Lately...

Hello?  Anyone still read this thing?  If so, you'll be glad to see that I have finally updated!  It's only been 8 months.  One of my goals for this year is to be better at documenting the happenings of my family.  I have never been a good journaler, so this blog is it!

Here is a little life update for the Hardcastle family:

Brad:  Still enjoying his new job.  I am enjoying his commute (20 minute max!)  His office is right next to a local park and river walkway, so we are looking forward to visiting for lunch once the weather warms up.   He was recently called into the YM program working with 15+ Deacons (boys age 12-13).  He loves it.  I think it is payback from his Deacon-age years.  He is looking forward to their monthly campouts, summer scout camp, and all the various activities in-between.

Lauren:  Feeling very blessed to be home full-time with Owen.  I was given the chance to go back to school last Fall to start a program that had been my dream since I was a teenager.  The timing never was right, and this would have been my last chance to start before classes expired, etc.  Wouldn't you know it-- the timing still wasn't right and I turned it down.   I never thought I would pass up something I had worked 7+ years for, but I guess I my dream has changed.  
At church I am serving as the Music Chairman, Choir director, Nursery chorister, in addition to Co-organist.  All firsts for me.   On the advice of my back surgeon, I recently started swimming again.  I don't love it, and I'm not very good at it, but I do mostly love those early morning workouts and time to myself.   Besides working out, learning more about crafting (just got a Silhouette & Pinterest!) and couponing, the rest of my time is with my Owen, who is the best buddy I could ask for!

Owen:  Growing up way too fast!  He is 17 months old now, which means 1 more month until nursery.  We are all counting the days!  He knows all his articles of clothing and loves to help get himself dressed.  He knows over 10 animals and their sounds.  He still is the best giver of hugs & kisses.  He loves balls, and expecially loves playing baseball on a little tee/ball/bat set he got for his birthday.   He doesn't love having to stay inside with the cold weather, so we try to find at least one excursion a day to get out of the house.  Sometimes it is just to the rec center to walk around the track, but no matter what it is, he loves it!  He is constantly waving "Hi" and "Bye" to people.  I always look forward to finishing checkout at the grocery store, and watching him wave "Bye" and blow kisses to the cashier.  Every. Single. Time.  He has such a friendly demeanor and loves to interact with people. 

Life is good for the Hardcastles.  Hopefully we can keep this thing a little more up-to-date for 2012!

5 year Anniversary Getaway

Brad and I celebrated our 5 year anniversary on December 29, while we were still in San Diego.  A family friend offered up her beach house for us to stay in for a couple days and my parents offered to watch Owen.  Are you kidding me!?  Who would turn those offers down!  With that, we packed up our bags and headed off to Coronado for 2 days. 

 

It was the cutest little house, close to everything we needed: restaurants, shopping, beach. 

We even had a personalized welcome waiting for us!  I loved it!

The first afternoon we walked around the Hotel Del Coronado and checked out the beautiful Christmas decorations they had.  Then we went out to dinner at yummy Italian restaurant that overlooked the San Diego skyline. 

The next day, we slept in!  Woohoo!  (Maybe my favorite part about the entire weekend!  Is it okay to say that?)  Then we went to the beach for a couple hours, and except for a small incident with some brazen seagulls (stole our bread right out from under us!)  we enjoyed some lunch, some reading, and then walked along the beach to find some seashells for Owen.

Later that afternoon we headed over to the pier and checked out the shops. 

Here is a picture of us in Coronado over 5 years ago, when Brad came out to California to propose to me.  Please tell me we look at least a little older, right?

We finished up the night with some Thai food, some ice cream, and a couple movies.  It was the perfect little getaway!  And Owen didn't even notice we were gone, he was too busy having fun with his aunt, uncles, Papa & Noni.  Thank you family for watching Owen, and thank you Moore family for opening your home to us!

California Christmas

San Diego weather did not disappoint while we were visiting.  It was 70-80 degrees everyday and absolutely beautiful.  Every morning Brad and Owen could go on walks around my grandparent's property, eating tangerines off of the tree, visiting the horses, watching grandpa work, and just enjoying the nice warm weather. 

Brad and my cousin & uncle went deep sea fishing one day.  They left around 4:00 am and were going to either do a half-day or full-day trip depending on the fishing.  Well the fishing was pretty successful, and (once again!) the weather was perfect so they stayed all day and didn't get back until 7:00 pm.  Brad was exhausted but said they had a blast. 

Sunset on the water.  Beautiful!

We headed down to Barrio Logan one afternoon for some traditional mexican food at Las Cuatro Milpas.  We got their early, so the line wasn't too long and we only had to wait 45 minutes (Yes, that's the short line wait!)  The food was yummy, and we had a kick trying to watch my Dad (who doesn't know a lick of spanish) try to order his meal.  "No queso!"  Haha... good times!

On December 29 (which happened to be Brad & my 5 year anniversary!) we were able to do a family session at the temple.  Brad and I have been able to be at the temple for each of our anniversaries, so it was nice to keep the tradition going, and of course to be with my family!

Britni, Bry, Ross, Mom & Dad, me

(Brad was lost somewhere inside)

Besides the 2 days that Brad and I snuck away to celebrate our 5 year anniversary, the rest of our days were spent with the family!  We ventured down to the park one day to feed the ducks, we went on lots of walks, the ladies did some shopping/the guys watched some football, and we played lots of games.  Including some very spirited Minute-to-Win-it games on New Years Eve that will remain a family highlight for years to come.