Christmas Day 2016

A very windy Christmas with a VERY short snow shower in the morning. Homemade cinnamon rolls made their debut. Legos and Spike Ball were the most popular gifts. Cried when I tucked T-man in as I sang "I'll Be Home for Christmas." He asked if they were tears of happiness - indeed they were. Merry Christmas to all and to all a good night. 

Mom and Dad finally awake to open stockings 

Presents! 

Working on the fortrex 

Finished! 

Spike Ball! 

Etched Pender glasses from

Marshall 

Full of Joy 

Holiday Break

A few of our activities this past week.... 

Basketball camp (and eating lunch out) with his buddy 

Lego house by Julia and T-man 

Actually playing games! 

Basketball 

Golf 

Indoor bowling 

Puzzle 

Starbucks (and some shopping) 

And the stockings were hung....

A quiet Christmas Eve at home with fish chowder, prosecco/sparkling cider, grasshoppers and a few gifts opened. We also continued our tradition of reading "Twas the Night Before Christmas" in our bedroom before bed. 

T-man came out of his room because we had forgotten the cookies and carrot for Santa and the reindeer. He still believes (yay). 

Bob's Obituary

Robert D. Peavy “Coach” Robert Darwin Peavy, 84, a longtime Pullman resident died Dec. 9, 2016 at his Pullman home surrounded by his family. Bob was born Dec. 7, 1932 in San Jose, CA; he grew up and attended schools in Salinas, CA. Beyond Salinas High School, Bob’s educational history includes a degree from Hartnell Junior College, Bachelors and Masters Degrees from San Jose State University (SJSU), and a PhD from University of Utah. He also served in the U.S. Marine Corps between 1952 and 1957. Bob dedicated his professional life to coaching, teaching, and mentoring. His career as a PE teacher and coach began in a Bay Area junior high, progressed to high school, after which he moved on to become head gymnastics coach at his Alma Mater (SJSU). In 1969, Bob was named as men’s head gymnastics coach at Washington State University (WSU). In this position he garnered a number of achievements, awards, and successes: PAC-8 Coach of the Year 1975; host of WSU’s first international meet in any sport (Japanese National Gymnastics team vs. WSU's Men's Gymnastics Team, January 1975); Bob coached an All American and an Olympic athlete; under Bob’s leadership the WSU men’s gymnastics team rose from 114th to a top 6 national ranking; Bob was President and Honorary Lifetime Member of the National Association of Collegiate Gymnastics Coaches/College Gymnastics Association. After his storied coaching career, Bob stayed at WSU’s Physical Education department until he retired in 1999. A short selection of professional honors and activities includes: President, Western Society for Kinesiology & Wellness (WSKW; 1991), notably, he was recognized for his role in promoting women in this and other PE professional organizations; honored with the eponymous “R.D. Peavy Papers” (WSKW); Advisor/Coach to the WSU Cheerleaders, Rally Squad, and Butch Programs. As Bob’s collegiate coaching career tapered off, he extended his passion for teaching and coaching as Director of WSU’s Summer Sports Skills Camp. A generation of Pullman kids learned to swim, ride a bike, and numerous other activities and sports skills under Bob’s leadership. Central to his philosophy as Camp Director was to create an environment of fun and learning through consistent encouragement and recognition. Many remember Bob as an amateur card magician. He performed card tricks for unwitting trick-or-treaters, and was a fixture at public school events performing card magic. Bob stated that his greatest achievements in life were in the family realm. Bob married his lifetime partner Claudia Larson in 1968. He was highly involved in the lives of his three children, from Cub Scout Pack Master to PTA President at Lincoln Middle School to Frontier League Wrestling Parent of the Year (1990-91) to other ad hoc coaching of his kids’ sports teams. He was an incredibly proud and devoted husband, father, and grandfather. As a father, he was a listener, influencer, teacher, and “coach.” Bob’s love and caring extended beyond just his family to his students and athletes, many of whom referred to him simply as “Coach.” Bob is survived by his wife Claudia; three children Marshall (Julia) Peavy of Colorado, Matthew Peavy (Riina Vuorikari) of Wyoming/Europe, Michelle Peavy (Jim LeBlanc) of Seattle; three grandchildren Drake and Tanner Peavy, and Claire LeBlanc. He was preceded in death by his parents and brother George Peavy. The memorial service celebrating his life will be held on Saturday, Dec. 31, 2016 at 10:30 a.m. at Simpson United Methodist Church, 325 NE Maple St., Pullman. Kimball Funeral Home of Pullman, WA has been entrusted with arrangements. Memorial donations are suggested to Simpson United Methodist Church or to the WSU Cougar Athletic Fund.

Winter Wonderland

Today was definitely a day that got the Peavy household (or maybe just me) in the holiday spirit. T-man spent a good amount of time (his brother eventually joined) outside building a sledding hill (We went through 5 pairs of gloves). I did our holiday cards and also made puppy chow, buffalo Chex mix and peanut butter balls while Marshall steamed and puréed the pumpkin. 

We watched football, the boys watched Srar Wars and T-man finally help me put up the village. We're now officially ready for Christmas (and holiday break for 3 of us!). 

Snow chair 

Snowman 

The hill! 

All the boys watching Star Wars 

 

Rogue One

T-man requested going to see Rogue One for one of his birthday activities so Marshall got tickets ahead of time. We ate dinner and enjoyed beverages at the movie theatre. T-man also had a great basketball game with 6 points and 2 fouls (which his older brother advised him to get). 

It's been a weekend of movies for us. We watched the original Annie last night, Frozen this afternoon and then Rogue One tonight. A good way to spend some time on a snowy, cold weekend. 

Milkshakes (and beer)! 

A Full Day at the Spa

The boys and Marshall gave me a gift certificate to the St. Julian Spa in Boulder last Christmas.  After I finalized my last day at Return Path, I determined the day after, would be the perfect day to use it. I was able to spend 5 hours there. A massage, a facial, and a pedicure. Followed by reading my book in the lounge, hanging by the pool by myself, working out and time in the sauna. After the last couple of weeks, it was nice to have some time to focus on myself. And going on a weekday means you don't have to fight the crowds. Thank you Marshall and boys! 

The "busy" pool 

At home by the fire

More Birthday Celebration!

With Marshall home, we headed downtown to celebrate T-man's birthday as a family. We had some BBQ at Lulu's and then headed over to the ice skating rink. Unfortunate,may, the rink closed at seven. So, we hit the library, candy store, and then Sweet Cow. T-man was bummed there was no ice skating, and we were sad that we couldn't come through on his wish. We just said we will do it in the future and keep celebrating! 

Opening presents was fun and T-man was excited to get his scooter! 

Enjoying downtown 

Sweet Cow! 

10! 

Lots of cards celebrating T-man! 

Double Digits!

I can't believe that T-man turned 10 today.  Even though it was a low key birthday, I hope he knows how much we love him and how unique he truly is. 

We started the day with 2 candles (representing double digits) on a cinnamon roll. Then we had a couple friends over for a bit of messing around and cupcakes with homemade frosting (D-man made it all). In addition, a couple sets of friends surprised T-man with gift cards, homemade cards, and balloons. Means so much to me that other people are helping to make the day special when it's been sad around the house the last couple of days. We also had calls from Pender and Pullman to wish him a happy birthday! T-man wrapped up the day putting together the Lego set he got for his birthday. Can't wait to celebrate with the entire family tomorrow. 

Birthday breakfast 

Balloons 

Beaters! 

Besties! 

Opening presents with Dad on FaceTime 

Legos complete! 

Christmas stories before tucking in this 10 year old!! 

Robert D. Peavy

This week, we lost Marshall's father, the boys' granddad, and my father-in-law. While this experience in extremely difficult, I'm thankful for many things related to Bob and time like this gives one time to reflect on these good things. 

I'm thankful to Bob (and Claudia) for raising a wonderful son I am fortunate enough to call my husband. 

I'm happy the boys got to know their Granddad. When I asked D-man what he will remember about Granddad, he said, "card tricks, rope, cribbage, gymnastics, and that Granddad was always just willing to chat." 

I'm so grateful for being welcomed into the Peavy family by Bob and everyone else. I always felt welcomed and part of the family. 

Even though we didn't live close, there are several memories of Bob that will keep me smiling. From my first Pullman visit and attending my first Coug football game with him, to teaching D-man to ride a bike and do a headstand and dive with a perfect toe point. From card tricks to the wonderful Summers we spent at the cabin (of which Bob did things specifically for the boys - Hernando's Hideaway, the BB Gun Station, bikes, and building the fires for S'mores) to the amazing cruise we all took to Alaska. While just a small list of things, these are just a few of the wonderful memories I will cherish about Bob. 

When T-man and I found out the news on Friday, we cried and hugged and then I said to T-man, "Do you know what we should do? We should have something sweet to celebrate Granddad." And we both enjoyed a Snickers - I think Bob would have approved. 

All I want for Christmas......

Are my two front(ish) teeth says T-man. He was a superstar at his first teeth pulling experience. Because he ended up being home with a fever, he was able to chill out at home with his numb mouth. He even got a birthday balloon from the dentist - and the tooth fairy did make a (late) appearance. 

Sporting the gauze 

Trying to make funny faces with a numb face 

The Tree is Trimmed

And the house is finally feeling festive! We decided to stay put this weekend and it was very nice to get some things done around the house, watch Christmas movies, make good progress on the decorations, and attend a neighbor's holiday party. 

Trimming the tree