Winter Fun

Such an original title, right? Anywho, here's what we three have been up to! Last week it was warm-like mid-50s warm, so naturally we beat a path to the park. The kids enjoyed talking into and listening to this pipe. It was weird to hear Ryan's little voice saying "Hello, Mama" through the tube!

Ryan listens very intently. But considering I'm taking the picture, and Bella's behind him, I'm not sure who he's listening to!

Love how Bella has her whole face stuck in it.

We are on a mission to be outside every day, thanks to this book. So we walked down to the Christian book store, then took a detour at Steak and Shake on the way home. Bella had her "cowgore" boots on with her fancy dress. Love. 

General goofing off in Bella's room.

Bells and I capture a moment in time before Ryan piledrives us.

Bella saw this fruit at Meijer and thought we should try it. It's a kiwano melon and rather spiky.

Here's the inside shot. Tons of seeds encased in green "goo" for lack of a better word. We were both a little nervous...

Survey says? So-so (Bells is moving her head from side to side). We have an agreement to try a new fruit or veggie each week. Should be a grand adventure!

What to do when it's 18 degrees outside? Stay inside, at the Children's Museum! This part of the Egyptian exhibit was clearing a tunnel. Ryan loaded rubber "rocks" into this box...

...and they came out around the corner where Bella caught them in a bucket. This kept them occupied for an hour. No lie. I finally had to tell them we were moving on out of sheer boredom on my part.

Another part of the exhibit is the Terra Cotta Warriors found in China (and Captain Kidd's cannons, as you can see Bella's oxygen tank on her back). Here the kids had to put a warrior together, much like a life-size puzzle.

They also get to "excavate" buried warriors. Ryan's the one bending over showing his plumber's crack. So proud.

But look how cute he is in his little pink goggles (Joshua wasn't there to say no).

No trip is complete without a ride on the carousel! Ryan chose a horse this time instead of the sleigh.

And Bella wanted to go again, but Ryan didn't, so she went by herself. My little girl is growing up! *sniff*

So, we only have about two inches of snow, but we're deciding to make the most of it. And it meets our "get out of the house every day" requirement. Here the kids are suited up!

Bella makes her first snow angel. Which kind of becomes a grass angel.

I tried to get a really cute picture of Bella like I did in December 2010 (can't get the picture to load). This is what I got instead. She's a real comedienne!

Ryan found it infinitely enjoyable to transfer snow from one side of the walk to the other.

And, stuff as much snow in his mouth as possible, of course.

The best part about going outside? Coming in for hot chocolate! Yum!