New Look!

You may have noticed that McBride Family Adventures has a new and updated look. Graphic design is not my strength, so I sought out the help of Rebekah Louise at Le Charmed Boutique. The process was so easy, and I am very pleased with the way my blog looks! If you are looking to update your blog, I would highly recommend using Rebekah!

Cousins

William (4), Peter (10), Bryson (4 months), MacKenzie (3 weeks), Matthew (13), Joseph (2)

Until just over four years ago, Matthew and Peter were the only grandchildren on either side of our family. While they benefited greatly by being the only grandchildren, I always wanted them to experience having cousins. Growing up, some of my best memories were made on adventures with my cousins, and I always hoped that my children would have that same opportunity.

Since August of 2010, our family has grown significantly. William was born in August of 2010, Madison was born in January of 2011, Kennedy was born in April of 2012, Joseph was born in May of 2012, Bryson was born in September of 2014, and MacKenzie was born in January of 2015. In four years, our family exploded from two to eight grandchildren! We were able to capture a photo of six grandchildren last week, and I am hopeful that we can get all eight together in March when Jodi, Madison, and Kennedy are here to visit.

I am so excited that our family is growing, and I cannot wait for my boys to make lasting memories with their cousins!

Baby Whisperer

Some people are naturally good with babies. While I enjoy every stage in my boys' lives, I have to admit that I always LOVED the newborn stage. I could sit and hold my babies for hours, watching their eyes flutter as they slept, their lips curl when they were dreaming, and their chest rise and fall with every breath. Although I will not have any more newborns of my own to hold, it is common knowledge in my family that I am always willing to hold the babies.

Peter has obviously inherited my baby obsession, especially when it comes to his cousin Bryson. When Bryson visits, Peter holds him every chance he gets. Each time, I am so impressed by Peter's ability to soothe Bryson, make him smile, and simply coddle him. Peter is truly a Baby Whisperer! I am confident that he has a bright future as a babysitter!

 

Idol

i·dol (n.) - a person or thing that is greatly admired, loved, or revered.

Thirteen

Well, it has happened - we officially have a teenager in the house. I know that I am too young to have a 13 year old, so I am not sure how this is possible! Seriously though, it is difficult to fathom how this adorable little boy grew up so quickly.

Matthew - 2 Years Old

I simply cannot describe how much Matthew has matured during the last year. Over the course of the summer, Matthew transformed from a boy to a young man. He is extremely driven, smart, and strong. This has allowed him to experience significant success both academically and athletically.

Matthew is also a natural on the ranch. He is truly Toby's best hired man, and I know that Toby looks forward to the days that Matthew does not have school because it makes his life so much easier. Matthew is passionate about the cattle, the feeding routines, and can easily identify a sick calf out of a field of 300 pairs. After a recent visit to Uncle Tim's, his uncle commented that "Matthew can load a 100 pound bale of hay like a man!"

Matthew is an amazing big brother. All three of his younger brothers look up to him and try to imitate him. Matthew and Joseph truly have a special bond. There are instances when the only individual who can console Joseph is Matthew. It is very pitiful when Joseph cries - "I want my Maffew!"

We are so proud of Matthew and the young man he has become. He is compassionate, has a wonderful sense of humor, and an infectious smile. We cannot wait to see what Matthew will accomplish in the future!

October, 2014

Matthew's Birthday Party