The McBride Family Fan Club

We Are Thankful For Florida

2012-02-06T19:24:00.000-08:00

We spent a week in Florida for Thanksgiving and it was Amazing! It was an awesome week of constant relaxation which our family needed badly! We play at the beach, we went to the pool, we went miniture golfing, and we watched alot of disney chanel! It was our first vacation alone as a family and it was perfect in every way.

Joshy's 9 month pictures!

2012-01-12T13:53:00.000-08:00

He is almost one can you believe it! I thought it would be a good idea to post these before he turned one. I am so behind it is sad. I love his chubby face. He is Joy!

Josh a few months ago

2012-01-12T13:40:00.000-08:00

his hair looks a little red but its not.

halloween

2012-01-12T13:30:00.000-08:00

I know halloween was forever ago but I have to say alittle bit about it. We had alot of fun this year. We went trick or treating with some friends and went to our church party. The kids got way to much candy as usual. They love dressing up. I love watching them get so excited about the holidays.

Laney's B-day!

2011-08-23T14:39:00.000-07:00

She was really tired!

We had a tea party for laney's 3rd birthday. All the little girls dressed up and Laney felt very special. We drank lemonade and ate finger foods, we had cake and ice cream, we played don't eat pete, we made bracelets and opened presents. It was a very fun party. Laney you are beautiful and amazing. We love you BIG. We are so proud of you!

Erik's 5 year's old!

2011-08-12T11:02:00.000-07:00

Erik turned 5 years old last week so we had a little party for him. It was so much fun. He loved every second of it. We asked him a while back if he wanted a super hero party because he is really into them lately but he said "no...I just want a regular birthday party" so that is what we did. We had party hats, balloons and streamers, pin the tail on the donkey, musical chairs, cake and ice cream, and a pinata. It was such a fun day. E-train I love you! You are golden!

Joshua Welles McBride

2011-07-29T14:28:00.000-07:00

Joshy Bear's 6 month photo shoot! Check it out here.

Another Art Class

2011-07-20T20:49:00.000-07:00

I have another art class coming up next week but this time it's for ages 2-4. If you are interested all the details are posted here. Check it out it's going to be alot of fun. I am really excited about it. Oh, and if you don't mind spread the word for me. Thanks a bunch! Love, Linds

Art!

2011-07-20T20:04:00.000-07:00

It has been really hot outside lately so we don't get out much but we do have alot of fun making art projects. Erik and Laney are so creative. They were born to paint! I love it! As you know I have been putting together a few art classes and it has been a blast. I am getting ready to teach some more next week but I will post about that later. I just wanted to share with you a few pictures I took of the kids this morning while they were painting.

Art Class!!!

2011-06-07T08:31:00.000-07:00

Hey guys! I am teaching an art class in July for children from ages 5 to 8 if you are interested in learning more about this class go to here. I hope to hear from you!

Sunday Afternoon

2011-04-04T13:17:00.000-07:00

So just a few little updates. Joshua is 14 lbs. 9 oz. and 24 inches long. He is 2 months old. He is such a wonderful little guy. He started sleeping in Erik's room last week and is doing really well. We are so glad that he is a part of our family.

Erik love's to play with his little brother.

Best Friends

Here are my four favorite people.

Another Day at the Park

2011-04-04T13:03:00.000-07:00

We have been playing at the park alot lately. It's been beautiful outside the past few weeks.

More from the park

2011-03-23T14:03:00.000-07:00

For some reason I didn't get any of Laney by herself she stayed away from me for most of the shoot. It doesn't hurt my feeling I understand why, I always have my camera in her face.

The Best Friend Gang

2011-03-23T13:58:00.000-07:00

These kids are the best. Ian and Erik are best friends and Laney and Afton love to play together and follow these crazy boys around. They have so much fun together. This was last Saturday at the park. One of my favorite things to do is follow them around and snap pictures. They are adorable!

They are looking for squirrels

7 weeks

2011-03-21T07:23:00.000-07:00

Brothers

2011-03-21T07:22:00.000-07:00

Erik Bird, Laney Bug, and Joshy Bear

2011-03-17T14:46:00.000-07:00

Joshua is 5 weeks in these pictures we had a little photo shoot and Laney and Erik decided to help.

They love to play together! We love our little rascals.

Mommy and Daddy

2011-03-16T14:28:00.000-07:00

I am sooooo thankful to my parents for coming to visit us and help us when baby Joshua came. My mom came and stayed for a long time and Spencer and I feel so blessed for all that she did to help us out. Thank you mom and dad you are the best and we miss you like crazy!

Lauren's Rabbits

2011-03-16T14:16:00.000-07:00

This is our friend Lauren and she has a bunch of rabbits and bunnies. She invited us over to play during the Christmas break and I am just now posting these picture of the kids. Sorry they are so late. There are some funny shots that I got.

Erik was feeding the rabbits rasins. He loved it. Laney didn't care to much about feeding them but she sure enjoyed eating the rasins herself. She was really funny to watch.

She was alittle uncomfortable with having that bunny so close. It was hilarious.

We had such a fun time playing with the bunnies and with Lauren.

2011-03-13T13:30:00.000-07:00

My friend Jane took some beautiful pictures of Joshua at 2 1/2 weeks old. He is such a wonderful little critter. We love him so much.

THREE

2011-02-11T12:37:00.000-08:00

We are parents of three now! It's a blast! I love my kids they are amazing. I am so blessed.

Joshua's first photo shoots

2011-02-11T12:11:00.000-08:00

This is our sweet little guy! I had a great time taking pictures of him he is such a joy. These pictures were taken when Joshua was 1 week old. He is now 2 1/2 weeks old and has grown so much already.

Introducing Joshua Welles McBride

2011-02-01T05:31:00.000-08:00

Born 1/26/2011 at 5:07 pm (9 lbs, 5 ozs, 21 3/4 in.).

Laney Girl!

2011-01-15T13:39:00.000-08:00

I did a photo shoot a few weeks ago with a friend of my Janel Rabalais. She makes these beautiful hats. Here is Janel's etsy shop if you are interested in purchasing one of her hats etsy.com/shop/janelrabalais also here is her email address if needed janelrabalais@gmail.com Check out my photo blog for more pictures of my cute little bug. I love her she is so fun. http://lindsaydephotography.blogspot.com/

Latest Round of Family Pictures

2010-12-30T11:54:00.000-08:00

I am so excited about these family pictures. I love them. The kids were soooo wild but we got some good ones. Thank you Jane for taking them, the're beautiful. Hope ya'll have a Happy New Year! I know we will, this little guy growing in my belly will be here very soon. Can't wait to meet him.

Halloween 2010!!!!!!

2010-11-02T13:05:00.000-07:00

We had alot of fun this year! The kids really love halloween and were very excited about dressing up in their costumes. Erik insisted on being a ghost this year it was really cute. When asked if he was a scary ghost he would replied "no I'm not a ghost it's just a costume" I thought that was pretty funny. Laney loved saying happy halloween and trick or treat to everyone. We had a blast trick or treating and going to our ward party. Jane Huddleston took the last three pictures at the party. I love them, Thank you Jane! Spencer was bobbing for apples thats why he is all wet.

Laney Bug!

2010-10-25T09:00:00.000-07:00

She is beautiful! I feel honored to be her mother and to have her in my life. She is such a joy. There are a few more pictures of her on my photo blog if you want to check it out.

http://lindsaydephotography.blogspot.com/

I LOVE SUMMER IN COLORADO!!!!!!!

2010-09-17T19:41:00.001-07:00

We had such a wonderful vacation in Colorado this summer. I know this trip was forever ago in June but it was a blast so I've got to show you some pics. We played and relaxed the whole time it was perfect! Erik and Laney had so much fun with there cousins!

Phoebe and Laney

They were really funny to watch with the food

Laney De

Erik

Axel and Mammie bug! (that's what Axel calls her)

My beautiful sister Neeley

Skyer and Phoebe

My hot boyfriend! Love this picture!!!!

Oh look I'm in a picture, that is rare!

My pretty mom

I love these pictures at the end of my brother-in-law Eli with Laney they are so cute.

I love my Kids!!!!!!

2010-05-15T10:14:00.000-07:00

Updates on the Photo Blog!!!!

2010-03-13T19:27:00.000-08:00

I just updated my Photo Blog if your interested in checking it out I would love it.

http://lindsaydephotography.blogspot.com

Mardi Gras

2010-03-08T18:31:00.000-08:00

So I know I am way behind on pictures sorry about that life is a little crazy at the McBride house these days but all is good and we are doing well. We had soooo much fun at the Mardi Gras Parades a few weeks ago, I had to share some of these pictures of the kids playing with all the beads that night. We had beads and stuffed animals and toys all over this house it was a lot of fun.

2010-02-25T10:53:00.000-08:00

Hey everyone I know it has been a while sorry about that. Just wanted to let you all know that I have a new blog to add to this one. It's my Photography Blog if you want to keep up with it as well that would be cool.

http://lindsaydephotography.blogspot.com/

I Love My Family!!

2009-11-06T06:35:00.000-08:00

I love my little family. I am really grateful for everyday that I get to spend with them. They are the best.

Ashley thank you for those beautiful photographs I am in love with them. You are so talented.

I took this picture when we were in Az. Erik was looking out for his sister and being such a big helper to me.

Halloween in Pheonix!!!!!!!!!!!!!

2009-11-03T10:45:00.000-08:00

Last week the kids and I were in Arizona because my Grandmother passed away. We had a good visit with my family it was nice to all be together. While we were there we celebrated Halloween. It was really fun. We missed Spencer but the kids had a really great time carving pumpkins and trick or treating with their cousins.

Erik and Laney got ALOT of candy. Erik did not want to let go of his bucket at the end of the night. he loved holding it.
My little Zombie fell asleep.

Erik was a dinosaur

They were starting to zone out while we were trick or treating.

On friday we carved pumpkings with my mom before she left to go back to Colorado. Erik helped for about 10 min. then he went to watch a movie on the love sak I looked over at him about 2 min. later and he was fast asleep.

I love this picture. It looks like the dinosaur ate him and Eriks head is sticking out of its mouth.

he fell asleep at 4pm and wouldn't wake up until the morning. He was so tired.

My little zombie.

So here's the story of why my little princess is a zombie for halloween. A couple of months ago I was at the park with some of our friends and we were talking about halloween and what our kids were going to dress up as. I wasn't sure, I thought Erik would probably be a dinosaur and Laney a lady bug. Suprise...Suprise...right (erik is obsessed with dinosaurs and Laney's nick name is laney bug). Well as we were talking Laney was walking around us (still wobbly from learning how to walk) with her arms stait out in front of her and her eyes big and wide. Some of my friends were saying that she looked like a zombie and it made us all laugh so we decided that it would be really funny if she was a zombie for halloween.

We had a blast and are at this time working really hard at consuming all the candy that we have collected.

Bug!

2009-10-23T18:52:00.000-07:00

Daddy Dressed her for bed in this the night before. She slept great! She was so cozy.

She really liked that chocolate.

Another Picture from California: Daddy and Laney-Bug

2009-09-17T11:34:00.000-07:00

Swimming and a Tortoise

2009-09-17T11:31:00.000-07:00

Erik taking a break from the pool to feed George the Tortoise in California in August.

Coloring with Eliza

2009-09-17T11:29:00.000-07:00

Laney and her cousin Eliza coloring together in California this past August.

Happy Birthday Laney!!!

2009-08-08T15:02:00.001-07:00

Laney was born one year ago today!!! She is a very healthy and very happy baby, which is all the more reason to celebrate.

You brighten our lives every day, little Laney-bug! We love you!!!

Erik is 3 years old!!!!

2009-08-06T06:33:00.000-07:00

We love this little boy so much. He makes life really fun and exciting. He loves to sing while he plays. He loves puzzles and coloring. He loves to read books and make up stories. He is obsessed with dinosaurs. He loves to play with his sister. He is a really good big brother. Erik loves swimming and exploring outside and he loves playing with his friend. He is such a joy to be around.

We love you Erik! Stop growing so fast.

4 years!!!!

2009-08-05T11:54:00.000-07:00

Spencer and I were married four years ago today!!!! YEAH!!!! It's been a great four years and I am looking forward to more. Life with you babe is the best. Love you.

Crazy Hair Laney!!!

2009-07-13T05:45:00.000-07:00

I have so much fun styling Laney's hair but all this she did on her own. She has amazing bed head. I love it!!!

Fouth of July and Spencer's Birthday!!!

2009-07-08T12:56:00.000-07:00

We had so much fun this weekend. Jane and Jordan were in town so we got to celebrate our Nations birth and Spencer's birth with them. It was a blast!!!

We went to dinner at the California Pizza Kitchen and then went home and shot off our own fireworks.

Spencer and Jordan being from California were really excited to play with fireworks down south were everything is wet and you don't have to worry so much about starting a big fire or getting in big trouble by the police.

Jordan was having fun blowing up the ant hill.

Spencer being alittle dangerous

This one is my favorite. My two boys.

Erik loved the fireworks. He really loved that he got to hold the sparklers.

Laney really didn't want anything to do with the loud fireworks so she stayed inside for most of the show. She did like the sparklers though.

By the end of the night Jane and Laney were so over it. It was so hot and yucky outside but we had a really good time.

WE LOVE SPENCER

2009-07-04T11:27:00.000-07:00

TOMORROW IS SPENCER'S BIRTHDAY!!!!

Laney is getting so big.

I think I get way more excited about it than he does but that is ok. I am just really glad that he is alive and that he is in my world. He is the most amazing person. I love being married to him. I love the adventures we have. He is the best. Spencer, you are my Happy Thought. I hope you have a good weekend and know that I love you more than I ever have before.

Happy 4th!!!

2009-07-04T11:22:00.000-07:00

I hope everyone has a beautiful day today.

Here's a picture from last Fourth of July when we were in Ramona California at a parade.

Found Photograph

2009-07-02T14:15:00.000-07:00

I have been organizing our pictures and found this picture I took a couple years ago in California. I really love it. There's nothing special about it I just think it is simply beautiful.

I know it says Spencer posted this but it's Lindsay. Have a fun day.

Summer

2009-06-21T11:12:00.000-07:00

Our little Laney bug!

We love Louisiana, but not the summer heat and humidity. But we try to find ways to keep cool.

Erik doesn't need a diving board or deep water to practice his acrobatics.

These two would be in the water all day if they had their way.

Erik the Fireman!!!

2009-05-26T11:22:00.001-07:00

We went on a walk to the fire station in our neighborhood earlier today. It was really fun to see the big trucks and meet the fireman. the fireman was really nice and friendly. Erik loved seeing all the cool things that a fireman has. He love the helmet the most because it had a flash light on it. The fireman was nice enough to take this picture and then email it to me. We had alot of fun at the fire station.

Year One in the Books!

2009-05-15T06:33:00.000-07:00

I've finished the first year of the graduate program in History at LSU! By far the most challenging year of school I have ever experienced and it is certainly a relief to have successfully completed it. Now Lindsay and the kids will see far more of me during the Summer.

A Random Post from Spencer

2009-05-09T07:44:00.000-07:00

The best lobsided mustache I have ever grown! (Lindsay only let me keep it for 20 minutes)

The two women in my life!

Erik got his haircut to help him stay cool in the heat and humidity of the Louisiana Summer!

Audubon Aquarium, New Orleans

2009-04-17T07:30:00.000-07:00

Erik loves to share with Laney

2009-04-11T06:23:00.000-07:00

Sometimes I come into the room and this is what I see. Erik loves to play with Laney. He loves to put all of his favorite toys on her so that she can enjoy them too.

I love her facial expressions in these pictures.

Hans Hofmann

2009-03-03T13:42:00.000-08:00

This is Hans Hofmann's work. He was a painter who died in the 60's but his work lives on. I am in love with his paintings they are rich with color and truely beautiful. His work is my favorite right now.

Mardi Gras!!!

2009-02-21T10:21:00.000-08:00

Even though Mardi Gras (Fat Tuesday) is not until next Tuesday, the parades and celebrations started a couple of weeks ago. We went to a more family oriented parade in downtown Baton Rouge and had a blast. Erik was especially excited about the marching bands, floats and goodies thrown to the crowd.

The float riders try to get the stuffed animals and toys to the kids they see in the crowd and Erik came away with far more than just beads.

Laney's attention could not be drawn to the camera with the prade rolling by right next to her.

The kids loved the bright colors and flashing lights on the floats.

Here, Spencer makes an all-star grab of some beads from a passing float.

Even Laney got into the spirit of Mardi Gras!

This was a fun way to experience Mardi Gras as a family. And to think, the parades go for four more days!

Flower Girl

2009-02-09T10:15:00.000-08:00

Erik's New Thing

2009-02-09T10:11:00.000-08:00

So Erik loves to take everything out of the diaper bag and get in it to play. I think it is pretty funny. I am forever entertained by him. He cracks me up.

Best Buddies

2009-02-02T07:23:00.000-08:00

Erik and Laney are best friends. They love to play together.

I am forever entertained by them.

Rice Cereal!!!

2009-02-02T07:17:00.000-08:00

Laney LOVES her rice cereal. This was her first try at it.

Zoo Day!!

2009-02-02T06:59:00.001-08:00

A few weeks ago the kids and I went to the zoo with some friends. We had so much fun seeing the animals and riding the train. It was really cold outside but we had a really good time anyway.

This fountain was a big hit even though the water was freezing cool

This is the first time I have ever seen a Giraffe sit

Erik loved this red wagon as soon as he saw it he got right in

Erik and his friend Reece

I think this goat wanted to eat Erik. He was really aggresive. It was a little scary.

Erik loved the Train. He didn't want to get off

This was the view on the train ride. I loved it. I wasn't expecting the swamp. It was cool.

Mustache!

2009-01-22T14:37:00.000-08:00

So I have a very strong opinion in regards to mustaches. I don't like them. I think they are dirty and gross but I have to admit when you see all the boys in my family together with their mustaches its pretty funny. They decided to grow them for Christmas this year.

Josh

Kelly's isn't real josh brought that mustache just in case someone needed it.

Dad

Spencer

Eli

Dru

Phoebe wins the prize I think.

More Christmas Pictures

2009-01-20T13:17:00.000-08:00

We had so much fun on our trip. Sorry for the amount of pictures in this post. I have a tendency to take way to many photos.

Laney and Axel

Erik decided to join them

Skyler and Neeley

Neeley and I always wanted to have babies at the same time so its pretty cool that it actually happened.

Spencer and Skyler just chillin

Dru

Erik and Skyler

Granny and Pappa with the babies

Erik and Uncle Josh

We went sledding on a freezing day. It was so much fun. there wasn't alot of snow but it was great anyway.

All the girl cousins together

Neeley and Eli and Laney

Alaina and Erik with Granny

Me and Nee

We are at the elementary school just getting some fresh air

Rock Band. So fun

My bro. Kelly and Laney

Me and Mommy

Rock Band. Erik is a Big fan of the Ramones

Laney loves her new little stuffed animal. It went right into her mouth.

Erik got a tent this year for Christmas from Spencer's parents. He loves it.

Laney loves her new toys

Nativity

Erik had so much fun being Joseph. He loved playing with Skyler.

Phoebe and Me

Christmas day we just lay around and watch movies it is so nice to do nothing every once in a while.

Christmas Break!!!

2009-01-15T07:20:00.001-08:00

We had so much fun spending our Christmas break in Colorado. We were there for a little over three weeks. It was really great being in the mountains and playing in the snow with our family. I love Colorado and miss it already. I have tons of pictures of our trip, so these are just the begining.

We were on our way to the mountains to play in the snow.

There wasn't alot of snow were we went but it was enough and everyone had fun.

This is me with my brother Kelly.

Spencer's Christmas present from me this year was a night away. We left the kids with my parents and went to downtown Denver to eat and walk around 16th Street. It was really fun to be back there because that was were Spencer proposed to me.
the next day we slept in and went to Boulder and to a movie. It was a nice little get away.

A picture on the bench where Spencer popped the question!

Snow Day in Baton Rouge

2008-12-15T06:44:00.000-08:00

I know when you see these pictures alot of you are thinking "no big deal there's snow on the ground" well it sure suprised us when we woke up on Thursday. It doen't happen that often in Baton Rouge so we were really excited but really cold. Baton Rouge is not prepared for weather like this so we lost our power for a good chunk of the day but it was fun trying to stay warm and playing in the snow for a couple of min. at a time. We also made hot chocolate and ate popcorn (Eriks Favorite). It was a really good day.

I Am Lucky!!

2008-12-09T11:33:00.000-08:00

I feel so blessed to be a mother. I am so grateful for Erik and Laney in my life. They brighten up my day. It makes me happy to watch them play and grow. I love their laughs and smiles. I feel so thankful that I get to spend my days with such wonderful little beings. They are amazing and I love them soooo much.

thanksgiving week

2008-12-01T09:04:00.000-08:00

We had so much fun with Grandma and Grandpa McBride and Aunt Jane. We went on lots of adventures together and ate really yummy food. That's what Thanksgiving is all about, spending time with family and eating really good food.

Grandma, Grandpa and Erik

Laney De and Aunt Jane

Erik and Aunt Jane

Sorry this picture is sideways I messed up.

Laney and Mommy

This picture was taken at Landry's Seafood restaurant in New Orleans.

Spencer and Jane

Spencer and his dad looking out at the Mississippi River in Downtown Baton Rouge.

Laurie and Me in Downtown Baton Rouge

Grandpa and Laney bug

The last few pictures were from Oak Alley Plantation. Oak Alley is so beautiful.

Axel

2008-11-14T08:12:00.001-08:00

My sister had another baby in September and this is him. He is such a cute little man. I can't wait to meet him and hold him. Even though Axel is 6 weeks younger than Laney they are about the same size. They are both chuncky and I love it.

Perfect Day!

2008-11-11T11:47:00.000-08:00

I loved everything about this day the cake, the people that came to celebrate with us, the dancing, the flowers, everything. I am really grateful for my marriage to the coolest guy ever. We had so much fun that day and everyday since. I am so glad that I married Spencer. He rocks my world. I knew that he was wonderful and amazing right away when I met him but he just gets better and better everyday. He is exciting to me.

This dress was very luck. I had only a day to find the perfect dress and this one was exactly what I wanted. I love love love my wedding dress.

So I know this event happened over 3 years ago but I have been thinking alot about my life from this day on and how grateful I am for choosing to marry such an amazing guy. I feel really blessed in my life. Spencer is such a wonderful husband we have a blast hanging out together. He is an amazing father. Erik and Laney adore him. He works really hard for us and I am really glad that he is doing what he loves to do.

HALLOWEEN!!!!!!!

2008-11-01T17:32:00.000-07:00

SWAMP

2008-10-31T07:22:00.000-07:00

Before we saw the swamp we looked at all the reptiles they had on display they were really creepy. Erik loved this snake and turtle. I was extremely creeped out by the snake because it kept looking at Erik as food.

This swamp is really close to were we live. It was really fun to explore and be inside a real swamp. I am glad that there were no aligators or snakes on our path though. Seeing them in cages is enough for me. We had so much fun at this swamp. It was creepy beautiful.

Happy Day's

2008-10-29T07:13:00.000-07:00

I am really happy today.
Just thought I'd share the color with you.

What makes you happy today?

Prayer

2008-10-22T11:31:00.000-07:00

The other night we decided that we wanted to start having our family scripture study during dinner. It has been working really well. As I was reading from the Book of Mormon, Erik folded his arms and started to say a prayer. I stopped reading and we quickly folded our arms. As Erik prayed he had a big smile on his face. We could tell that he was really happy with himself for saying the prayer. That was his first prayer and it was so perfect I loved every second of it. I don't exactly know all that was said but it was perfect. Isn't this picture so cute? I love this little boy so much.

I love These Pictures!

2008-10-20T06:59:00.000-07:00

These photographs were taken by our friends Lindsay and Chad about a year ago and I just saw them on disc the other day and had to share them with you. There were so many great ones to choose from so here are a few of my favorites.

We will have new family pictures taken next month that I will share with all of you.

twilight

2008-10-17T13:09:00.001-07:00

I am really excited about the movie so here are some previews to watch if your interested.

Erik is such a big helper

2008-10-17T12:26:00.002-07:00

Yesturday Erik decided all on his own that he was going to help Laney eat by holding her bottle. It was really cute. He loves helping me take care of her. This morning I asked him to hand me one of Laney's diapers and he did. He is such a big help around the house now I'm loving it.

Another Friday Adventure!!

2008-10-17T12:08:00.000-07:00

Last friday we went to the LSU campus and saw Mike the tiger. I think it is pretty cool that they have a real tiger hanging out at the school. It was really fun. I really like friday's.

Friday Family Fun Day!

2008-10-15T06:49:00.000-07:00

NEW ORLEANS.

Every Friday is our family adventure day so we try and get out and explore our new home. A few weeks ago Spencer took us to New Orleans because even though I've lived here before I had never been to the French Quarter. It was so wonderful and beautiful. The French Quarter is one of my new favorite places on the planet. The Buildings are beautiful, the food is incredable, and the music playing on the street was really fun.
We had a blast.

I am eating a Beignet at Cafe du Monde. They are so amazing. We were covered in powdered sugar once we finished.

This street was really cool because it had all the art gallery's. I loved it.

These musicians were playing there music right in front of the cafe we were eating lunch at so we were dancing as we ate. Erik really loved the music.

I Told You I Would Get Caught Up!!

2008-10-08T11:57:00.000-07:00

Laney is such a joy to be around. I love being a mother of two. They are so amazing and I feel so blessed to have them.

I pulled out my camera to take some pictures and then she totally started smiling so I took about a million shots in 5 min. I couldn't help myself. Good thing we are using a digital camera these days because I would be spending alot of money on film thats for sure.

Laney is two months old today. These pictures were taken a few days ago.

Erik loves to kiss her and hug her. She really likes him. She was smiling at him the other day and he loved that.

She has alot of hair. I love it. It gets alittle wild sometimes.

So I am still in the process of getting our blog updated but these pictures are the most resent pictures we have taken of Laney so I hope you've enjoyed them.

Little Laney Bug!

2008-10-03T13:08:00.001-07:00

My beautiful friend Ashley took these pictures when Laney was 3 days old. They are woderful. Thank you Ash.

Laney De McBride

2008-09-13T12:18:00.000-07:00

Laney De McBride was born on 8/8/08 so she is a very lucky baby. We are so glad to have her in our family. She is so beautiful and we love her. She was born in Poway, California. Laney weighed 7 lbs. 7 oz. and she was 19 1/2 in. long with a full head of dark beautiful hair. we love being parents of 2 they are alot of fun. Erik is a wonderful big brother he loves to give her kisses and he shares his favorite toys with her.

We will get caught up with our pictures soon I promise.

Update on Hurricane Gustav

2008-09-02T20:38:00.000-07:00

Well, we are safe. Hurricane Gustav was wild and made us a little nervous throughout the day on Monday. There were times when the wind was blowing so hard we were worried trees were going to fall on our house. So we all stayed in our back room away from windows. Power went out before Noon on Monday and is still off.

After the storm started to die down, we spent the evening in our exremely hot and humid house and didn't sleep much. It was too hot to wrap Laney in a blanket, and she woke up every half hour or so. On Tuesday morning we surveyed the damage in our yard and neighborhood. We had a lot off branches down and had a few trees fall in our yard. Fortunately they fell on the fences in our backyard. The neighborhood didn't fare so well. Trees were blocking the road and power lines were down all over the place. It became very clear to us that when people were talking about power being off for a week or so, they weren't exagerating. The power company says it will be several days before they can even have an estimate of when power will return.

So, we decided to leave town until LSU reopened or power came back on (whichever comes first). LSU is closed until at least next Monday. We'll hopefully be back before then. The only people we know not also affected by the storm is Lindsay's cousin and his family in Houston. So we made a 4 1/2 hour drive over to Texas and, alas, we have electricity and internet enough to update our blog for all y'all (and yes, people in the south do say "all ya'll" as if "y'all" wasn't already plural).

So we are safe. Erik is happy because Lindsay's cousin John has a dog and twin daughters aged 3 1/2. He's having a blast.

We love our home and our new hometown, and are anxious to get back and hope this is the last of the hurricanes for this season.

Preparing for Hurricane Gustav!

2008-08-31T11:45:00.000-07:00

Hey, all. We haven't updated our blog for a little while and there are some important events that have occurred in the past month we want to share with y'all (including moving to Baton Rouge, LA). But those will wait for a little bit longer.

In case some of you were wondering, we are scheduled to receive a category 3-4 hurricane late tonight or tomorrow morning. Its supposed to be a pretty intense storm. We are about as prepared as we can be at this point. We have plenty of water, a good amount of food stored and means to cook it in the event of the power going out for several days (which we are being told is very likely). We will tape up our windows (plywood is more protective, but we dont have any). But if you tape asterisks on the window panes with masking tape, if the window breaks, the glass will at least stay together and not shatter leaving the interior of the house exposed to the storm. We have also filled our bathtub with water so that we can continue to use our toilets when/if the water goes out.

The front yard of our house has two very large trees and Erik's room is on that side of the house. So we will be camping out in our far back room as far away from potentially fallen limbs/trees for safety. Its a good thing we like each other, especially since we'll be spending so much time together over the next few days in close quarters.

School has been cancelled for Tuesday and potentially longer. We have not been ordered to evacuate at this time and are not expecting to. We would only go if the evacuation order was mandatory, but really dont know where we would go. Probably up North into Mississippi or something. If we have electricity, we will try to post updates on our blog.

Wish us luck!

Animals

2008-05-26T13:06:00.000-07:00

Erik loves animals. Erik especially loves cats, but most run away from him. However, this Memorial Day weekend, my parents were taking care of a really tiny kitten until they found a home for it (which they did). This kitten did not know any better and was more than happy to play on Erik and Erik was more than happy to have the cat play on him.

Below are a couple pictures of Erik's most recent adventure to Sea World (the third in his 21 months of life).

Erik awoke from his nap to find the killer whales right in front of him. He began jabbering and talking, and only stopped for a brief moment to yawn, as seen below.

Baby Shower for L-Word

2008-05-26T12:58:00.001-07:00

Lindsay's friends Lindsay, Kim and Ashley threw a rocking baby shower for her. She got presents and stuff. She liked them soooooooooooooo much (each extra 'o' added to 'so' is intended to represent an exponential increase in Lindsay's enjoyment of this occasion). See below pictures, if you will.

Gifts and stuff.

Lindsay's mother and my mother.

Lindsay and Kim have due dates just days apart each expecting baby girls.

Lindsay, Lindsay and Ashley.

The Flower Fields in April

2008-05-26T12:51:00.000-07:00

In April, Lindsay's aunt Dale brought Lindsay, Erik and I to the Flower Fields in Carlsbad, CA. Erik fell asleep, as seen below (kind of like Dorothy and Toto in the Wizard of Oz when they ran through a field of flowers, but not really).

Aunt Dale and myself.

Get a load of all these flowers in more than one color. In person, they were also in more than one color.

Lindsay and I love each other even more when we roam fields filled with flowers.

Good News!!!!

2008-03-24T19:24:00.000-07:00

Hey everyone!! Today we found out that we are going to have a little girl! We are so excited!!
we love you all.

Erik and Mommy

2008-03-17T15:06:00.001-07:00

These pictures were taken in September by Natalie Norton at Erik and Kindsay Nortons wedding. I love, love, love, love, love these photographs. they make me happy when I look at them. Thank you Natalie for taking these without us even knowing it. I will always treasure them.

First Official Hair Cut

2008-03-17T09:47:00.001-07:00

Erik has had the back of his hair cut a few times to avoid the appearance of a mullet but never really needed the rest of his hair cut until a few weeks ago. We were a little worried that he wouldn't sit still through the event but the girl knew what she was doing and right away gave him a sucker. He was calm and sat still the entire time. He was extremely sticky but very handsome in the end.

Hot Dates, Facial Hair and a New Slide!

2008-03-16T20:51:00.001-07:00

To celebrate Lindsay's birthday (February 5), Lindsay and I spent a Friday and Saturday together in Julian at a cool Bed and Breakfast. Erik played with his Grandma and Grandpa in Ramona while we spent a fun, relaxing (and much needed) night to ourselves.

Just prior to our Julian getaway, I successfully completed my resolution for the new year, to grow a beard! Some people make resolutions that challenge themselves to reach new heights. Others make goals at the new year to improve humanity and the condition of those less fortunate than themselves. But not me. Not this year. I resolved to display my manliness to all I met by wearing it on my face! (Josh, my brother-in-law, tells me mustaches and the like promote issues of men's health). But I grew this work of art for purely selfish reasons.

Ultimately my beard proved too scratchy and water droplets would constantly remain after I drank anything, so I decided to display my manliness in more subtle ways, like performing acts of heroism. You know, like the things James Bond or border patrol agents do.

And alas, the slide Erik cannot get enough of. Santa sent it in the mail a week late. He said something about all the stores in San Diego County and the North Pole being out of this particular toy. So other things were left under the tree, and the mail man brought this shortly thereafter.

Sea World

2008-03-16T20:48:00.001-07:00

A couple of days before 2007 ended, Erik, Lindsay and I went to Sea World with Lindsay's mom. (Also, the beginnings of my experiments with facial hair).

Erik + Bathroom Sink= Fun

2008-03-16T20:27:00.000-07:00

In January, Erik learned to climb onto the bathroom counter and into the bathroom sink. He loves to sit in the sink, play with the things left on the counter and to brush his teeth, all from within the friendly confines of the bathroom sink!

NOTE: Since February, Erik is no longer allowed in the sink because he insists on turning on the water, even if he is fully clothed.

McBride Blog To Be Updated

2008-03-15T11:21:00.000-07:00

Seeing that a new blog posting is long overdue, and being tired of having friends make jokes about our inability to keep up in this fast paced blogging world, we promise to have new postings before the weekend is out!

Ice Cream and Graduation

2007-09-28T13:31:00.000-07:00

Its been a while since we updated the blog. A lot has happened. We live on the mainland now, Erik is one and walking/running. We hope to update the whole summer soon, but here is June graduation and Erik's first experience with ice cream (pineapple flavor at the Dole Plantation.

Erik LOVES ice cream.

After graduation with the family.

This is all I have time for. We have limted internet access right now, but will update our blog again really soon.

Photos of our little boy

2007-06-09T15:55:00.000-07:00

Our friend Tara used our baby boy as a model last weekend so she could practice her photography. These pictures are what resulted.

100 Things About S&L!!!!!!!

2007-05-23T11:21:00.000-07:00

We got the idea to write 100 things about ourselves from our friend Tara's blog so here we go. Spencer's list is pretty funny so I hope you enjoy reading this.

100 things about L-word

1. I have long flowing hair for the first time in my life.
2. I am married and love it.
3. I am a mother and love it.
4. I like art (making it and looking at it).
5. I live in Hawaii.
6. I have strong faith in Jesus Christ.
7. I love the gospel.
8. I went on a mission for the LDS Church to Louisiana.
9. I love Music.
10. When I was little I played in the mud alot.

11. I still enjoy playing in the mud.
12. I went to an art school in Kansas City, Mo. for 2 years.
13. I played barbies until I was 12 years old.
14. I was really really shy when I was little.
15. When I was 5 years old I met my best friend Ashley and we are still best friends today.
16. I try to be good.
17. I try to be kind.
18. I am sensitive.
19. I love movies.
20. I love birthdays.

21. I like Making mix tapes or cds for people I love.
22. I love taking pictures of my baby boy.
23. When I get sad writing and drawing help me feel better.
24. My husband is hot. Hottest guy I ever dated.
25. I love to cook.
26. I love to cuddle with my husband. (we even started a club called S&L snuggle club. we are the only members).
27. My favorite color is yellow.
28. I am a happy person.
29. I love to laugh.
30. I have a blast handing out with my family.

31. I want to be a great wife and mother.
32. I want 4 to 6 kids.
33. I like having an organized home.
34. I like to clean.
35. I like to play in the rain.
36. I love the ocean.
37. I am afraid of the ocean.
38. I love flowers.
39. I am scared of snakes.
40. My husband treats me like a queen so I act like one sometimes.

41. My baby has the bluest most beautiful eyes and when he smiles its the best.
42. Having a baby was the hardest 15 hours of my life.
43. I love to eat.
44. My dad Makes the best cookies.
45. One of my favorite things to do with Spencer is cook a meal.
46. I love road trips.
47. I feel grateful for good friends.
48. I love to sleep.
49. I have strange dreams on a regular basis.
50. I love love love to have dance parties.

51. High School was hard for me.
52. I have always wanted a tree house.
53. My favorite tree is the Genco Tree (Kansas City has them. They are Beautiful. In the fall they loose their leaves all at once it one of the most beautiful things I have ever seen in my life).
54. I love playing in fountains.
55. I am really bad at sports the ball always ends up hitting me in the head.
56. I love to swim.
57. I love looking at family pictures.
58. When I work on art projects i get really messy. that's part of the fun to me.
59. I love the Book of Mormon.
60. I love childrens books.

61. Spencer and I read to each other and I really like that.
62. I love to read to Erik.
63. I love homemade gifts.
64. I like suprises.
65. I love Holidays (Christmas is my favorite).
66. I love traditions
67. My favorite musical is Calamity Jane.
68. I collect bowls.
69. I make really good smoothies.
70. I love watching Erik play.

71. Kisses from Spencer calm my soul.
72. I don't like being cold.
73. I love to travel.
74. I get really excited about the future.
75. I like watching cooking shows.
76. rollerskating is fun.
77. In high school I had two really good friends that were also named Lindsay.
78. I love going to the temple.
79. My favorite candy is peanut M&M's.
80. I loved having pets when I was little.

81. I was born in Arizona and moved to Colorado when i was 12.
82. I love eating cereal at night as a snack.
83. When I was little I wanted to one day sing on Broadway.
84. I am afraid of singing in public.
85. I burn easy.
86. I have a hard time finishing a book once I start it.
87. I started liking the color pink when i was in college.
88. I am really bad at math.
89. I like building sand castles.
90. Visiting nursing homes is fun.

91. I use to hate hiking and camping as a child but now I like it.
92. I love going to crowded places and watching people.
93. I always thought it would be fun to live on a farm.
94. I would love to learn how to tap dance.
95. I have 30 credits left and then I Graduate. Graduation date is still unknown.
96. I love drinking Milk with pizza.
97. I have amazing parents.
98. I really like snorkleing with Spencer.
99. I love going on dates with Spencer.
100. I like being creative.

100 things about my love Spencer (He wrote these)

1. I am Male.
2. I like Brownies.
3. I also like Broccli.
4. I really like my wife (more than friends).
5. I was born in California.
6. I currently live in Hawaii.
7. My favorite nut to eat is the pistachio.
8. My favorite nut to throw is the coconut.
9. my hair is brown.
10. I love my wife (more than a girlfriend).

11. I have studied French for 5 years, but am still not fluent.
12. I prefer to swim in salt water over fresh water.
13. I prefer to drink fresh water instead of salt water.
14. My eyes are blue.
15. If i couldn't be an omnivour, I'd choose carnivore over vegeterian anyday.
16. I have a son named Erik.
17. I love my son Erik.
18. My favorite thing to tie around my neck is a necktie.
19. I spend more time in the Library each day than the average American.
20. I am a history major.

21. I don't think George W. Bush is as bad as TV says he is.
22. I served a Mormon mission in Louisiana.
23. I like pepperoni pizza.
24. Sometimes I repeat myself unneccesarily.
25. Sometimes I am redundant.
26. I do not like sour cream, cottage cheese, or cream cheese.
27. I think cream should not be sour, but should be sweet.
28. My favorite kind of cheese is cheddar.
29. My favorite baseball teams are the Padres and the A's.
30. I have been to Colorado five times.

31. The only foreign countries I've been to are Mexico and Canada.
32. I live in married student apartments in Laie.
33. Some people in our apartment complex cook really stinky food.
34. Sometimes I feel like vomiting when i walk by their apartments.
35. My wife cooks delicious food.
36. Lately I've listened to a lot of Simon and Garfunkel.
37. I'm glad my last name isn't Garfunkel.
38. It is a cool name, I'm just glad it's not mine.
39. I really like my last name.
40. I like my middle name too.

41. My middle name is Welles
42. Sometimes I have been called Spencenerd.
43. I like Spencer better.
44. I think Weasels are funny looking.
45. I love the Poetry of Dr. Suess.
46. I thought it was sad when Tom Cruise and Nicole Kidman got divorced.
47. I will never change my name to Tom Cruise.
48. I will never comb my hair like Nicole Kidman.
49. I like teenage party movies.
50. I graduated high school in 2001.

51. I graduate from college in 2007.
52. I once sneaked into another high school's prom.
53. I'm glad they don't have prom in college.
54. If they did, I'd ask my wife Lindsay to go with me.
55. I've never seen a ghost.
56. I've never seen a unicorn.
57. If money grew on trees, I would plant money trees.
58. If candy grew on trees, I would call it fruit.
59. The happiest day of my life was my wedding day.
60. I also really enjoyed the honeymoon.

61. We went to Vancouver for our honeymoon.
62. The 2nd happiest day of my life was the day Erik was born.
63. I went to Ramona High School.
64. My favorite show on PBS is "Sesame Street."
65. I don't think Big Bird is really a bird.
66. Elmo is my favorite furry red monster.
67. I am not in the Mafia.
68. I have no desire to join the Mafia.
69. I am currently reading the Count of Monte Cristo.
70. Lindsay and I read the entire Lemony Snicket Series.

71. I have never eated a caterpillar.
72. I wouldn't mind being a caterpillar for one day.
73. I'd rather be a monkey than a caterpillar.
74. I think mimes are strange.
75. I think mimes should try to get different jobs.
76. I've never been farther east than the Mississippi.
77. I've never killed a man (or woman).
78. I love the movie What About Bob.
79. I also really like the movie The Royal Tenenbaums.
80. I think dinosaurs are both cool and scary.

81. Dead dinosaurs are less scary than alive ones, I think.
82. In a duel, my weapon of choice would be a machine gun or grenade.
83. I like college football at least 16 times better than the NFL.
84. I am left handed.
85. I am married to a right-handed woman.
86. I think its great we eat with different hands.
87. I love corn both on and off the cob.
88. I think cucumbers taste better as pickles.
89. I love my wife's chocolate chip cookies.
90. I have an awesome mother.

91. I have a fantastic father.
92. I think I am lucky to have been born into a good family.
93. I don't think guys should pop their collars.
94. I really don't think popping one's collar looks cool.
95. While I may do it in jest, I will never seriously pop my collar.
96. I believe that Chuck E. Cheese is where a kid can be a kid.
97. When I was a kid I enjoyed watching Reading Rainbow.
98. I like seafood.
99. I don't think I'm conceited...
100. But i do like myself.

Nerd Alert!

2007-05-20T15:39:00.000-07:00

We went to the birthday party for a little kid in our ward the other week. It was a costume party. Lindsay andI went as nerds and Erik as a basketball player. Erik definitely takes the cake as the coolest in the family.

Family Portraits

2007-05-10T13:26:00.000-07:00

Around the New Year, we took some family pictures in Ramona. We have just now gotten around to posting them on the blog, but thought it is better late than never.

Erik has definitley grown since these pictures were taken, and he doesn't sit still so well anymore.

THE PACIFIER!!!!!!!

2007-04-26T17:44:00.000-07:00

Erik loves his pacifier. I think it is one of his favorite things in the whole world. He loves puting it in his mouth himself. The only problem with that is he puts it in wrong and it look like he is pretending to be a puppy with a frizbee in his mouth. He's so funny!!

Going away party!!!

2007-04-26T12:29:00.000-07:00

Last night there was a going away party for some families in our ward. They are moving back to the mainland. Here are some of our friends that we have made here in Hawaii.

I Love This Picture!

2007-04-22T19:44:00.000-07:00

A couple in our ward took this picture of Spencer and I along time ago at a ward activity. They put it on a CD and gave it to us a few days ago so i decided to post it on our blog. I love this picture of us. I was two months pregnant with Erik at the time.

SAND!!!

2007-04-19T14:29:00.000-07:00

The other day Erik and I decided to go to the beach and Erik discovered the sand for the first time. He loved playing in it. By the time we left he was covered in it. He didn't seem to mind though.