Life Updates!

Hellos to all! Firstly I should pause to allow everyone to scroll down and check Nate's Ice Breaker Road Race post right below this (I think that should redeem my poor Blog etiquette). Anyway, I have not been around computers lately and thought I was due for an update! So we are within a month of departing the country for Guatemala. I am pretty excited for this as we get to travel with Jim Tackes, one of the two priests who founded the mission in 1964. He has not been back to Santo Tomas since 1968, when he was layisized. I have reached and exceeded my goal of raising $1340 for the trip, and am a bit overwhelmed by the generosity of my family, friends, school, and communities. Last weekend we had a little family carnival at Christ the King and it was a great time. It was awesome, even if I didn't win cake in the cakewalk... Next weekend we are having a four-man scramble to push the rest of the group over the proverbial edge to their financial goal to Guatemala. I am still looking for a fourth for my team anyone is interested... Other than that life has been a touch crazy here in the Zoo. In March the transmission in my little Saturn went ill and have been going back in forth with my maintenance guy and my warranty company for the past month or so, but I think we got it all figured out and the little Saturn will be back in action soon enough. I decided to take a job this summer at the reputable St. Thomas Catholic Summer Camp in the lovely Little Belt mountains, as I mentioned earlier. I will be in Great Falls as a journeyman for the month of June hopefully doing some baking at Bob's and/or some other jobs around the Great Falls area. I am currently signed up to volunteer at Legendary Lodge for a week, but I do not know if it will actually happen. As for next semester, I decided to not reapply for the internship at Christ the King for a second year. It's kinda a bummer but I think it best for both of us to let each other go in our separate directions (if it sounds more like a break up than the end of a college job, it awkwardly has felt that way for the last month). I also, much like my older brother, have found a significant other! Her name is Amber and she is from the lovely Fairfield Montana (malt and barley capital of the world). She's way awesome and hope she will be available to meet some family members this summer. O yea, and finals are coming up in a week... yay... I am so excited to come home for a while. All my down time has been dedicated to reading for school, and playing mariokart and cribbage in the lounge at the church. I have been unbeatable and unchallenged at both games, so I can't wait to come home and actually work for my w's. Take care all and see you very soon!
Peace!!!!!
Nick

Ice Breakers

On a beautiful day here in Great Falls, the Moore family took to the streets of downtown to run and walk in the 29th Ice Breaker Road Race. John, Ann, Mark, and Jan all came down from Helena this morning to join Mary, Madison, Connie, Tom, Jeanine, Jim, and I in the 3 mile run/walk. The morning started with a nice brunch at JB's and then up to Connie and Bill's house for pictures. After the photo shoot the main event started at the Civic Center. Here are some pictures: The six siblings gearing up for the run/walk.

All of the run/walkers.
The Billings Moore runners.
The Brothers
The mother-daughter Wingerter team.
Finally, the grandchildren team.

All in all, it was an awesome day. Jim turned in the best time for the runners with a 22 minute - 3 mile time. Tom clocked in at 23 minutes. I ran the course in 25 minutes and my mom came in with a 27 minute time. It was a fun, warm, active spring day with the family. What could be better?

HAPPY BIRTHDAY, JIM!

Today is Jim Wingerter's birthday! He gets to celebrate by going to the Bobcat booster dinner and hearing Dick Butkus give a speech. Lucky guy! I think this old grandpa would rather spend his day doing this...rocking Emma!!

Love you babe! Have a great day!

Boat Rentals

Here are some possibilities for boat rentals.

-The Boat Loft at Holter is under new ownership, but in the past they have rented out both ski boats and pontoons. I would assume the new owners would continue to do so, but I was unable to find any prices at this time.

-Malmstrom rents out a small flat-bottom boat that would not allow us to ski behind, but they also rent out wakeboards, life vests, water tubes, and water skis for a weekend.

-Canyon Ferry Boat Rental only rents pontoon boats and seeing how Abe and Nate have the desire to tube at high rates of speed. I don't think this is the answer.

-Water Fun Rental of Helena rents out an 18' VIP(?) for $175 a weekend, they require a $500 damage deposit and a credit card to secure the reservation. I have a feeling this boat has taken a beating in recent years.

-My suggestion (and remembering that I am the 47th member to enter this family I suggest with humility) is to rent a pontoon boat from the loft at Holter Lake so anybody who wants to be on the water during the day to fish and what-not can do so. For those who want to ski, wakeboard, and tube will be able to behind my parents boat which is at the cabin all summer long. I don't want to take the boat from my family all day long, but we would be able to use it for most of the day. Roughly the same length as renting a boat. There would be no need to worry about ski's, wakeboards, or tubes, we have enough to fit all different shapes and sizes. Lifejackets may be of concern, but I figure someone should be able to round up enough that we would be legal on the water. The only problem with Holter is finding the space for everyone to hang out at for the day. Someone would have to get up there early Friday to secure a spot, or we could find someplace across the lake to picnic for the day. We would need the pontoon to accomplish this task.

So that's my input into the whole thing, quite the lengthy post for my first, but hey what a way to start. If no one is interested in these ideas I will continue to look for alternative options. Meghan, Sprout, and I look forward to seeing you all soon.

Ryan

P.S. Nobody stays on the tube for long when I am behind the wheel!!

Mark your calendars ...

The majority has spoken -- or at least the majority of those who made their voice heard. The Family Picnic will take place July 26. The place is yet to be determined, but we're leaning toward Canyon Ferry. Now we need to procure (for the day) a boat. Maurika has started checking on this, but if any of you know of a boat to beg, borrow, or ... rent, let me know. On this snowy day in Helena, I'm looking forward to summer!

Statehoods?

Grandma, Meg, Ryan and I were all sitting around the kitchen table tonight playing cribbage and a very important question came up. With our family growing at such a rapid pace and family members beginning to outnumber states in the Union what are we to do? Grandma had an idea a while ago that when the states are all taken we start over at the beginning and begin to share states. This way a new member will have an instant bond, connection, etc. with another family member that shares the same great state.

I know another vote on this blog is not exciting but all of us around the cribbage board thought that it was a very pertinent subject. Just leave some comments and let us know how you feel about this idea. Love you all -

Nate

PS - Quote(s) of the Night - We are sitting around the table and Megan pushes on her belly.

Ryan - "Hey, what are you doing?"
Megan - "The baby's leg is hooked under my ribs and I'm trying to move it."
Ryan - "Well don't push on it so hard."

GRANDMA- "Hey, you're not carrying the baby so YOU be quiet!"

I've been meaning to post this for many moons!!

The Annual (???) Christmas New Years St. Valentines Tax Reminder Letter from the Buyskes has arrived!

Benedict Douglas joined the scene on August 27, 2007!  Hooray!  Welcome, our little Blessing!

Costumes: For Halloween this year, Will borrowed his daddy’s old cap to top off his train engineer costume.  Accessories included a wooden train whistle and lantern.  Wearing a white sleep sack and a yolk yellow stocking cap, the little brother was the cutest little Egg Benedict you’d ever see!

Dump truck mania!  It is starting to look like a Tonka truck rally in our house!  Will spends hours each day playing with his trucks, trains, cars, and planes and Ben loves to watch and grab what he can.

Earmuffs!  These would come in handy every once in a while to cover Will’s receptive little ears.  Mommy found this out the hard way after a slip of the lip following a sticky spill led to a toddler using some colorful language.

Flight suit.  Matt is a hard working pilot stationed with VP-46, Naval Air Station Whidbey Island.  Currently qualified as a Patrol Plane Commander, he’s training to become an Instructor Pilot and is studying for his Mission Commander Boards.

Galveston Dust, Burnt Clove, Lemon Grass Sage, Scenic Desert – Wow, they come up with rich names for paint!  Kelly and Matt have painted nearly every room in their home this year.  Lots of work, but love the results.

Honeymoon… Matt’s still promising one… Kelly’s patiently waiting…

I-Chat: Isn’t technology incredible?  We stay connected across the miles with the grandparents and various aunts and uncles via videoconference on the computer.

Jogging indoors.  Matt and Kelly, tired of waiting for the return of the sun, invested in a treadmill this winter.  Kelly’s goal: 10 K, here we come!

The Kitchen is Kelly’s favorite room of the house, with cooking and baking as the favorite hobbies.  Cakes and cinnamon bread are the most frequent guests of her oven, so come on over for a slice!

Lake Milnor = our favorite Montana getaway.  We enjoyed a visiting Matt’s grandparents in July. Will even had the chance to ride in Grandpa Bill’s boat and cool off with a dip in a lake with Dad and a very large and in-charge Mommy (expecting Ben’s arrival).

“Motocyco! Bwwwoommmm!” Will loves looking at them, listening to them, talking to Boppa about his, but he especially enjoys riding Ben like a motorcycle.  This used to freak Mommy out, but judging from the cute baby giggles, Ben appears to get a kick out of it.

“Nudder one, pwease.” Will can’t get enough time on the laps of those willing and able to read to him.  In fact, book time eclipses dump truck time! (Cue the proud mommy/teacher smile)

Oregon Coast: We celebrated Ben’s baptism over the Thanksgiving holiday surrounded by beautiful family, friends, and the coastal scenery near Tillamook, OR.  It was a very dairy good time.

Potty trained, and proud.  The big little boy is diaper free all day long!  Hooray!

Quick! Get the camera!  They are growing fast, and there are so many great moments with these fun boys.  It is amazing how the second child’s photo portfolio is about half as thick as the first’s, though…

Rolls upon rolls.  Ben’s got ‘em.  He doubles up on the chin and it’s nothing but chubby baby down to his toes.

San Diego has been the destination for many of Matt’s training missions this year.  He’s missed at home, but at least Daddy gets a little fun in the California sun when he’s not flying.

Two years old!  Will celebrated in style at Nana and Boppa’s (Kelly’s folks) during a trip to Iowa this fall while Daddy was training (see above).  Grampa and Gramma (Matt’s folks) and Aunt Molly, as well as Great Grandma and Grandpa McGillick were special guests.

Ultimate Challenge:  Ping Pong. You. Me.  Casa Buyske Rec Room. BRING IT!

Visitiors!  Will and Ben (along with their parents, who know they are of secondary importance now) had the pleasure of entertaining many of our family and friends this past year, enjoying time with Gramma and Grampa, Great Grandparents Buyske, Uncle Mike, Uncle Joey, Aunt Jen, Aunt Molly, as well as Nana and Boppa, Uncle Matto, Aunt Jill and Uncle John.

Wow!  We cut down our own Christmas tree this year, and made sure it was a good one.  All ten feet of our pine helped us celebrate in style with Matt’s family here in Anacortes.  We had a ball playing games, chatting it up, feasting in style, and just hanging out.

X-country and across the ocean:  This summer, Matt will lead his crew on a six-month overseas deployment.  Kelly and the boys plan to spend the time in Montana and Iowa, hitting a few other destinations along the way.  Keep an eye out; they might just be coming to a town near you!

You, dear friends and family, are always welcome at Casa Buyske!  May God bless you all and continue to bless us with your friendship and love.

Zo don’t forget to do those taxes!!! J

Johnny's Cinco Cinco

John turns 55 today! In celebration of that fact, here are 55 pictures of him!

Ok, so not quite 55 pictures. Don't want to exceed the bandwidth of the blog or anything (man, that's a lot of years).

Happy Birthday, Pops! I love you very much.

lawyers

Thanks, Abe, for responding to my request for information regarding your legal practice.  (I couldn't get this computer to pick the comment up right away for some reason.)  Some day we may be able to exchange war stories.  And someday I might meet your bride -- who appears to be lovely in the pictures.  Lucky you!

 

Jim (the elder)

Rained-out Picnic?

You've heard the phrases before ... "like trying to herd cats" "like trying to nail jello to a tree" "like trying to teach ethics to lawyers." That's how it feels trying to get some semblance of consensus from this family. So, due to some lobbying pressure, I'm going to throw another twist in the turnips -- I'm adding the possibility of July 26 as a picnic date (see below). If you've already commented, you can pipe up again or hold your peace.

June 14. The venue could be most anywhere. A lake isn't realistic, because June water is only slightly above freezing. And overall, the weather can be dicey at this time of year. I know this date works well for some and not well for others. State your case.

July 26. Likely a lake venue with a boat. Weather should be good. More people can make it who might otherwise have to depart in early August. State your case.

August 9. This date is more conducive to choosing a nice lake, getting a boat, and blasting out old style. One downside -- it might be too close to Abe and D's wedding date, but that's not settled yet. Once again, this date probably works well for some and not well for others. State your case.

This is the last post that posits a choice. Soon the decision will come down and you'll have to adjust your calendar accordingly. Line up and sign up!

More pictures from Italy

If you have any interest in seeing dozens and dozens of pictures that Desiree and I took of each other in Italy, you can do so by clicking here. (If you go through them quickly like a flip book it nearly looks like a video.)

A birthday celebration!

Little Miss Emma turns one year old today! Horray!!! We've had a fun filled day so far with swimming and playing with Nate's Mom's dogs. Check out Emma's blog in the next few days to see pictures of the days festivities.

This just in....I have taken a nurse practitioner position with Billings Clinic so the Meunier family will be returning to Montana!!!!! We are planning on moving late May, but are still trying to iron out the details. We are all very excited to get closer to family. As far as family picnic goes, anything is fine for us. August 9th is actually my and Nate's 5th wedding anniversary and what better way to spend it than with our family.

Hope you are all doing well and we'll see you soon!

lawyers

John Piano posted a picture of Abe and Desiree, his intended, on the Perry Moore blog.  Handsome couple.   It's my understanding that they're both attorneys in Chicago.  Hey, you two, with what groups do you practice and what kinds of law are your specialties?  This old, retired lawyer would like to know.

 

And are there any other lawyers or budding lawyers among the descendents of John and Jeanne Moore?  I can't remember.  If there are any, can I hear from them about their professional activities?  I'm really interested.  Post responses (if you will) on either blog.  I check them both.

 

Jim (the elder)

Time to Vote ...

Thanks for all the comments and points of view. As usual, no "best date" for the Family Picnic has materialized. Some people have posted their preferences here; some have sent me veiled threats. (Don't worry, Abe -- I won't name names.) Anyway, I've narrowed it down to the two best choices, with pros and cons. You'll need to speak now or forever (meaning about a year) hold your peace.

June 14. The venue could be most anywhere. A lake isn't realistic, because June water is only slightly above freezing. And overall, the weather can be dicey at this time of year. I know this date works well for some and not well for others. State your case.

August 9. This date is more conducive to choosing a nice lake, getting a boat, and blasting out old style. One downside -- it might be too close to Abe and D's wedding date, but that's not settled yet. Once again, this date probably works well for some and not well for others. State your case.

As before, I'm pegging my birthday (April 14, in case you forgot) as D-Day, with D standing for Decision. Thank you for your attention. John & Ann, Grand Marshalls

News From Chicago

Hey all. Desiree and I just returned from a great trip to Italy. The whole thing was a surprise - she only knew the temperature of the place we were going, and that we were going for 10 days.

We spent the first few days in the hill towns north of Rome: Bagnoregio and Orvieto. This is Desiree walking down a little street in Bagnoregio.

The next day, we drove around Lake Bolsena, a very pretty and quiet lake.

That night, we parked the car in Bagnoregio and walked across the bridge to Civita Di Bagnoregio, an ancient town (pre-Roman!) with only a few residents left. The rest of the town has eroded away over the years. There is one bed & breakfast out there where we stayed.

It was out on Civita that evening, looking out over a quiet Italian valley, that I asked Desiree to marry me. She said yes!!

So, we are officially engaged, and couldn't be more excited. After a night in Orvieto, we dropped off the car and headed to Rome for 5 days.

I'll post more pictures later, or maybe we'll put them all online and post a link here, but I wanted to share the great news as soon as possible.