Hardin Family Travels


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Tuesday, January 11, 2011

Another state and first trip to the beach....

We went to Florida for a week after Christmas with Craig's family. Kay was a trooper during the long 9 hour drive. We ended up leaving earlier than planned because the threat of a white Christmas. It made me very sad to leave home and not get to play in the snow, but it was worth it. When we got to Florida we wondered if we were really there because it was so COLD! It was in the 30s. The heated outdoor pool did not heat it was so cold. Kay enjoyed her cousins company. Five children, 4 and under make for a busy house. I am not sure there was ever a second when someone was not crying. To top things off we had a stomach bug that knocked out the entire house at some point during the week. Each morning we woke up wondering who was up all night with the funk.

The kids enjoyed Disney, seeing the manatees, and playing in the sand. Nana and Pops even braved watching all the grandkids so the parents could go to the bowl game. Kay's laser pointer as we call it (Kay points her little pointer finger and grunts in excitement when she sees something fun) was out in full force at Disney. Craig got to drive on the beach (a first for him) which he was very excited about.










Tuesday, January 4, 2011

Christmas Morning...

Christmas was more exciting this year now that Kay was able to move around and open her own presents. The favorites were an old cell phone/keys/purse, doll stroller, toy grocery cart, and a box of tissues. She loved being able to pull every tissue out of the box without being stopped. We opened presents in the morning and the had a Christmas lunch of steaks, asparagus, and twice baked potatoes. We were planning on having a Christmas dinner, but we were expecting 7 inches of snow and needed to get out of town before the weather got bad. After the third gift Kay understood that if you rip the paper off there is a fun toy inside. We feel so fortunate to be able to celebrate Christmas with Kay's great grandmother again. What a lucky girl!







Thursday, December 23, 2010

Here comes Santa!

I think for Kay the best part of our Santa trip was blowing him kisses from a distance. She walked up to every kid in line and said hi and gave out hi-fives. Once it came time to sit on Santa's lap the scene changed. We were successful in getting the screaming child Santa picture. Once her thumb went in the mouth things were bearable, but still no smile until she ran back into my arms afterward!






Friends...

Kay and her friend Adaline spent some time together a few weekends ago. The girls are so cute and really have fun together. Kay kept pointing at Adalines belly button the whole time. Adaline loved giving Kay snuggles. Their friend Laurel gave them a new toy. The girls had fun trying to figure out the wrapping paper together!
Kay continues to love helping us make dinner. She helped fix everyone's plate with salad a few nights ago. She loves anything she can make a mess with!

Tuesday, December 14, 2010

Cars, leaks, and doctors...oh my!

Oh my have we been busy! About three weeks after getting my car fixed from the accident I had while Craig was in China a man ran a red light and totaled Craig's car. We are so thankful everyone has been ok in all of our accidents so far this year. We are now pros at dealing with insurance and have a "new to us" car. We were a little stressed having to buy a car so quickly (four days). Normally we look around for a long time. We spent the entire first two snow days of the season cleaning the new car. We got a great deal on it, but with it came a lot of dirt. I don't think they ever cleaned it! It was very cold, but really really needed to be cleaned so we could drive it.

We spent the next weekend plumbing our kitchen sink. We had a leak for several days that we needed to deal with. Although we both would have rather been relaxing, I can say Craig and I did enjoy a little project again. We used to do so many around the house together. Projects are a great way to talk and spend time together. We have learned a lot of skills by owning this house!

Kay got another ear infection, I came down with a bad case of strep throat, and Craig ordered his first pair of glasses. Kay was then sent to the specialist and I was turned away from the drug store clinic because my heart rate was so high. A couple doctors later and I am feeling great, Kay now has tubes, and Craig will be able to see better!! This morning we woke up really early to get her to the surgery. She was a little scared while they did the weigh in and temperature. She went back with the doctor without a peep. After the surgery she was really scared and cried the entire way home. She is doing much better now. Her ears were pretty yucky with infection so I am glad we went ahead and did the tubes. I hope I do not have to send my baby away again any time soon! It brought back memories of leaving the hospital without her. Here is Kay waiting patiently for her surgery.

We drove Kay to a house we discovered last year. This house has tons of lights that all light up with three different songs. We got Kay out of her car seat so she could see the show. She LOVED it. I can't wait for next year. I think she will appreciate it even more! Craig took some of his coworkers that were visiting from China to the same house. He wanted to show them a little bit of an American Christmas. I think they also really enjoyed seeing some of the holiday celebrations.

Kay has really started enjoying coloring. She thinks it is so neat that as she moves the marker over the paper it leaves a mark. Here she is coloring with dad.

I just purchased the best item ever off craigslist! I found this adjustable step stool that is the perfect kitchen counter height. Kay loves being able to see what is going on. My arm used to get so tired trying to hold her so she could see. Now, she is able to stand up and help us with dinner. Here is is helping to make a pie and shred cheese. Craig is really excited to make "Mimi" biscuits with her soon.

Tuesday, November 23, 2010

Daddy days...

Kay spent a lot of time with Craig last weekend. Now that she is able to walk, it is so much more fun to play outside. Craig took Kay to play basketball at our neighborhood playground. She did have fun with the basketball, but I think she had more fun playing with the leaves.










Three little monkeys...

Kay and her cousins Charlotte and Will had a blast together this weekend. They had a special visit from their great aunt Pat and got to play together for several hours. The favorites of the day were Kay and Charlotte "talking" on the two toy phones and all three of the kids playing us a lovely song on the piano.