Our first T-ball game

We've hit another milestone in our journey through parenthood...Josh had his first t-ball game. And can I just say that it was about the cutest thing I've ever seen, next to Kate's first ballet recital.

Now, picture in your mind this little guy, with his hat (that's way too big) pushed down so that his ears stick out and the cute uniform that makes him look so grown up. Add to that the biggest, most adorable grin and those sparkling brown eyes. I almost couldn't handle it!


When at last he stepped up to bat, I thought Greg might burst with pride that his son was actually playing in his first game. When he hit the ball, he took off like lightning ... towards the pitcher's mound. They all know that they're suppose to run to first base; they just aren't sure which one is first. It was hilarious! In fact, it was almost as cute as the 15 dads standing in the outfield by their sons making sure they knew what to do. We can't wait for the next game!


Being at the ball field brought back a lot of fun memories of when I was younger and spent most weeknights at the park watching my three younger brothers play ball. There really is nothing more hometown America than spending an evening watching a baseball game. We'll keep you posted on how our Washington Nationals do this year! It's bound to be a fun season!

Weekend with Nana

I'm a little late in posting this, but we had such a great time with Nana (my mom) this past week. She came down on Wednesday for Josh's preschool graduation and we spent the rest of the week just playing. We had a RIOT! Here's a little rundown of what we've been up to:

Thursday: Nana and Josh "hung out" while I went to help in Kate's class. We then took Josh to his other preschool and mom and I hit Target, one of our favorite places to shop. You can ALWAYS find something to spend your money on there, right? Then we "snatched" up my niece and nephew, ran kids to t-ball and soccer practice, made mac & cheese, fed and bathed 4 kids and collapsed into the couch for some story time. My mom loves nothing more than spending time with her grandkids. Thanks, Mom, for being such an AWESOME mom/nana!


Friday: We got ourselves up and ready for the day and went shopping for flowers. Nana LOVES to plant things and I decided to use her knowledge (and 2 hands) to get some flowers planted in my yard. With a backseat full of flowers, we decided to check Kate out of class early and run to our new In & Out Burger. YUM YUM! And then, (as if we hadn't had enough fun already) we went to Jumpin' Jacks! By 5:00 we were ALL exhausted, but we managed to get all of the flowers planted. Thanks for helping to beautify our yard, mom!

Nana, looking hot, at Jumpin' Jacks!

Saturday: The fun continued with Madi's (my niece) soccer game, Josh's t-ball team pictures and hit-a-thon, Kate's soccer game and swimming at Aunt Melanie's house. Whew! It was a GORGEOUS day and we had a terrific time hanging out with our Nana, aunt and cousins! Thanks for such a fun day!

My nephew, Gunnar, my sister-in-law, Melanie (who I really call my sister) and Josh.

This is my niece, Madi, providing shade for the lady of luxury, Kate.

Unfortunately, all good things must come to an end. So, on Sunday, Nana packed up her things and headed home. But we're excited because she's got 2 more trips planned in the next month. So, until then ... WE LOVE YOU NANA!

Preschool Graduation

Today was a big day at our house, and not just because Nana T came down to visit. Today was Josh's Preschool Graduation. Now, in certain situations, Josh can be a little timid, at least he used to. Today, however, was a much different story. As the class filed in and began performing the songs that they had rehearsed, Josh sprung into action. He was singing EXTRA loud, jumping around and really exaggerating the actions to every song. It was a riot! I just hope it wasn't too disturbing to all of the other parents.

I love this little man with all my heart. He constantly makes me laugh with the funny things he says and does. Sometimes I'm amazed that he's only 5 years old, but then there are days when I can't believe that my baby is growing up so fast.

Congratulations on graduating preschool, J-Dog! To steal a phrase from one of your songs today, "Look out Kindergarten, here we come!"

Josh pretending to surf.

Josh and his preschool buddies from our neighborhood

Receiving his diploma - Notice the tassel. Yes, he intentionally positioned it in right in the center of his face. That's adorable son.

I'm already having visions of his high school graduation. What will he do during those ceremonies?

Josh and his Nana

California '08 - Day 4 - Birch Aquarium

Saturday morning began like every day should ... a good friend and a pedicure! It was glorious! Then we had all planned to hit the beach for some boogie board lessons from Ben, but unfortunately the weather didn't cooperate. So, we went out for Mexican food and hit the Birch Aquarium in San Diego. And to top it all off, the adults went out to dinner to the Pacifica Del Mar. YUM! Good food and good friends are the perfect combination!

Thanks again Ben, April, Thomas and the ever adorable, Finn. You guys are the best and we look forward to your visit to our house soon!

Now it's back to reality ... laundry, cooking, homework, etc. But it's always nice to come home. I guess that's the sign of a good vacation!

California '08 - Day 3 - Disneyland

Day 3 of our getaway was spent with the Meekers at Disneyland. Unlike our first day at Disneyland, the lines were longer and it was warmer, but we still had a terrific time. The highlight of the day for Josh was being able to be "Jedi trained." Anyone who knows Josh knows how much he LOVES Star Wars. So, when he was picked to participate, I thought that the smile on his face would never leave. It was priceless. Fortunately, Kate and Thomas were also able to be "trained."

I was really surprised at how well the kids did for walking all day. Kate is the daredevil of the family and can keep up with the best of them. The highlights of Disneyland for her were the Tower of Terror, Screamin' over California and the High School Musical show. Oh to be young again and be absolutely fearless!

When all was said and done, we had a great time but admittedly we were EXHAUSTED! Now Greg and I need a vacation from our vacation! How about Italy, honey?

California '08 - Day 2 - Carlsbad

Some of our dearest friends (Ben, April and Thomas) live in Carlsbad and provide us with a vacation home when we are in California. April is THE perfect hostess and always ensures that her guests feel warm and welcome. She even goes so far as to prepare a welcome basket. This time she had made gift bags for the kids with treats and had made Kate and me matching aprons. Boy ... my poor guests get a crappy old bed and two loud children as an alarm clock! Thanks April for being the "hostess with the mostest!"

On day 2 of our vacation, we headed to the beach in Carlsbad! It was a GORGEOUS day! There weren't too many people at the beach and though the water was cold, it didn't stop the kids from wading in for some fun. Meanwhile, April and I spent some quality time together, chatting and lounging in beach chairs while drinking diet coke. Does life get any better than that? I don't think so ... especially on a Thursday afternoon!

The picture of the flowers is of the INCREDIBLE Carlsbad Flower Fields! I could really get used to driving past those every day! Thanks again for a delightful visit. We love and miss you, but appreciate your friendship over the years!

California '08 - Day 1 - Disneyland

We decided to "get out of dodge" and go on vacation. And what better place than California! So, we decided to take the kids to Disneyland and as luck would have it, my cute little sis and her hubby were going out there at the same time. We had a WONDERFUL time and it was such a treat to spend time with Amy and Casey. Thanks guys for putting up with our crazy family! We love you both tons and tons!

For more fun pics, go to my sister's blog at: http://caseyamyfamily.blogspot.com/

A World of Discovery

So, it's been a week of discovery at our house. First of all, Josh came home from preschool with a cup of dirt and seeds and said that his teacher told him to "count to 2 while watering" his plant. So, the first night he counted to 2, except I think his teacher meant a little faster than 1 ....... 2 ....... It was a little, ummmm, shall we say, WET after that first watering and we wondered if anything would grow. But sure enough, grass starting poking up and soon we had a full grown plant. If only our grass outside would grow as fast and as green.


Then Miss Katelyn decided to enter the Science Fair at school. Now, anyone who knows me knows that I am anything but a scientist. But we decided to choose something that was at least within the realms of our world. So, we conducted our own scientific experiment by leaving out certain ingredients in chocolate chip cookies. And just in case you're interested, cookies don't really work without ALL of the ingredients!

The best part of both of these "experiments" was watching the excitement in Kate and Josh's eyes as we discovered new things together!

My cute girl

Well ... we did it! We cut 10 inches off of Kate's hair! She and I were both ready for a new do, but we had to convince her dad. Thankfully he loves it almost as much as we do! She's had fun standing at the mirror admiring herself and has said multiple times, "Mom, I hardly recognize myself." I've also noticed that she walks with a new bounce in her step in an attempt to make her hair 'swish' back and forth. Who doesn't love a new haircut?


For the past few weeks she's been asking if she could follow the example of her cousin and some of her friends and donate her ponytail to "Locks of Love." So, when we got ready to cut it, we put it in a pony and snipped it right off. Thanks for being such a sweetheart sis! YOU ARE BEAUTIFUL!

Our week in review

Here it is Saturday night AGAIN and I feel like I have lots to say about this past week. So, get comfy because I am about to reveal the details of what's been happening with the Hardmans.

First of all ... I am SO excited to announce that I am an AUNT again! Andrew Ryan Thurston was born today at 2:30 p.m. Congrats Ry and Deb (and Nolan)! We are so excited for you and I can't wait to get my hands on him!

It seems like we move from one sport to the next, but I must admit that I enjoy it! Kate is playing soccer again and LOVES it! She seems to have come to the realization that soccer is a game which requires participation and it is NOT a social event. And even when she really gets in there and tries to get the ball, you can still recognize the dainty ballerina in her. I'm so grateful that she has some athletic ability, unlike her mother. Here you can see her playing defender and anxiously waiting for the ball to come her way. Great job sis!


On Thursday morning before school, Greg and Kate went to "Dads and Donuts." Our PTA came up with the idea of having 2 separate mornings where moms or dads can come enjoy a treat with their child and read together before school. (For mom's it's called "Moms and Muffins) Such a fun event and the kids LOVE it! Thanks Greg for being such a good dad!


Later that day, Josh came home from preschool and told me that we were going on a treasure hunt. It was one of those simple things that he wanted me to do and I might have been tempted to put him off, but I could see how excited he was. So, we did it! Here's the cute map that he drew himself. From left to right he drew his bed and "Start," then down the stairs to the final spot where he hid the treasure. His clue to me was, "It's somewhere that you work mom." My desk! Is he trying to tell me that I spend a lot of time on the computer? Thanks for the fun hunt buddy!


Then on Friday, some friends called and invited the kids and I to spend the afternoon at "Jumpin' Jacks," a giant room with 8 or 9 bounce houses and slides. I almost turned them down because, well, I was in the middle of cleaning. That may sound silly, but you know me ... I like to clean my house. However, I decided to drop everything and have some fun. Surprising, I know, but it was worth it! We will definitely be going back there this summer when it's a million degrees and there's nothing else to do. Thanks for the invite Ash!






So, there you have it ... our week in review! It may seem like just an ordinary week, but in looking back, we managed to make some fun memories in the midst of work, laundry, dishes and homework.

Friends

If there's one thing that I know it's that certain people are brought into our lives at a particular time, for a particular reason. I have found this to be true on multiple occasions. So, today's blog is dedicated to just a few of my FRIENDS!

First off, I would like to wish my dear friend April a VERY happy birthday! She and I became friends when we both left our homes, family and everything that was familiar to move half way across the country so that our husbands could attend Creighton Law School. Our friendship was immediate and provided us with much needed solice (and fun times) during those challenging years. We have loved and supported each other through lots of happy and sad times. And though she lives very far away, her friendship means the world to me. (And not just because her home in CA is my vacation home!) Thanks for being so special to me April! Love ya lots!


Secondly, I have been in mourning this past week because my very good friend (who happens to be my next door neighbor) has moved. It feels like she's moved to another planet, but in reality, she's only 10 minutes away. When we built our house 4 1/2 years ago, I had no idea that I would meet and form a bond with such an amazing friend! She and her cute family have become like family to us. Amy has been by my side through lots of happy times and has supported me through heartache as well. Her cute girls and handsome little guy have become like cousins to my kids and they refer to me as "Aunt" Jill. Amy and I have already decided that Josh and Drew (her 2nd oldest) MUST get married. In fact, I think she's already reserved the temple for 2024, right Am? Anyway, thanks Morbs for being such awesome friends and neighbors! We will miss you TONS, but know that we'll keep in touch.


I have so many wonderful friends who I love and adore. Some I have met along the way ... others I am fortunate enough to call family! Each one plays a significant and important role in my life and for that I am eternally grateful! I love you all and can't imagine my life without you. Here's to friends!