Family Camp at Ravencliff!

This past weekend the three of us went up to Redway, California to attend YMCA Camp Ravencliff's Family Camp. Mark worked 7 summers at Ravencliff as a counselor and director back in the 90's. It was a great time and very surreal (and wonderful) to watch Bella tool around Ravencliff... and to play with the kids of many of Mark's old co-workers from 'back in the day.'

Icha walks Bella and Lily (Anne Marie's daughter) down to the 'line-up' area of camp.


It was a weekend of firsts for Bella: her first time playing foos-ball! A requirement for success in American universities.


Bella rode a canoe for the first time!


Bella and Mark lounge around in the lodge.


Bella played ping pong for the first time!


On Saturday evening there was a carnival! Bella got a flower and butterfly painted on her face.


Mark and Bella went swimming Sunday in the river... only for a few minutes as it was cold!


Bella loved playing with Lily all weekend! By Sunday she was calling Lily her 'sister.'


Ravencliff is a very rustic camp... but we still managed to bring a little technology into our cabin.

Bella's New Watch

Yesterday Bella got her very first watch! A parent in Mark's class gave her a new "Dora" watch. Bella was ecstatic and immediately put on her new time piece.

Bella hams is up for the camera.


Bella shows her daddy her new watch.


The first of many, many fashion accessories to come.

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.