McDonald Happenings!

This time of year is always busy because of all the special events we have this time of year. To start off first Mike and I celebrated our 8th Anniversary in San Francisco. It was our first time visiting, so we truly enjoyed the quality time we spent just exploring all over. We went for Mike's cousins wedding but spent sometime sightseeing for a day or two. I swore that on Friday we walked over 20 miles because we were trying to get to everything in one day. Mike thought I was exaggerating, but we did start our morning off visiting Alcatraz which was so interesting to learn about. Then we ate lunch in Fisherman's Wharf and headed to the Giardelli Chocolate factory, took a cable car to Union Square, hit China Town and then our final excursion was to Lombard street which I didn't know if I could make. I told Mike "there better be some reward at the top of this street for me to make it up because my legs are killing me". Well, to my surprise it was worth it! The street was so neat, the flowers were beautiful and the view was amazing! We then spent Saturday in Tiburon at a park where the wedding was held, it was nice to spend time with Bob's side of the family and enjoy the incredible weather and views of the bay. However, the best part of the trip was spending time with Mike where we truly enjoyed our time together, laughed alot and enjoyed our journey all weekend long... and let me tell you it was a journey- we shared a room with Mike's sisters...! Then we returned and started our October Birthday Craze where we celebrate a million different birthdays. First one was my sister in law Angelina, she didn't get to celebrate her 30th birthday with a bang last year because she was pregnant so we made up for that this year. I should say we made up for it for years to come because I don't think she will ever forget this birthday for the rest of her life!! Needless, to say she had alot of fun dancing and little too much fun drinking if you know what I mean. I will leave it at that! Finally, the girls are on Fall break so we have had some fun lately! Tatum is loving the care free days where she sleeps in, goes to McDonald's with Aunt Kelly and watches lots of Halloween movies. I took the girls to a Cardinals game and then we had a girls night with the her cousins. Last, but not least was my big B-Day where I celebrated at work on Thursday with lunch and Happy Hour with some real good friends. Then on Friday went to dinner and a movie with family. We went to see Couples Retreat which was hilarious. All in all it was a lovely couple of days and I don't feel a day over 21! (yeah right!!) No really, life is great and I have so much to be grateful for.

This was on Angelina's birthday we went to the Sandbar in Chandler and it was so much fun! Nice to see my friend Rachel too!

Jilly Turns 4

What a fun filled Birthday weekend for my little Jillian. We started our weekend off with cupcakes in her classroom on Friday, spent Saturday at Build a Bear with a few friends from school and then last but not least was the big family/friends party in which we celebrated Jilly's fourth birthday and a Cardinal Victory (yes I am a crazy fan!) Hey, it was an easy theme to use for decorations and for others to feel comfortable in their Sunday Football best! (Cardinal red and black!)

Yes, I actually got a photo of her smiling! Jilly hates pictures so I had to act fast and get these without anyone around. Every time this time of year comes around I get very sentimental because I had both girls in the fall. It brings back so many wonderful memories, Jillian was such a wonderful baby who continues to bring great joy to my life. I am so fortunate to have her as my daughter... I love you little bean!

Tatum's first soccer game....

and she scored 2 goals! Yahoo! I didn't get to see them, but dad was sure proud !!

"She is going to be more than just a dancer..."

About one year ago....

I started this blog a little over a year ago... and distinctly remember creating a post about my girlfriend Amy's 5 year old little boy who died tragically. As difficult as this past year has been for Amy, she pulled together a memorial for Carston at his ASU preschool. They built this incredible Firehouse for the kids at the preschool to play in since Carston was amazed with fireman. This was an incredibly difficult day as you can imagine. Here, I am encountering all these new amazing adventures with Tatum in kindergarten and my girlfriend only dreams about these moments. I am reminded of what it means to live each day to it's fullest as I think about her daily. I only wish I would have made the time to have Carston come to Mike's firestation.... I have really learned to make things happen and not let things go! Those little things mean ALOT!

On a lighter note... time for Cardinal Football!!! Yahoo, we spent last weekend up in cool Flagstaff with the rest of the MANY crazy Cardinal fans! This too marks the time where I posted many blogs about my excitement for the Cardinals. Let's just say we were new to the whole Cardinal camp routine, spent an hour waiting to meet Larry Fitzgerald only to find that 20 minutes goes by fast, can you believe we only got Big Red's autograph (the bird)! We are very excited to start the season off with some great tailgates and winning games. It was so nice to get away and enjoy time with friends and cool off! This marks the beginning of many to Cardinal football posts to come! Enjoy!

Tatum's First Day of Kindergarten

Well, Mike and I knew this day would come but we weren't sure how we would feel. I realized how quickly time flies and how scary that feels!! My little girl has such a zest for life that I think Mike and I will miss her presence around the house throughout the week. In addition, we have come to realize that this is a new chapter of hers and our life - and I think it may take some time to embrace(not so much for her but for us!).

Tatum's teacher handed out this poem below as she walked into her classroom and it really touched us and put it all into perspective. Please enjoy!

The First Day
I gave you a little wink and smile
As you entered my room today.
For I know how hard it is to leave
and know your child must stay.
You've been with her for five years now
And have been a loving guide,
But now, alas, the time has come
To leave her at my side.
Just know that as you drive away
And tears down your cheeks may flow
I'll love her as I would my own
and help her learn and grow.
For as a parent, I too know
How quickly the years do pass
and that one day soon it will be my turn
To take my child to class.
So please put your mind at ease
And cry those tears no more
For I will love her and take her in
When you leave her at my door.



She did survive her first day and was super excited about telling me about what they have planned for tomorrow.

Broken Camera = NO BLOG ENTRIES

The past two months we have had so much going on and I have had the craziness of a broken camera. Luckily, my lovely father-in-law had an extra one and I was able to catch some of the fun family memories. I must start first with the new addition to our family, "Miss Delila" as my little Jilly bean yells everytime we walk in the door. Delila is our 5 lb miniature dachsund who joined our family in early May and let me tell you she has been nothing but a true joy. When Mike and I decided we would finally get a dog, it just had to be the "right one": it needed to be potty trained, out of the puppy stage but not too old, and finally it had to be one that the girls would just love.. ie lap dog. She is just perfect and everyone who meets her feels the same.

The next big event for our family was Tatum's Dance Recital that we had just a couple of weeks ago. She has been so excited for this night and worked hard practicing her two dances. It's amazing to see her grow and develop in such a short time, she actually has some level of rythm and technique, I don't know where she get's that from. Along with her dance recital she has managed to lose two teeth in about a week.

Lastly, we just returned from the annual McDonald Family San Diego trip. I have to say we have done this for the past 3 years and it just keeps getting better and better as the girls get older. We had a blast although Tatum was bummed she couldn't go on the Mission Beach Roller Coaster... but Jilly got to go on her first ride at the amusement park and before she knew what to do.. she just bust out in laughter and ever since has been eager to go on any ride they will let her on.

Proud Parent Moment!

I know we all have had many proud parent moments but this is one I just can't pass up. My daughter Tatum was chosen to sing a solo for her end of the year school program. Needless, to say I was excited and nervous for her knowing I would have never been able to do something like this now or even at the age of 5. We must have listened and practiced the song a million times and when we dropped her off she was completely confident. Well.... not so much two minutes before she was to go on. Apparently, she had a melt down when she saw the audience, it sounded a little like this "I can't do it, no Mrs. Gifford I don't want to go out there!" Luckily for me, her wonderful teacher and pastor had to get her through this moment (i think there were some prayers involved). Thank god for the wonderful teachers at this school because she pulled it off and did wonderfully! Here is a clip for you all to enjoy because, yes I know you all wanted to hear it!

Oh, and I can't forget about my little Jilly bean. She made it all the way through her two songs without crying off the stage. At the Christmas program she was the only child who went crying off the stage. So we had two milestones in the McDonald family both of which I was very proud of. These are the moments when you realize how wonderful children are and that it is all worth it!

What a great Easter!

Well I was a bit worried about how this Easter would turn out as Saturday was so rainy that we didn't get to do any of the fun events I had planned. This really bummed me out as I truly enjoy these outdoor activities and we were going to celebrate Easter with my family at the Ahwatukee parade events. Needless to say that did not happen and we spent most of the day at my house indoors. I did an impromptu Easter egg hunt in the rain and the kids had a ball. Although Saturday wasn't my idea of fun, Sunday was! I couldn't have asked for a better day. I truly enjoy attending Mass on Easter as I feel it is a time of renewal and new beginnings, I love all the kids in their adorable clothing and I love this time with my family. I can honestly say this is the first Easter where I was able to truly enjoy the whole mass, my lovely aunt saved me a seat in the church (which by the way is a BIG deal) and my children behaved! We then had a lovely breakfast at Cheesecake factory and then celebrated with Mike's family in the afternoon with great food and lots of fun activities with the kids. There was no stress, and the weather was beautiful.. I feel extremely blessed to have so many wonderful gifts in my life.
Tatum doing one of her usual poses! To get Jilly to take a picture I had to promise her a peice of her Easter candy!