Groupon, Oh Groupon!

Expiration dates.

They come & go on a lot of food in our fridge. They are easy to miss on car inspection stickers. This week some of our Groupon coupons were going to expire, so we were at the point of use it or lose it. Thus, we decided to go & climb the wall.

Our family spent five and a half hours at Austin Parks & Pizza this afternoon. It was a lot of fun.

I told Peter that I was glad we hadn't introduced the kids to this place before now because they are going to want to come a lot.

We somewhat beat the crowds today, and the kids all gave the rock climbing wall a whirl. I tried it too. It is A LOT harder than it looks! Tons of video games were included in the Groupon and we did the race cars and water boat squirting ride.
My favorite was Laser Tag. Peter was the only one who had done that. The kids knew of it from some TV show. We had a blast in there. At the very end, someone flew around a corner with their gun right at Alex's head level and he got whacked pretty hard. Nice bruise on his forehead to remember the day.
We also attempted miniture golf but it was packed and a little frustrating. Campbell did manage a legit hole-in-one. She was so proud and it was a great shot! We'll have to teach the kids the right way to play another time. I have fond memories of miniture golf with my family when I was young.

We also kind of ate two meals there. Definitely carb'ed it up for lunch & by 5:00, the kids were hungry again, so we had a little scooby-snack of pizza again!
It was a great family day. Gotta luv the Groupon!

My Latest Purchase

Everyone needs a project or three, right? Much to Peter's raised eyebrows, I brought home this oldie but goodie this morning.

I think I could use the sander Mom & Dad. :)

California through Conleigh's camera lens

Wordless Wednesday

Repost: I had to copy & paste this convo from Peter's Facebook page

Peter Hardin
Discussion with children...

Scene
Alex was corrected for chewing with his mouth open and told he will be made fun of as he gets older...

Alex "Why are things so bad in College?"
Peter "They aren't."
Campbell "You want to know the best part of College?"
Peter "Yes"
Campbell "You get to run around naked"
Peter "Where did you hear that?"
Alex "Mom"

Mom: "WHAT?"

Back in the swing of things

Our family at the HEB Foundation Camp; Leakey, TX.

The water was sooo cold. We didn't even have bathing suits, but Conleigh braved the cold, swam in her clothes & went to the platform with the other 7,8 & 9 year olds!

We are tired. Is that the way spring break is supposed to end? It was a wonderful break for our family. Six nights in California then two nights at home before we hit the road to South Texas & the annual Family Retreat with our church. This year makes seven in a row that we have attended. Our kids just love it, and it is a real reminder of God's natural beauty. The weather was wonderful and the breeze at night felt great through the screen windows.

Playing Bunny, Bunny, Googley googley googley goo. Campbell was close to being the champ!

It was really neat to see the friends that the kids found to play with. Alex's leg hurts from scootering around all weekend. He was a part of a boy scooter gang that just rode, and rode and rode some more.

We all played kickball. It was super fun! Alex originally didn't even want to play. Of course, he loved it.

Campbell found three friends from her Sunday school class that she got to play with. They danced in front of everyone during the Saturday night sing a-long. Precious!!

Conleigh found three other second grade girls and they pal'ed around, played games and ate together.
This year was the first that I felt I could open the reigns for the kids and not always be watching them. How free'ing that was. I even went for a hike for the first time, and only one of our kids went with us.
Conleigh, Peter & I went canoeing, and we didn't even capsize.

There was a wedding too this year. The two leaders of the retreat were married on Saturday afternoon. It was a touching and very casual ceremony. They have dated for about five years. Between them, they have five teenagers. The groom's wife died about 6 years ago. All of their parents were there, and their children stood up for them.
I spent some time getting to know people I didn't know well before the weekend. It makes such a difference to reach out and learn about people. We love our church.

Conleigh decorated a cookie for Pastor Tom.

Peter showing off his hula-hoop skills. That's our friend Enrique with the hoop going around his neck.

me & my love

Last night when we returned home we were all B.E.A.T. I fell asleep listening to Conleigh read. That was at 8:15! So, tonight we are still trying to catch up, but the adventures we had were definitely worth it for the tired Hardin crew.

Having a great time in Cali...

Sunset at Torrey Pines Beach

Ashley, Campbell, & Conleigh at the San Diego Zoo.

See the Panda in the background!

Art Honor

Conleigh's art was one of 28 pieces selected by our school Art teacher to be displayed at the Round Rock ISD Performing Arts Center. We are so proud of her work. The piece that was displayed is a self portrait.

Tonight was a meet the artist/meet the teacher viewing of the art. All the schools in Round Rock ISD were represented, but only 28 students out of 500 from Spicewood had their art selected for this show.

Conleigh with her art techer, Mrs. Duvall. Mrs. Duvall said Conleigh shows so much creativity and is always looking at the world through an art eye. I can agree.

After our family walked through the exhibit, we went out for burgers. Peter is giving up beef for Lent, so his days are numbered on hamburgers.

Happy Birthday to Conleigh!

Mardi Gras birthday theme for Conleigh. She decorated her own cake.

What an exciting birthday celebration Conleigh enjoyed this weekend. She invited 7 friends to our house for a slumber party!!! And, a slumber party it was. We started the festivities with the Mummy Game. Toilet paper + 7 & 8 year old girls = Fun!

After Daddy's famous hamburgers for dinner, the girls had a fashion show and cake. Then we set up sleeping bags, got some popcorn & watched Megamind.

I think half the viewers hadn't seen it yet, so that was good. By 11:00ish, everyone was sacked out. Sleeping went well, but of course, ended too early for mama. I heard the talking begin at 6:30am. It was sweet to listen to the conversations. After donuts to get the sugar moving this morning, there was quite the play put on by the Dancing Princesses. Some girls then jumped on the trampoline. Others played Wii, and finally we opened gifts. Conleigh loved her birthday party & declared it the best yet.

This evening at Conleigh's request, we dined at GattiLand. Conleigh, Alex & I had a blast on the bumper cars.

Happy Birthday to two of the most important people in the world to me...
my Mom and my daughter!