Apple picking

My family is so important to me and so is creating memorable family time. I would really like our kids to look back years from now with fond memories of their family and the time we spent together. I know that we can't always do things outside the home and go places but when we can I am trying to make it really fun for them. I really wanted to go apple picking. When I told Scott he looked at me like I was so lame! So I told him to shut it and get in the car :)

When we got to Oak Glen we had a picnic and just talked. We had very meaningful conversation with the girls and between the two of us. This is something that gets overlooked sometimes with the busyness of day to day life. Plus I finally got to actually talk with my husband! Most of my conversations consist of "You have to go poo-poo?" or "Don't hit! Please share! That's it! One! Two!! Three!!!" and lots of stuff like that. So when engaging with my husband sometimes I need to remember that I'm his wife and not his mother. So it was very pleasant to talk with him, not at him.
We were able to watch our kids and their love for animals. They were so cute talking to the animals like they were babies. So tender and sweet.
Um, hello beautiful!!!
The girls had so much fun picking apples from the tree, instead of a pile at the grocery store.
Leah is still asking if we are going to go pick apples. I think she loved it most.

It turns out that Scott had a great time! He did not think it was so lame after all. He really enjoyed the quality family time and didn't mind missing some college games on t.v., thank goodness for DVR.

And when we got home the girls and I made apple pies with all the labor we did. We made two and gave one to our friends. They really enjoyed picking the apples and then seeing the outcome of their hard work. I guess seeing the "fruit's" of their labors payed off!
They turned out delicious and the best part is that we all had a hand in it. I think this is going to be a new tradition for the Hardy's!

My burfday week!

This year I turned 28! Oh me oh my, I'm no longer in my mid twenties anymore. I'm getting so old and am now in my LATE twenties!!! Too bad I don't feel like it. I am right where I want to be at 28. Just got a house, a new car, two amazing children, my health and a hot husband, not to mention I still have my spunk! I'm feeling good :) hahaha So this year the festivities started out with a girls trip to Vegas.

I think I was a little excited to be there and be a care free birthday girl instead of a mommy for a few days. I missed my kids like crazy, but was so excited to be with my friends for a couple day.
We did so much fun stuff while there but the best thing we did was get all dolled up and go see Ka a Cirque du Soleil show. It was the most amazing thing I have ever seen and we have now decided that this is a Vegas must! Totally worth the money, I even cried because the story was so beautiful.
And it was so great to stay up for hours with your two best friends chatting it up, giggling, and being silly. I love my friends, but I love my husband even more for letting me go!
I got home just in time to celebrate my actual birthday with the most important people in the world to me, minus Scott because he had to work. My sister surprised me by coming over to check out our new house and see all of us. So we decided to go to Disneyland. I never get sick of that place. She took us to the Blue Bayou and we had a great time with her!
Happy birthday to mommy! Except I gave the gross chocolate mouse to the girls because I am an ice cream girl all the way.
I was able to go to the beach with some friends for Labor day. The girls and I had a great time.
It was a beautiful day with my little baywatch beauties.
I just love these silly girls!

We were having a no t.v. day and painted some pine cones that we found on our walk that day.
And then ended the family week with a picnic at the park. This year has been amazing and I plan to make 28 an even better year than the last. More personal goals and lots of time with my amazing little family!

From the mouths of babes!

So during family home evening tonight our lesson is about loving one another. I tell a story of an old man trying to catch the bus and I notice him hurrying knowing he won't make it due to his walking cane. I ask everyone how we can show kindness and love toward that stranger. Hannah's response was "I will take that man to the hostibal (how she says it) get him a doctor to fix his legs so that he can catch the next bus!" hahahaha I loved it because she was so genuine and honest. She may not know the immediate response to help and show love to strangers but her heart is sure in the right place. I love that girl!