and I all went to Mass and then we had dinner here at the house. The kids were very excited about Santa.

Jack insisted on wearing his stocking as a sock...

Santa, we're ready!

Merry Christmas!

Gingerbread Houses with Tutu

While Mom was visiting us here in Whitefish she took on the task of building gingerbread houses with the boys. I'm so glad she did. I always remember doing this as a kid and really enjoying it. So when she mentioned doing this I was thrilled! The boys had a great time. Thanks Tutu!

It looks good enough to eat!

Jack's masterpiece.

The Littlest Christmas Tree

The 1st grade holiday program this year was called The Littlest Christmas Tree. Will was one of five Christmas Trees. He said three lines and did such a great job. The 1st grade class has about 120 students so having a speaking part was a big deal. We were so proud of him.

I call this the "Crabbiest" Little Christmas Tree.

There's the smile we like to see!

Looking for Some Holiday Cheer?

Darling Annemarie modeling reindeer antlers...
Crazy Annemarie yelling at the paparazzi...
Our little reindeer singing fa-la-la-la-la...

Will Turns 7!

Our little man turned 7 today! Will had a full day of skiing with Doug, Erin and Jack. Then this evening we celebrated with his favorite dinner - risotto and a M&M ice cream cake for dessert. Will received many nice gifts and was so excited! Thank you everyone!

Jack and Annemarie were very attentive and patient while Will opened his gifts. Jack was especially interested in anything LEGO or Star Wars related.

Yay, a new basketball!

We were still singing...

and Will started blowing out the candles!

The ice cream cake was delicious. We have 80% left, please stop by and have some. Happy Birthday Will. We love you!

Deck the Halls

We've been a little behind at getting our Christmas decorations up this year. But as of today we're ready for Christmas! The outdoor lights are up and the Christmas tree is decorated.

Time to decorate.

This year's tree is beautiful. Will picked it out and it's almost 9 feet tall.

Doug putting up the star.

Almost done...

So Pretty!

The Best Seat in the House

Any time the fireplace is on you'll catch someone in front of it. Gus is always there, and if Gus is there then Annemarie will usually lay down next to him and pretend she's a dog too. Will loves to color in front of the fire and stand within millimeters of the glass. So far no burns or melted clothing.

Opening Weekend

Whitefish Mountain Resort aka Big Mountain is officially open. Doug got up yesterday for some powder skiing and today he went of with the boys and Erin. We have lots of snow and it's looking like it's going to be an amazing season. Ski lesson for the boys don't start until the new year but if you watch the video you'll see they look great. Great picture of the boys!

Thanksgiving 2010

The Thanksgiving weekend did not turn out as we had hoped. Instead of being in Portland we ended up staying in Whitefish. There was so much snow along the route, it was extremely cold and we felt the drive may be a bit dangerous. So we stayed put and tried to keep things exciting. We had our own Thanksgiving feast but it was very casual and Erin was our only guest. We went over to Stef's parents' house for dessert and champage which was fun and delicious (thanks Fafa and Rick!). Also, I did not get one picture of the kids or family on Thanksgiving, terrible, I know! I did get some pictures of the kids in the snow.

It was a bit late, but Annemarie was thrilled to be out in the snow.

Will trying out the jump Doug built.

Jack's turn.