Fantastic GB Joe. Well done. I just love the different results various carvers bring to this little project. You've given me an idea about the mouth now... I'm going to have to try one with an 'O' expression on the mouth.
Yes.. definately drill a hole first. First, so you can confirm that the inside of the ball is carvable. (Why go to all that trouble of getting the cover off only to find its filled with something you can't carve anyway) ,secondly, to provide a place to fit a handle (you now know why:doh:) and third, to give you some point to mount it when its finished. Lots of guys use these as bottle stops.
Hope you enjoyed it. If you are like me and hooked, have another go and try for a different expression. Don't forget to post your result.