Randomness (is that a word?)!

I have been such a procrastinator with my blogging lately. I got stuck on Danny and then Alex's birthdays. I need to scan old pictures in order to finish their posts, but have been unable to find the time. Unfortunately because of that, I have put off doing the other posts that I need to do. So, I decided enough is enough! I will eventually get around to doing the scanning, but I will try to catch up with the rest a little at a time.

We were lucky enough to go to Knott's Berry Farm for a whirlwind trip for Spring Break. We drove over, spent the night, went to the park for the day and then drove home that night! It was very tiring but great fun! We missed you Emily! Ryan was excited to be able to ride most of the big rides! Thanks Brad for helping us make another fun memory.

It has been such a beautiful Spring this year. I don't remember when it has lasted this long in the Valley. We have enjoyed it so much. I love this time of year!

Orange Blossoms! One of two favorite smells! The other is a newborn baby.

Danny is in 6th grade and it was time for "Country Reports" in March. He chose to do New Zealand. I was a little bit panicked because we have never been to New Zealand and didn't have anything from there. We have stuff from England, Ireland, Italy, Switzerland, Thailand, Urkraine, and Mozambique. However, Danny wanted to learn more about New Zealand. He did a great job and luckily we were able to borrow a few things from Brita Ball and we bought some kiwi to sample. Way to go Danny!

Danny was playing with Cricket and I got this great picture

A Lost Tooth!

Ryan lost his 1st tooth back on March 14th. You wouldn't find a happier boy than he was that night. He had been so anxious about the whole thing because he is already 7 and in 1st grade and most of the kids have at least lost 1 tooth, if not more. It had been kind of wiggly for a awhile but was really stubborn. One night, he matter of factly asked his Dad to pull it out. He wasn't worried or scared or anything. We were all surprised when it came right out! He's trying to get more of them out as fast as he can so that he can get another "golden dollar"!

Happy Birthday Alex!

Alex is 16 - I can't believe it!

Birthday Time

DANIEL THOMAS MCBRIDE

Danny turned 12 today! I can't believe he is that old already. Pictures to come tomorrow

One Year Older and Wiser Too!

EMILY McBRIDE was born 21 years ago today. Can that really be true? I know I sound old when I say this but . . . my, time has flown! I can't believe my only baby girl is all grown up now. I know this is her third year living away from home, but I still miss her terribly. We are very lucky that we got to spend the long weekend with her and celebrate her birthday with her then.

Emily is GOOD, loving, kind, smart, funny, pretty, THOUGHTFUL, a good friend, a great sister, and a wonderful "one of a kind" daughter. Every time we had another boy we would tell her that Heavenly Father wasn't going to send us another girl because he already sent us the best one! Emily, we love you dearly and are so glad that you are our daughter.

1st Halloween - I LOVE this picture!

1st Birthday with "Dodo" in tow

1st trip to Disneyland

Kindergarten

3rd Grade

5th Grade

10 years old!

8th Grade

15 years old

Senior Picture

Starting BYU

This is our Emily - isn't she beautiful?!

The Birthday Boy

RYAN JOSEPH MCBRIDE - AKA "FONZ'"

So today my little valentine turns 7 years old . . . I can't believe my baby is already 7!  There are so many things to say about Ryan that I don't even know where to start.  Brad and I call him our "dessert" - because he came at the tail end of the family and we have enjoyed him so much that we can hardly stand it.  I think that the rest of the family feels that way also.  Ryan is kind, sensitive, funny, HAPPY, cute, friendly, sweet, SMART, did I say cute, and silly.  We all love him to death and can't imagine our family without him.  Thanks for coming to our family Ryan.  Have a wonderful birthday!

Sweethearts

Happy Valentines Day!

7 years ago today, our last little boy was born. Ryan Joseph McBride has since competed for the position of "Sweetheart" with Brad. Of course Brad will always and forever be my sweetheart, but Ryan sure has lobbied hard! He's always saying, "she's MY sweetheart dad"!

What can I say about my hubby? I can never put into words my thoughts and my feelings. But here goes a try. I don't know how I ever lucked out to get Brad for eternity! He is seriously the most wonderful husband EVER. He is thoughtful, kind, funny, smart, generous, and loving. He treats me like a queen and he is my best friend I've ever had. Our marriage is better than I ever dreamed. I love how we want to spend every minute of every day together. We never get sick of each other - and we would rather be just us together than to be with other people. I love him more than words can express and I am soooo glad that he is my Valentine forever. I love you Brad. And I love you too - Ryan (my other Valentine)!

Tidbits

Ryan had his very 1st report for school. He had to do it on the Fjordland Crested Penguin. He learned a lot and was so cute and excited about it. He did a great job!

Danny is a brand new 12 year old scout and he sure looks handsome in his uniform!

I don't have a picture of Taylor playing tennis yet - but he is playing on the Highland Tennis team this year! He is a very busy young man. It seems like I hardly ever see him. I guess I had better get used to it since he will be leaving on his mission in 6 or 7 months.

I had a a birthday last week. I am feeling somewhat old and so Brad decided to get me Wii Fit! No, really though, I am excited about it! It is really fun and feels like playing a game instead of exercising! I had a really fun day. Brad took the day off and we had a fun play day. I got a pedicure, we went to lunch and to a movie. Hooray for birthdays :)

Danny tried out for EVYS (East Valley Youth Symphony) last week and made it - we are really excited!

Athletes

Ryan and a bunch of his little friends are all playing flag football this year.  It is so fun to watch them play.  Ryan is really good at pulling flags!  He is enjoying learning how to play but I think he just enjoys being with his friends the most!  Brad got some fun pictures.  I can't believe my baby is going to be 7 in a couple of weeks :(

Danny is playing basketball this season.  He went to a camp in Prescott last summer and it really helped his game.  He is quite a little player.  Last Saturday he was one of only 5 boys that were able to make it to the game.  These boys played their hearts out the whole entire game and won it!  It was such an exciting game and Danny did really well.  I have never seen him so tired and wiped out before though!  I wish I had some pictures, but the gym was too dark and none of them worked out.  I will post one later if I ever get a good one.  Way to go Danny!