More updates

Just another update from the last few weeks. We've had such a strangely warm March, we've already gotten to go on our first trip to the zoo.

We found out Mason is TERRIFIED of sheep. This is disappointing.

Earlier in the week, Bella decided to make us turkeys.

Both kids decided they wanted to learn to eat with chopsticks...for every meal.

And Mason loves swinging!

Okay, they both love swinging.

Snake Saturday!

It's been a while since we posted, but we thought we could jump back in with an Irwin family tradition.

Every year there is a family-oriented St. Patrick's Day parade in North Kansas City called Snake Saturday. We've been going every year since Bella was born but this is the first year both kids have been big enough to really enjoy the parade.

We finally got smart this year about transporting the kids. However, we still parked a long way from the parade, meaning a long walk there and back (more on the "back" part later).

Waiting for the parade to start. That drainage ditch is the best toy I ever got them.

Best seat in the house.

The marching bands are always everyone's favorite part.

After the parade we hit the carnival for a bit. Bella had been on some smaller rides in past years, but this time she felt like she was ready to hit The Scrambler with Papa. She was a little worried, but once it got going she loved it.

Then it was time for the Dumbo ride with Mason and Mama.

Then Mason and Bella took a quick ride together. Of course, they both had to drive.

...and then there was that long walk back...

October Recap

We had a pretty great Halloween. First, we carved our pumpkins together. This was Bella's first time actually designing her own jack-o-lantern and Mason's first time playing with pumpkin guts, so everyone was pretty happy.

That's Bella's in the middle.

Then we went trick-or-treating, including a stop to see Bella's best friend Nora, who was a ballerina.

Bella got to pick her own costume this year, and went with a witch just because she wanted the wig and broom. Mason had his costume chosen for him based on size and cuteness. So he was a chicken.

A few days later we went to the zoo for the Great Pumpkin Smash. This is the day where local businesses donate their pumpkins for the animals to play with. This has become one of our favorite events every year and Bella has been planning which animals we would see since stores around here started selling pumpkins.

This is Papa's favorite picture of the day. The look of intrigued concern on Mason's face when the elephants (which were only about 10 feet away) started moving around and making noise, pretty much sums it up. He had no idea things could get that big and wasn't sure what to do with that new information.

Watching the Gorillas eat their pumpkins.

And here's a look at Bella and Mason feeding some deer on the way out. Mason calls anything small and furry "Booker," including our other dog, who is not named Booker.

Halloween 2011

More to come soon!

Spaghetti!

It's been a while since we've uploaded anything new, but this happened tonight. They kind of like spaghetti.

May 2011

May saw Mason eating all kinds of new stuff and Papa turning into a jungle gym.

Bella had her very first gymnastics recital (called the "Spring Fling").

There are plenty of videos of all her tricks here, but this is Papa's favorite. Her first trick, she was nervous and needed to see where Mama and Peepapa were to feel better, but notice how she miraculously gets better after her first round of applause. No idea where she inherited this?!

April 2011

April was a month of randomness.
Of course there was Easter and Easter Eggs.

We built more stuff at Lowe's.

Bella got her first braids.

And there was lots of quality time just hanging out.

Oh, and Papa's worst nightmare began to take shape.
Dear...God...Not...A DRUMMER!!!!