This picture cracks me up for several reasons: the kids are holding hands, they're in perfect step, Bella's hair is swirling around her head (it was quite windy) and she's wearing Ryan's pants. That's right-her capris are really a pair of his pants-I believe 12 month pants-that were too small for him and off to the side in their room for the GoodWill pile. Love it.
This is the first picture of Bella after she got ahold of scissors "just my size" and decided to give herself a nice little buzz. From what I've heard, half the families have kids who have never done this-and their parents are crossing their fingers as they tell me this-and the other half have been there already. Welcome to the other half!
She bolted just as I was taking this, but it's the sheer joy of Isabella taking off with Daisy Mae. She adores that dog.
And this is the shadow of me and Little Man walking hand in hand. It was cuter in real time, but it's more for the memory than the photographic quality.
On the first slightly chilly Saturday we had, I packed the kids up and went to Carmel Farmer's Market. Bella had big plans to buy apples (she made the connection to a story about "Apple Farmer Annie" who takes her apples to the market), and we also came home with a sunflower. However, I love this shot of the kids-we're by the pond and their enthralled with the bagpipers across the way. Being true to his Irish roots and Hooliganism, Ryan even started bopping to it!
Joshua's day off and a trip to the zoo on a gorgeous September day. We finally caught "Elephant Bathtime" and afterwards we were invited to pet it!
Bella, lover of all things elephant, had a blast.
Feeding time at the zoo! I've resigned myself to the fact that this is real life-not glossy photos of cherubic faces from magazines. So here are my children: my daughter with no bangs, and my son with rug burn on his forehead from where he fell down the stairs!
My two men are so cute!
We were also able to feed the giraffes! Ryan's giving this one a chunk of sweet potato.
One of the reasons we want a house is to have a backyard! (Joshua thinks it's to have a dog.) Well, we don't have a house or a yard, so I decided to suck it up and enjoy what we do have-a courtyard. So I took the kids "out back" one afternoon and we played. But first, I hugged my little man. That little mischievous face gets me every time.
I taught Bells how to roll down hill, and she loved it!
We took the ball outside for some soccer practice.
We make it a point to get outside every day we can, so here's Ryan walking softly and carrying, well, carrying a small stick, but you get the idea.
The highlight of August was getting to go to Missouri for almost two weeks. We headed out after Joshua's shift one night (honestly, no way we could handle the kids' babbling for 8 hours!) and thoroughly enjoyed our time. Cue the photos!
We went to Danna's for BBQ for dad's birthday-here he is being surprised with his birthday cookie and ice cream which we all enjoyed. (So much for him trying to clean Ryan's hands!)
And no vacation is complete without a little splurging. I "conveniently" walked away when we bought stuff; it would kill me to know how much food costs. Considering I buy all our food and cosmetics and diapers on $60 a week, $2.75 for a chocolate-dipped Twinkie would just ruin all the fun. You can buy a whole box on sale for $2.50! Joshua bought one, but I didn't get a chance to try it.
Isabella got a huge strawberry ice cream cone, which she accidentally swiped right across Ryan's head as she turned around and he was in her path.
We ate at Joe's Crab Shack (the kids like crab!) at Branson Landing. Bella was being all loving with Ryan, but by the time I got the camera out, this is the shot I got! I can almost hear Ryan saying, "Get offa me or you're getting a sippy cup to the head!"
Maga and Papa lovin' on their grandkids!
Ryan vs. blueberries. I'd say the blueberries won!
Even though she was completely freaked out by them here at home, we decided to go to the Butterfly Palace in Branson. After donning her pith hat and magnifying glass, she was ready...
...except when she saw them swooping around freely. Then she was worried that they would land on her head. See expression for proof.
And another generation of fishermen is born! Papa baited her hook and she reeled 'em in. She really had a blast doing this and I'm not sure who enjoyed it more.
And no trip to Missouri is complete without a trip on the golf cart! Bella talked about that a ton in the days leading up to our trip.
We took the kids for a ride in Papa's boat. They were ready! (Notice Ryan getting into things he has no business getting into.)
How fun that "Unca Jeff" and the girls were there for a few days. Here's Ryan mugging it with his favorite uncle. It's a bit tough to see, but Ryan's shirt is almost the same color as Jeff's.
And since it was Missouri and August, it was hotter than...well, you know what. Maga busted out the sprinkler (which my kids had never been in, so that was new) and April "taught" Bells how to run through.
I swear, this is exactly how I found her one afternoon when it was "a little toooo quiet" during quiet time. I love the randomness: Dora pillow, Lightning McQueen blanket, her tucked in between her truck and Ryan's. Ah, my little girl!
And my little boy, looking pensive. Probably thinking up something to get into later...
We headed to the State Fair this year as a family, and then Bella and I went back one night with some friends from church. This was the night I ate a Krispy Kreme hamburger, so Bella's wearing the hat. She had the best time feeding the goats. I probably spent $5 in quarters for feed, but it was worth every one to see her smile and giggle.
Obviously this was when we went as a family. Joshua took Ryan in to pet a calf, which gave Bella the guts to do it. (She was fairly freaked out that animals actually make noise and are loud.)
The first barn we went in was the pig barn, and this girl fell in love with Bella. She let her feed the pig marshmallows (who knew?) and even opened up the gate for Bella to walk in and feed it!
Ah, the State Fair. Mecca for food gluttons and home to crazy things like deep-fried butter and oreos. Or, the foot-long corn dog. I love Isabella's face-I can almost hear her saying, "What in the world...?" while Ryan, fork in hand, is thinking, "Bring it!"
Another zoo trip, but this time we visited the White River Gardens. We took a ton of pictures (all on PhotoBucket) but this is one of my favorites-the look of sheer joy on Ryan's face as he's just played with the water (he was soaked by the time we were done).
This is my new screen saver-Mr. Happy Go Lucky.
75 shots, and this is about the best we could do for sitting still/decent faces/open eyes/looking at the camera. I really should teach Isabella to smile like a normal person. ;o)
My two cuties.
And these are the two faces I see on a daily basis. Ryan's happy face...
And Bella's "I'm not getting my way" face. Classic. Really.
And, I'll end with a bang with a few videos for your viewing pleasure:
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