Shrine Circus - Part II

After a thrilling first act, it was time for the intermission. So we took off for the main floor so Mallory could get up close and personal with some of the animals.

First Mallory and Mom stopped to check out the elephants.

Then Mallory chose to sit outside the tiger cage (Dad was 100 yards in the opposite direction).

Mallory also took some time to waive to all the kids riding on the train.

And also went on the best ride of the day, Dad's shoulders.

To wrap things up, Mallory got her picture taken with her favorite clown, Ruggy.

Thanks again to Sue and Ruggy for getting us the tickets!

Shrine Circus - Part I

Earlier this month, some friends of the family (Ron and Sue Hayle) were nice enough to give us tickets to the Shrine Circus that was in town. So the family went out on a Saturday morning over to the state fairgrounds to see...

The Greatest Show on Earth!

Before things got started, Mom and Mallory stopped to check out the camels. But Mallory was more interested in those glow sticks that most of the kids were waving around.

Once the show got started, Mallory found her own seat to check out all the action. She was very interested in the trapeze artists.

She liked to be able to roam up and down the aisles and try out different seating locations. She even liked hiding behind some of them.

And when a seat wasn't to her liking, she just decided to move one row closer.

Piggyback Ride

One sure fire way to get Mallory in a good mood is for Mom to give her a piggyback ride.

This is always good for a few giggles, from both Mallory and Jamie.

That is, until Jamie gets tired from bouncing Mallory all around the living room.

Smoothies

One of our favorite activities on the weekend is to have a nice leisurely family breakfast. Usually this is after Mallory lets us sleep in until 7:15 or so.

Breakfast usually consists of pancakes or waffles and fruit smoothies.

Mallory doesn't like to be left out, so she asks Mom and Dad to share with her. Judging by the purple color, this one had some blueberries in it.

Got Smoothie?

Playing Outside

In late March we finally welcomed some warmer weather. So that meant getting Mallory into her outside shoes and out into the driveway to play.

After a long Minnesota winter, she had a lot of outdoor playtime catching up to do.

First off, she wanted to take Samson for a walk.

Then it was time to play a little catch. Mallory has actually developed quite the arm, as those who have sat too close to her while she throws can attest.

And to her dad's delight, she took to her new golf club right away. Next stop, LPGA Tour.

And it seems that her Mom has already taught her the best golf shot that she knows, the "hand wedge".

St. Patrick's Day - 2009

Mallory's first St. Patrick's Day last year was sure to be tough to beat, but she did her best.

She started with her Ireland stocking cap...

and her green Irish jacket.

But before she could go hit the pubs with Dad, she needed to make sure her belly was full of raisins and cheerios before it was time for Guinness and corn beef.

Mallory also wanted to make sure Samson got an adequate snack too...

Bubbles

One of Mallory's favorite activities is to play with bubbles. So much so that we need to hide the bubbles so she doesn't see them and demand that we open them.

When the weather wasn't so nice we gave in and let her play with them in the house.

Unfortunately she inherited her dad's vertical jump (or lackthereof) and wasn't able to reach the ones slightly above her.

Who knew bubbles could be some enthralling...

...but she sure does enjoy them. Now we just need it to warm up so we can play out in the driveway.

She even took some time away from the bubbles to sneak a quick peak at the camera.

Legoland

Mallory visited Legoland at the Mall of America.

She wasn't quite sure of what to make of all the toys and kids playing.

She did some building and exploring with Nani.

But mainly just watched all the action in awe.