Easter 2011

Matthew, Jack and Will on their way to the Easter Egg Hunt in Depot Park.

What a beautiful day it was. The sun was shining it was warm and the park was filled with plastic eggs (and children).
The Easter egg hunt lasted about 2.5 minutes but the spoils were delicious! Lots of candy and fun treats.
Egg hunt number 2 was in our front yard and put on by Aunt Erin and her friend Missy. Lots more candy and even money! The kids were very excited.
We had a lot of fun this Easter. Church in the morning (we arrived early enough to actually sit in the church), the Whitefish Easter Egg Hunt at Depot Park with the Peschels and then Easter dinner and another Easter Egg Hunt with Erin and her friend Missy. The kids had so much fun. Days after Easter the boys kept setting up egg hunts for each other.

Jack Turns 6! (April 4, 2011)

So Number 2 or Jackie-Jackie-Boom-Boom as we affectionately refer to Jack has turned 6! Oh, my, where did the time go? We were in Montana for his birthday but had a family celebration while visiting in Oregon. Jack received so many nice gifts...he's a very lucky boy. Jack had his well child visit yesterday and he is the picture of health so his doctor said. I couldn't agree more...he's quite independent and intelligent. He's learned to read this year and is doing phenomenally well. Doug and I are in awe of how great he's doing and how interested he is in learning (we're very lucky, we know). He enjoys going to school, but is looking forward to summer and time off. Jack has also become quite the artist. He especially enjoys writing stories and drawing pictures to go with them. He says he wants to be an illustrator. Jack bring us all so much joy...he is very silly at times and loves to tell a good joke. He's mastered Uncle Steve's smirk which we cannot get enough of, unless of course he's being naughty. We adore this little guy and are so thankful he's our son. Happy Birthday Jack!

Homemade ice cream cake for Jack.

Our happy boy!

The Performer

While in Oregon for Spring Break Chris gave Annemarie one of Sara's old dance costumes...she wore it almost the entire time we were there. She loves it! It made it's way back to Montana so we still get some shows like the one I recorded...

Spring Break in Oregon (March 25 - 31)

A month ago the kids and I were in Oregon for Spring Break. While Doug was home working hard, we were off visiting family and having fun. It was a quick trip (they always are) but a good one. We stayed with Mick and Chris but split our time visiting both sides of the family. Corey was in town from Atlanta so it was great to see her. She took the boys to OMSI one day and they had a blast. I was able to get out and have dinner with Dianne and Dina which I really enjoyed.

While we were there we celebrated Jack and Annemarie's birthdays. It was so much fun and the kids got so many great gifts.

Jack with the look of pure "present" joy.

All the kids, nothing like trying to get a group shot (two of mine aren't even looking at the camera).

Make a wish! (Annemarie took this opportunity to show off some of her new dress up clothes)

The party girl with all the leftover cake.

The Abandoned Blog…

Or so it would seem. I’d like to start off by saying, I have not forgotten our blog and I want to apologize to those faithful few who check it regularly (that would be you Doug). I know how sad it is when you’re looking forward to seeing a new posting/picture/anything and there’s nothing…in our case for 38 days. Now I will admit I’ve been less than excited about our blog lately and feel it needs a new look (definitely) and possibly a little more structure. I’m hoping to reveal something new within the next few of weeks.

Now for a general update (I’ll post belated pictures and details within the next few days). The very end of March the kids and I were in Oregon for Spring Break. We had a great time visiting family and I even had a quick break to catch up with Dina and Dianne. What a treat and what a great visit. It was like old times. I miss you girls!!

We had three birthdays this month, Jack, Annemarie’s and mine all within two weeks of each other. Also, and I write this with a heavy heart my Papa Ed (my dad’s father) passed away on April 1st. He lived such a full life (he was 94!) and I’m so thankful he was my Papa. So, we headed back to Oregon for the funeral, this time Doug included. Two car trips to Oregon in less than two weeks with three children is doable but also exhausting. We’ve been home now for almost two weeks and the activities (for everyone) are starting to pick up. Oh, and did I mention Will broke his arm on Jack’s birthday…so that’s the month we’ve had and April isn’t even over. As you may imagine I’m counting the days until May begins.

Check back soon!

Happy St. Patrick's Day!

Hope your day was fun and lucky!

New Ski Videos

Doug took some new videos of the boys skiing. This weekend was really sunny and the end of ski school. The boys are skiing so well. Enjoy!

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...