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.

Happy Birthday, Maurika!

Right on the heels of Connie's birthday and the end of March, it's time to celebrate a milestone in Maurika's chronology. On Tuesday, she turns 35! How's that for April Fool? And what a great 35 it is -- successfully back in Montana, expanding the family, starting a business -- all while keeping a great smile. Happy Birthday, Mo -- we love you so.

p.s. the picture was taken last summer, half a year before Piper came along.

p.p.s. I'm not sure what happened to the picture. It was there for a while, then poof! Anyhoo, here it is again.

Happy Birthday, Connie!

This is a picture of Connie, Bill and a very strange nephew of theirs at Connie's birthday celebration. We had a nice dinner with the family on Sunday with turkey, potatoes, salad and a great cake! (I know you that weren't there are really drooling now!!)

Anyway, have a happy day, C.J.! We love you!!

Happy Birthday, Connie!

Monday is Connie's birthday. Hooray! Our SUM team leader and constant light celebrates another milestone. Why the rose, you might ask. This variety is called Constance Spry, and I think it's fitting for the leading flower of the family. Happy birthday!

Life

Although everyone is posting pictures of the newest additions to this family (which if I may say so are definetly keeping up the overall attractiveness of the Moore clan) I think everyone will be happy and relieved to know that I do not have (as of this moment) any new ones to brag about down here. I do however have a nice little spring break trip to enthrall all of you with.

A group of 18 of us med schoolers went to Winter Park resort in Colorado. The weather was amazing until the last day and although the lines and slopes were pretty packed due to the rest of the entire country having spring break at the same time as us, we had a great time. The only downside is that on the last day on my last run of the week I took a killer fall and ended up breaking my right collar bone. It happened at the very top of the mountain above the tree line even and ski patrol had to ski my down in a stretcher of sorts. The ride seemed like it took forever and the whole time I thought I was gonna fall out. So eventually I got all slinged up and sent on my way with some killer pain meds and a hefty bill. Now back at school I have found it difficult to take notes seeing as how my right arm is immobilized but it does give me a nice excuse to slack off a little and have other people cater to my every need.

Anyways thats about all that is happening in my life. I've actually started dating one of my classmates who went on the trip with me. Her name is Marybeth and she is a pretty cool girl and I hope all of you can meet her at some point. We have about 2 months left of school here in St Louis then it is back home to MT for June and July. I am really excited to see you guys so everyone has to make sure to come visit at some point in the summer and those with the new family members that I haven't met especially. Thank you all for taking time at of your busy lives to have a look into mine. I hope to see you all soon.

Love Ya
Jake

easter in anacortes

Hey all!!! Well I figured since some people were posting pictures of the newest additions to the family I thought I might toss the Buyskes into the mix. Mom, Dad, and I headed out West to Anacortes for the Easter holiday. It was a short weekend, but very fun. Will had a blast searching for easter eggs and finding everyone's easter basket. I think that kid was so pumped full of sugar he didn't know what to do. Ben is growing by the day and he is starting to move around (as best as his round body will allow) and making sure he gets a piece of blonde hair if Will gets too close. All in all the family is healthy and doing well. I hope everyone enjoyed their Easter holiday and that the spring season is going well.

Love
Jen

Easter Feast

We enjoyed a great Easter at the Wells household! Here's Ann with Piper, who seems to be growing by the second. She and Sabina look a lot alike.

I was a quick trip over and back to Missoula. Still, we shared some laughs and had a nice dinner together.

I'm here to report that Maurika's Read Underwear warehouse is getting organized and stocked, so watch for the grand debut soon!

Sabooboo

life in portland is rockin on. busy as usual. peter is working away at his doctoral program - he will be graduating in August (yeah!), writing a book for his thesis, and keeping a full patient load. sabina is eating, growing, smiling, laughing, and sleeping - along with being the light of our lives (which is a huge responsibility). she is maintaining eyes like her grandpa - brilliant blue dazzlers. i am running our 2 businesses, taking care of the lovely sabina, and taking care of our home (though that one slips pretty regularly :) ). today was sabinas first swimming pool experience - we went to a great community center here with a big water slide and fun water works! sabina definitely took it all in. we are looking forward to a jaunt to Chicago at the end of April - it will be sabinas first real trip! fun! hope that you are all enjoying this lovely Easter Sunday.

Loving Cousins

Whatever happened to the days when Abe and Nate could just sit down and bang out a tune on the guitar, talk politics, discuss women, contemplate the theory of life. All this talk of getting Nate on an inner tube behind a boat piloted by Abe frankly has me a bit concerned.

It begs the question; exactly when was wedge driven between you two and what will it take to go back to a time of peaceful coexistence?

Family Picnic

As Grand Marshals of the Family Picnic, Ann and I have been discussing the benefits of holding the event on June 14. Everybody was already geared to gather on that date -- why not do the picnic then?

I realize that, as a member of this family, you're probably a bit reluctant to state your opinion (yeah, right!), but please do so. Is that date good?

Also, the Wingerters have once again offered their yard as the picnic venue. Very gracious of them, and last summer's soiree there was quite enjoyable. Do it again, or choose an "outdoorsy" spot, such as Canyon Ferry or King's Hill? (Discussing this won't hurt their feelings; it's a matter of what people prefer.)

So, here's your chance to chime in -- what's your preference for date and location? I think it would be best for everyone if we have this decided by ... say ... my birthday. When's that, you ask? Why, it's April 14. That way, y'all have plenty of time to plan your summer events. And now you also have time to shop for my birthday. It's a win-win.

Word from Great Falls

Hey all:
Just an update from the Wingys in the Falls. We are all busy...Sam is in a play for middle school. They are working on a play based on Peter and the Starcatchers. Sam has the part of Captain Blackstach or something like that. Sounds like it will be fun. He is also working out at the high school for baseball and doing some conditioning with other coaches up there also. So that is keeping him busy. Madison is doing girl scouts and is involved in a basketball team right now. Softball will be starting soon so she is also keeping us hopping.
On a less happy note, Ben and Katie have decided to postpone the wedding so there will not be a Wingerter wedding on June 14. I guess that means "sprout" Schulte will be number 50! I hope travel plans to Idaho can be changed and worked for a family picnic??? John is in charge this year....so if you would like to John, we would be willing to host the picnic here again. The addition to the Wingerter yard for the summer will be a concrete basketball court. Give it some thought and let's throw out some dates. Late July would work best for us because Jake is going to have to be back at school. Other dates may work, we just need all other schedules first!!
Anyway, hope this finds all of you healthy, happy and sassy!! We are always that way in the Falls!

Love you all
Mary

I think I have more trouble with this blogging thing than anyone else, even grandma! Okay, let's try this again. So, I just got done with another performance. It went well tonight, better than last night let me tell ya! It has been so much fun doing this show, but I am ready for it to be over. I need to get my life back, and more study time! Things here are going well. Just school and life in general. I am so ready for spring and warm weather and I simply can't wait for summer!! I will probably be back in Helena so I best be seeing most of you! We have our spring break in 2 weeks and I am heading to LA with a prof and another student. It should be really fun. I am looking forward to it. Who knows, maybe I will be discovered!! Ya right. Anyhoo, just wanted to post some pics and give you a taste of what you can find online at www.augie.edu/theatre You just click on "current season" and then click on the pictures link. They are pretty fun. Love you all!! Peace

Updates

Hey guys! It has been awhile since I got my updates out to the greater Moore family, so I thought that would be a great thing to do on a damp Tuesday afternoon here in the Zoo-Town. We have our Hunger Awareness Week all planned out (FINALLY!!!) and it looks like it is going to be quite the week. Monday, our very own Ann Waickman will be teaming up with some local food bank gurus to deliver a discussion on The Faces of Hunger in Montana. We are really looking forward to having Ann and hearing what she has to say. Tuesday night is going to see another panel discussion on more political issues of hunger titled Beyond Charity: How can we be advocates for change around hunger and poverty issues? Then Wednesday will see a live concert/fundraiser for the Poverello Center (Local rescue mission-type place) on the Oval with a performance by Reverend Slanky (I'm not quite sure who this is, but he has quite the colorful past in Missoula). This will be followed by a camp out (in boxes) on the Oval, which I am really looking forward to. Then on Thursday we have a hunger banquet (my main focus for the week) subtitled eat as the world eats featuring local superstar Amy Martin and a farmer named Casey Bailey (who also plays music and is an activist, go figure, for fighting hunger). A few U professors will also be speaking and I am very confident that this will be a successful evening. For more specifics or to donate money check out our website www.montanahungerweek.org or email us at montanahungerweek@gmail.com.
I am also working with a group of students on taking a mission trip to the Helena Diocese's Mission in Guatemala. We have about $1200 each to raise by May 12th so we have some work to do there still. All you golfers out there, we have a golf tournament planned for May 4th ($60/foursome: Dad? Ben? Nate?). Sweet little 9 hole scramble... should be fun. Anyone remember the old festival at St. Gerard's? Yeah we are going to try to duplicate that. We have that scheduled for Sunday Arpil 27th and it will include everyone's favorite event: a cake walk! I'll also be sending a letter out to the O. 6 with details about the trip and alternative means of support so keep your eyes glued on the mail box for those within the next month. Other than these crazy escapades, I am just doing the school thing and really enjoying life! I don't know if there is anything else to say... Hope you all are just grand and I can't wait to see you all in the next few months! Love you all very much and take care!
Nick
P.S. Abe- I got the letter, I really appreciate it! Helps a ton!

City League BBall, Baby

Tonight was a big night for C and C Physical Therapy's city league basketball team. Tonight marked their first ever post season win. Ben and I are on my Uncle Burt's basketball team and are the only two players under 40. It's a blast. The team hadn't won a game in two years so they recruited some younger ball players and it seems to have lit a spark. We won our game tonight and moved into the quarter finals on Wednesday. Here are a couple action shots. They can be kind of blurry because we move so darn fast so if you get motion sick (Jen - Cloverfield) then be careful. Above: Ben is numero 41 going up for the big board and then in the other one I am numero 10... just walking.

The Wells Institute

I spent a bit of time in Missoula last week, so I got some visiting in with Maurika and family. All are doing well, having recovered from a couple bouts of winter-time maladies. One of the joys of this trip -- I got to here Rileigh perform in a school choral concert. She even sang a solo. Unfortunately, I didn't take my camera to the concert; I suppose Rileigh is happy about that. Despite her self-professed nervousness, she sang very well.

Here's Piper -- all eyes at six weeks old.









Here is Maurika with two products -- Piper, of course, and boxes upon boxes of Read Underwear. Keep your eyes open for the debut of her web site.