Elyse Maura Has Arrived!

Elyse Maura McBride officially joined our family June 18th at 8:32am.  With a weight of 7 pounds and 3 ounces and a length of 19 inches, we find her absolutely perfect!  Mimi (Mom Lyons) was there to welcome her first, as Clyde led the home welcoming party of he, Ciala, Lauren, Aiden and Audra.  We love you, Elyse!

Elyse Maura McBride

Elyse lets Mommy hold her for the first time.

 Busy day... she needs lots of rest!

Clyde lets Aiden peek at sleepy Elyse while Ciala cuddles her for the first time.

Clyde's oldest and youngest get some quality bonding time.

 Lauren cradles Elyse while Aiden kisses her head.

Mimi mostly managed to stay behind the scenes (and out of the camera's view), but I caught this one of her helping me bring the sleeping girls to Elyse's doctor's appointment.

Clyde with his four beautiful daughters.

Our sweet Elyse.

Enjoying the Spring Season

Every now and again, I realize just how rapidly things change, and how fast Aiden and Audra are growing.  And that reminds me that it's time to take pictures to remember each sweet season.  While they do not particularly enjoy my attempts at portrait taking, I do my best to snap a smile from them.  

 

 Aiden aged 3 years.

 Audra aged 14 months.

Hand in hand. 

 Dutifully fulfilling Mommy's request for a hug.

Strolling through the yard together.

 Audra stops to smile.

Aiden explores new heights.

Out and About

While I have not been getting the kids out (beyond the backyard, that is) as much as I'd like, I'm grateful that they enjoy any little outing upon which we embark.  The following were taken during some such modest adventures.

Waiting in the vehicle to head home from church.

Moving through the tunnels at the playground.

 Examining the pine cones at the playground.

Superman swinging.

 Heading down the big slide.

 Checking out the sticks at the playground.

 Aiden takes flight to exit the race car with style.

Getting ready to race through the grocery store!

Backyard Fun and Games

Happy Birthday, Clyde!  Although Clyde wouldn't let us do anything to celebrate his birthday, we did spend most of the weekend day just playing and hanging out as a foursome--one of his favorite things to do!  As the third trimester slows me down and work keeps Clyde very busy, we are thankful for the creativity of our kids to enjoy spending time in their own backyard (literally!).  We are especially grateful to have the most wonderful husband and father--we wish we could do more to show him how much we love and appreciate him!  Though these were not all taken this weekend, I remembered I had some fun backyard pictures to share...

Before playing outside, we need a great lunch!  Clyde shows Aiden how to make one of his childhood favorites--pigs in a blanket.

 Oh, it's also important to be rested.  Thanks for the reminder, Audra.

Aiden's working on his tree-climbing skills.

Audra loves being outside, just like her big brother.

Audra figured out how to climb in the wagon all by herself!

Aiden uses Kona for some gymnastics practice.

We're thankful for Kona's patience with the kids!

A brightly dressed Audra smiles at Mommy.

Audra considers jumping ship...

...Especially after watching her brother do it!

A chilly wind won't keep Miss Audra from playing outside!

Walk With Me

My new favorite photo to snap is quite clear below... sorry for the quantity--I had trouble narrowing down my favorites!

  

Aiden and Audra head into the woods while at the playground.

 Mimi and Audra stroll around the grounds of the playground.

Audra leads Clyde around the backyard.

Aiden helps Audra as she is called for her doctor appointment.

Audra keeps Mimi on the go.

 Aiden and Audra enjoy the big backyard with their Daddy.

Time to head home.

Happy Saint Patrick's Day!

We donned our festive shirts over warm, cozy sweats for the cold, rainy day.  While others may have had more excited plans to celebrate St. Patrick's day, we enjoyed a day playing inside together.  We hope everyone had a fun time, whatever the activities of the day!

Audra and Aiden had a blast.  (Aiden's face is all better--he drove his gator into a tree!).

Happy 3rd Birthday, Clyde Aiden!

We cannot believe our young man is 3 years old!  We flipped our order of cake and then presents to accommodate a large surprise--Aiden's new bike!  He was very excited about it and, despite terrible weather, managed to coax Dad into a riding lesson in the kitchen!  Aiden also demonstrated his sage experience in blowing out his birthday candles.  We love you, Aiden!

 

 Aiden cannot wait to try out his new bicycle!

 Though he is pretty excited about that helicopter, too!

 

I know how to get this started!

 

Daddy helps Aiden get going (while Audra watches).

 

Time for cake!  Aiden blows out his candles...

 

...All three at once!  Happy 3rd Birthday, Aiden!