What? June is over already?

Alright, alright! I know I'm way behind on my blogging. Even Greg said to me tonight, "I looked at your blog and it's been a month." How did this happen? What, you ask, have I been doing for the entire month of June? Honestly, I'm asking myself the same question. So, let's take a look back at the "Hardman Happenings" over the past few weeks. I'll try my best to keep it brief since I've let the whole month pass me by.

To start off, we headed to SLC to attend my nephew's baby blessing and then the kids and I stayed up for a week of fun. My mom's birthday was the 2nd, so my sister and I surprised her with tickets to "Good Things Utah." We are HUGE fans of the show and could hardly contain our excitement! We had such a great time at the show, going to lunch and of course, shopping the afternoon away! Thanks girls for an amazing day and DeDee, thanks for keeping Kate and Josh for me.


While we were in Salt Lake, we went with Greg's family to the "This Is the Place Park" and had a great time! The kids thoroughly enjoyed it and I think it gave them a small appreciation of how lucky we are. But the best part was spending time with Grandpa and Grandma, Aunt Kerilyn, Aunt DeDee and their cousins! We don't get to spend near enough time with them, but when we do, we always have a fun time. Thanks everyone!

The rest of the week was spent shopping, going to the movies with Nana, sleepovers with Nolan, going to a parade with Aunt Amy and Uncle Casey and the highlight for Kate ... getting her ears pierced. I'm still surprised that we let her do it, but I guess you've got to say "yes" once and a while, right? We had a very fun week, but we were ready to get back home to see our dad.


Since coming home, we have spent our days crafting with friends, going to the library, swimming lessons, playdates, building "huts" in the basement, swimming at the new rec center, and afternoons at Jumpin' Jacks. We also finished Josh's first season of t-ball and got Kate started on piano lessons.

Like most moms during the summer, I find that I spend most of my days making sure jobs get done, fighting keeps to a minimum, sunburns are avoided and hopefully everyone had a little fun along the way. Some of my fondest memories of summer are those when I just spent time playing with my brothers. I don't recall having to be entertained or carted about to various activities, although I'm sure we did that, too. I just enjoyed being able to PLAY. So, I've tried to keep a balance of structured activities while still allowing them to just be kids. Aaahhhh, the wonderful days of summer.

Now, with that being said, how much longer until school starts? (just kidding ... kind of) Actually, one of the reasons why I can't wait for school to start is because I know that the summer heat is closer to ending. Anyone who knows me really well knows that I HATE the heat. Why do I, of all people, live in the desert? Good question. I guess it's for the other 9 months of the year that are gorgeous. Some people say, "Think Spring!" Not in my house. We say, "Think Fall!"

During June, we also celebrated Father's Day, our 17th Anniversary and TODAY ... my hubby's birthday! All 3 occasions have given me reason to pause and consider how lucky I am to have Greg in my life. He is, without a doubt, an AMAZING dad/husband and my best friend! I love him with all of my heart and can hardly believe that we've been together for 17 years. Thanks Gregor for the amazing adventure and I look forward to all that we still have to share together.


So, there you have it ... a brief look at the past few weeks. I'm hopeful that I'll be better this month, but I can't promise anything. Hey, at least I'm honest, right? Happy Summer everyone!