End of the Year Picnic

Last Sunday the families in Mark's kindergarten class were kind enough to put on a 'goodbye picnic' at a local park. It was great fun... and a very nice way to cap off an excellent year teaching at Bullis-Purissima school in the Los Altos School District.

Mark, Bella and a bunch of kids from Room 4 smile.


Time for some cake!


Bella took her piece of cake and then retired to the grass to eat.


Yummy!


After a load of sugar and chocolate Bella was ready to try out some new dance moves by herself!

Visiting Jermosa

Last Saturday the three of us drove up to Sacramento to visit Mark's childhood friend: Jerry "Jermosa" D'Onforio. Mark and Jerry have been good buddies ever since Jerry showed up from Michigan during the 6th grade back at Van Auken Elementary in Palo Alto.

On the way up we stopped to buy arm floaties for Bella... she preferred to use them as a hat!


The Bellsters and her Daddy in the pool.


Mark and Bella fooling around in the pool.


After swimming Bella and Bree (Jerry's daughter) played a spirited game of "Pretty Pretty Princess."


In the afternoon we headed over to Orangevale to check out "Pow Wow Days" - a country fair like event. Bree gets ready to kick Jerry's butt in a game of skill while Bree's mommy Kris looks on.


Bree won a stuffed bear and gave it to Bella!


Bella loves her bear.


Next Jerry and Bree went for a ride in the 'Super Hanger.'


Jerry... who hadn't been on any such ride in over a decade... almost didn't make it. :-)

Taking a Stand

It's official: the Indonmurnanes have endorsed Barack Obama for President in the upcoming US Presidential elections. To commemorate this occasion we put an Obama bumber sticker on our car this evening. One of the more puzzling things about America is the relatively low percentage of people who actually vote in elections here in the States. No matter who you wish to vote for this November... we encourage you to get out and vote!

Our blue Saturn parked across the street from our house.


Obama '08 is our choice.

A Birthday Party for Little Bud

Yesterday the three of us went to Mark's sister's house for her son Ryan's 4th birthday party. "Little Bud" is, as of now, the only boy of the 'little Murnanes'.... but you never know, another one could be coming along in just few short months.

Bella enjoying a cupcake.


Could there be another boy on the way.....?


The 5 'little Murnanes' pal around inside the jumpy house.


Bella and Little Bud smile before devouring the birthday cake.

Fun at LAPP

One of the highlights of our past year has been Bella's experience at her pre-school. Bella attends the Los Altos Parent Preschool (LAPP) every Tuesday and Thursday from 9am to 11:30am. LAPP is a cooperative school in that all parents are required to 'work' a significant amount of hours throughout the year. Last Tuesday Mark a day off from his regular school to 'work' at Bella's school! After school Mark and Icha had their very first 'parent/teacher conference.' The first of many to come!

Bella smiles as she enjoys a healthy snack.


Bella and her cousin Lauren listen attentively to their teacher. Well done girls!


Mark helps out Bella during snack time.


Bella and her classmates practice 'The Wheels on the Bus" for the upcoming "Spring Sing."


Mark and Icha meet with Bella's "Favorite Teacher:" Teacher Jean.

Yosemite for Spring Break

Last week was Mark's "Spring Break" from school. On Wednesday the three of us went camping for 3 nights in Yosemite National Park. It was good fun... even if our camping stove didn't work!

Bella shows off her balancing skills upon arrival at our campsite.


Bella and Icha prepare for dinner.


No stove? No problem! We cooked over the open fire for three days.


Cereal and milk: the breakfast of champions.


Bella did her yoga each morning after breakfast.


To get around we took the 'Yosemite Hybrid Shuttle.'


Bella and Daddy on our hike to the falls.


Bella, ever the ham, poses for the camera.


The three of us pose in front of Yosemite's 'lower falls.'

A Sunday Outing

On Sunday the three of us went over to Stanford University to watch the Stanford vs. Boston University women's lacrosse match. The real reason we went though was so Bella could say hi to Julie (who was at the game) and get a chance to ride on her horse, Figuero. Figgy and Julie came to Bella's birthday party back in November.... and Bella was ready to go for another ride!

Icha took this photo while experimenting with our camera. Came out great!


Bella hams it up for the camera.


Icha, Bella and Haley along with Figuero. Haley's mom, Linda, was one of the referees of the lacrosse match.


Mark helps Bella get secure on Figgy.


Julie, Mark and Haley help Bella ride the little horse!