Disneyland!

On Wednesday, December 26th we piled into our Saturn and drove down to L.A. to see some friends and take Bella to Disneyland! After a grueling 10 hour journey (so much traffic!) we arrived at our hotel near the park, got a good night's sleep and spent the next day at the Magic Kingdom. It was packed... but it was all well worth it as it was truly a magical day! We walked in the park at 11am and didn't leave until 12:30am!

Bella gets ready for the day with her daddy's favorite breakfast.


Bella and Icha smile just outside the entrance to Disneyland.


One of our first stops: visiting Mickey in his house!


Bella and Mark get ready to watch the daily Disney parade.


Dumbo! A classic ride.


Bella in her new hat and ready to start in on her huge lollipop.


Nap time!


Fireworks --- a great show that ended with it 'snowing' in the streets of Disneyland.


We waited until 11:30pm to head to "It's a Small World" -- Bella liked it so much we went on the ride twice.


Finally after 13 and a half hours... it was time to leave!

Happy Holidays!

This year as part of our Christmas celebrations we exchanged gifts with Mark's parents (Mike and Flo) and one of Mark's sisters (Maria) on Christmas eve. It was good fun.... and Bella loved opening presents!

Bella reads "Dora's Christmas" with her "auntie Ria" before opening presents


Bella plays with her "Dora cards" -- a gift from Maria


Icha smiles as she opens a gift


Bella was very, very excited to get a 'Dora sippy cup' from her mom and dad


More Starbucks' for Pa!

Bowling!

To celebrate the start of the winter holiday, Mark, Icha and Bella went bowling last Friday!

Bella gets some bowling tips from Ma


Icha shows off her professional form as she bowls a strike


Bella finds some 'help' in the form of a 'bowling ramp'


The ramp pays off.... Bella celebrates after knocking down a few pins!

Cookies at Julie's House!

This afternoon Mark, Icha and Bella went to Julie Duff's house up in Oakland for a cookie decorating party. Julie is an old friend of Mark's from the 'lacrosse days' and was kind enough to bring her pony down to Bella's birthday party a couple of weeks ago.

Bella decorates her cookie.


Cowgirl Bella rides on Figeuroa inside Julie's house!

Bella Goes to the Doctor

A few days ago we took Bella to the doctor for her "3 Year Old Check-up." Bella is fascinated by doctors, loves books about doctors and claims she 'wants to be a doctor when she grows up.' Whether or not that really happens remains to be seen.... but what we do know is that Bella had a lot of fun during her check-up and was given a clean bill of health.

Bella points out various shapes to the nurse. She is ready to pass the eye exam at the Jakarta Driver's License office!


Icha smiles while Bella gets her blood pressure checked.

Hanging out at "Daddy's School"

Every now and then Bella comes to Mark's school to play. Today Bella came dressed in one of her super cute "Christmas Outfits!"

Bella plays with her 'sticks.'


Bella gets ready to blow Mark's whistle... yikes!


Bella shows she is ready to start kindergarten already. :-)

Bella's First Bike!

For her birthday Bella was given a Dora Tricycle by our good friends and next door neighbors, John & Mary Scouffas and their son, Mark's good buddy, Rick.

Bella smiles with John and Mary on her tricycle.


Bella motoring around the kitchen.


Bella makes a stop at the fridge to get a snack before riding off into the living room.


THANK YOU John, Mary and Rick! Bella LOVES her bike!