4 Months

If I could pick one word to describe this 4 month old chubster, it would be HAPPY.

All this little guy wants is someone to pay attention to him and he will reward you with one of his heart-melting smiles.

His latest accomplishment:

 I mean, who can't smile at that face??

Who says boys can't wear bows?

No wonder his sisters can't bear to leave him alone!

Fun Times

Kids are creative.  They can find entertainment in ways I wouldn't have thought.  Like coloring on the playhouse with sidewalk chalk.  

This has kept them busy for hours.

Dress up never gets old with these two.

Who needs to put stickers in a book??

It's fun to see their different styles of artwork.

Miriam, very organized and meticulous. 

Eliza, all hands on deck.

 

Dallin had fun watching the budding artists.

  

 The finished product:

Month of Special Days

June is a busy month for our family.

We start with my birthday, followed by Father's Day and then Stan's Birthday.

Here's a few highlights:

Father's Day

Stan's Birthday

Another fabulous cake by Aunt Rebecca.

It's lots of fun having that many excuses to celebrate and eat yummy cake!

Temple Trip

Stan and I had a trip to the temple planned in January, and then I broke my leg.  The constant swelling made it impossible to make the long trip to the temple.  And then Dallin was born.  

It had been 7 months since we had been.

We decided to pack everyone up and stay over night in Oklahoma City.

Stan and I enjoyed some much needed time in the temple.

The kids enjoyed a walk around the temple grounds.

And we went to our favorite Mexican restaurant, Ted's Cafe.

Even Dallin had a good time.

 We stopped at a nature center where we got to see some local critters like snakes, frogs and turtles.  

Preschool

Miriam finished her first year of Preschool. 

 She has loved her other classmates and her teacher, Miss Kim.

Miss Kim taught out of her home.  The kids went twice a week for about two hours each time.  I was surprised how much they did in the short amount of time they were with her.  Miriam will continue with her next year.  We're both looking forward to it :)

 Miss Kim would occasionally send us pictures of what they were doing that day.  

Here's some highlights from throughout the school year.

Visit from Papa

We were treated to a visit from Stan's Dad this past week.  I failed to take very many pictures (a few more coming in other posts), but did manage a few.

Dallin's first time meeting Papa.

The girls loved playing games and puzzles with Papa.  Stan got some more home improvement lessons as he and his Dad patched some drywall spots that had been damaged from leaks and other things.  Our garbage disposal also conveniently broke while Papa was here so he and Stan got to replace that.  I got enjoy some good company and picked Papa's brain on all kinds of home improvement ideas that are stewing in my head. 

 Papa was also here for Dallin's blessing and Miriam's dance recital.

Three generations of McBrides.

The girls keep asking when he's coming back!

Miriam's 1st Dance Recital

When we decided to enroll Miriam in dance class, I don't think I had any idea of how much work and preparation goes into these recitals.  It is THE event of the year for the dance studio.  I can see how some moms become these crazy dance moms.  I personally don't love all the extra stuff.  For example, curling Miriam's hair (as per requested by the dance teacher) included more tears and whining than anyone should be subjected to (hence the reason she has short hair so I don't have to fix it).  

Then there's all the expenses like costumes, pictures, recital tickets and so on.  

But when it came down to the day, she sure was cute and I was so proud of her!

I was using our regular camera for the video so unfortunately these are from a cell phone and not zoomed in.

 

All in attendance (from our group).

 Here's some closer up of her during "dress rehearsal." 

And from Picture day:

Maybe we'll stick with this after all.  Miriam really seemed to enjoy herself an did a great job!