The Hardin Family

Road Trip to Utah!

2011-04-21T14:59:00.001-07:00

Finally getting around to posting some pics from our road trip to Utah in March to visit Jeff and Tiffany in Salt Lake City! We decided to drive and split the trip up in 2 days. We left our house on Monday afternoon around 12 and drove the first half of our trip and stayed the night at the Virgin River Casino/Hotel- that was an experience all it's own, haha! The next day we drove the other half to Salt Lake City. Twelve hours total! We got to spend that Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday with Jeff and Tiffany and drove home early on Friday morning. This was Noah and Sienna's first trip to the snow. We had a great time and the kids are still talking about wanting to go back to Utah to play with their cousins and the snow!!

On the road!

Me!

Noah showing off his McDonald's lunch, ready for a long day of driving!

With lunch and a movie in we are ready to hit the road!

Pit stop to stretch or legs at State Line- Buffalo Bills!

We let the kids play in the arcade- Big Bass for Sienna!

And of course a little Deal or No Deal for Noah!

This was our first stop to get out and touch the snow on the second leg of our trip, this is about an hour in to Utah from Nevada. The kids were so excited!

We got to Jeff's house around 3 that afternoon- the kids couldn't wait to get their snow clothes on and play in the snow!

Noah's first jump in to the snow in Jeff's backyard.

Sienna was a little more careful about it ;)

Jeff , Tiffany and baby Torr

Sienna and Daddy

Noah and Luke sledding in the backyard!

Snow ball fight in the front yard!

Mommy and Sienna

Our first morning waking up in Salt Lake City, Jeff took Zach and I on a hike up the mountain behind their house while Tiffany hung back with the kids. It was a great morning workout and absolutely gorgeous!

After our hike it was time to get the kids bundled up and take them sledding!

Our last day in Salt Lake City we went to a Dinosaur Museum- it was a big hit!

Sienna playing with the sand and water interactive play area- she loved making little mountains for her mini dinosaurs!

A shark at the Dinosaur museum? Sure!

Hanging out with my paleolithic ancestors!

Noah and Luke digging for dino bones.

Noah and Sienna- more digging!

The next morning was Friday and time to get on the road back home. This is us on our pit stop in Las Vegas at a TGI Fridays for dinner. We drove the whole way home instead of breaking it up- Zach was a little stir crazy as you can see from the picture of him and Noah- haha!!

Mommy and Sisi =)

It was such a fun 3 days!! Our days were spent out and about exploring, and our nights were spent hot tubbing, watching movies or catching up on some good tivo with a little ice cream or frozen custard! It was such a fun and relaxing vacation and so great to have that time to visit with Jeff, Tiffany, Luke, Roan and Torr. It was cool to be on their turf for a change. Looking forward to making a trip back soon. We are hoping the next time around with the kids being a little older, we can get a little more adventurous and possibly try some skiing or snowboarding lessons for them (and me!) so we can hit the slopes!

Tee-Ball Opening Day!

2011-02-12T18:36:00.000-08:00

This is Noah's first year playing tee-ball and Zach gets to be his coach and cousin Camden gets to be on his team! Saturday was Opening Day at Founders park and they had fun carnival type games, bounce houses and food- great family fun!

Noah loses his first tooth!

2011-02-08T18:30:00.000-08:00

My little guy lost his first tooth on Monday night, February 7th- this is him the next morning before school. Noah was so excited to show all his kindergarten friends!

January Disneyland Days!

2011-01-31T17:00:00.000-08:00

Putting our Disneyland passes to work this month and took the kids twice! Zach and I took the kids on Friday the 14th around 4pm and stayed until around 10pm that night- we hit Mickey's Toon Town first- we bought Sienna an autograph book and she was so excited to get pictures and signatures from the characters we saw! We got Mickey and Minnie that day =). After Toon Town we did It's a Small World and after that we split up for a little bit so Noah could do some of the bigger rides. Zach took Noah on Matterhorn and Autopia while Sienna and I did the carousel and Pinochio...that second one was NOT a hit with Sisi, she was scared, poor girl! After that we headed over to California Adventure for dinner and Soarin Over California for me and Noah- one of our favorites!!

One week later on Friday, Jan. 21st I decided to take kids myself right after Noah got out of school. The last time I took them on my own they were both much younger- I don't think Sienna was even walking yet! We had SO MUCH FUN and I just loved having that special time with the two of them. They are such a great age right now, I seriously want to freeze them at this age!! With the bigger rides out of the question for this trip we tackled Toon Town and Fantasy Land again- they both wanted to do more the last week and on this trip we had no agenda but those two areas and we took our time! It was so fun watching Noah be so excited for Sienna and telling her about what they could do- and I loved watching him be so excited to do the younger things that day...he wasn't asking about Space Mountain or Big Thunder like he usually does and instead he was getting excited for Mickey and just the magic of Disneyland- it made me realize just how big he was getting but for a piece of that day he was my little baby and I loved it!! In Fantasy Land the Teacups and Dumbo were a big hit!! We meandered through all the houses in Toon Town again and took our time down Main Street on the way out...Noah even watched one of the penny movies in the penny arcade- so old school, haha! I really want to take them more often when I can on my own and explore all the lands- we decided our next stop will be Frontier Land!!

Is it really 2011??

2011-01-12T16:38:00.000-08:00

I have not blogged in OVER a YEAR!!!! Where have I been...in a word, facebook! Once I started posting to facebook I slowly abandoned this blog but coming back to it today I realize I miss seeing my events in sequence all on one page and being able to write out to my heart's content anything I really want to...I can't believe how much our kids have grown, how much we've done and how I wish it was all here since the last time I blogged! Perhaps I can add blogging to my New Year's resolution list =)...we'll see how long I can keep it up, it can be time consuming which is another obvious reason I stopped. Happy New Year anyone who is reading this!

San Francisco!

2009-06-06T15:25:00.000-07:00

The 3rd week in April we decided to take the kids on a road trip to San Francisco and had an AWESOME 3 days filled with sightseeing of Fisherman's Wharf, Golden Gate Park, Union Square, China Town and just about everything in between!! A big highlight was the Giants game we went to our second night there, such a fun stadium and great seats!! It was such a great trip!!

Arriving off the Bay Bridge

Lunch at Fisherman's Grotto

This is our favorite place on Fisherman's Wharf for clam chowder, yum!

Taking a tour through an old marine ship

Dinner on the rooftop Cheesecake Factory in Union Square

Trolley ride!! Noah was in HEAVEN with all of the public transportation!!

Noah and Daddy at the Giants game

Mommy and Sisi =)

Double decker tour bus!!

Union Square Park sculpture

Easter!

2009-04-12T23:24:00.000-07:00

Me, Noah and Sienna the day before Easter

Noah is decorating his Easter eggs- he loved the glitter and tattoo sets I got him, fun!

Sienna and her very first Easter basket!

Noah digging in to his basket- we hid it for him in the living room and he had a lot of fun looking for it

Outside for the egg hunt!

Noah and Gramma Patti

We hosted breakfast at our house for the Hardin crew, Zach's parents and brother Aaron and his family, and sister Stacie

Michelle, Aaron and Zach

We cooked up a yummy egg casserole, pancakes and bacon

My little Easter bunny =)

Sienna in her pretty Easter dress

After breakfast, we headed to my brother Jr.'s house for a yummy lunch of turkey and ham and all the fixings! We celebrated there with them, my sister Yesenia and some of my cousins. My parents and sister Elizabeth were in Mexico so we didn't get to see them.

Noah bounce housin' it up at Jr.'s house!

Discovery Science Museum

2009-04-07T17:20:00.001-07:00

I took the kids to the Discovery Science Museum and we met up with my sister in law Ellen and my niece and nephew, Elena and Xavier. There was A TON of cool stuff to do!! I got a few pictures, but mostly I had my hands full going from one thing to the next- I think I had as much fun as the kids!!

Me and the kids on Miss Rizo's magic school bus!

Part of the bubble expo- one of Noah's favorites that day- they were making a bubble within a bubble!

Noah, Elena and Xavier making bubbles

Noah and Elena climbing the big dinosaur

Noah in an air simulator that simulated 80 mph winds- he loved it!!

Noah and Xavier were in a trance watching this ball mechanism

Sienna enjoying a puzzle in the smaller kid area

Noah pulling himself up

Ladera Ranch Spring Celebration

2009-04-07T17:01:00.001-07:00

This Saturday was the annual Ladera Ranch Spring Celebration. It was a beautiful day to spend outside at the park! Noah had fun doing some early egg hunting and playing games and we got our picture with the Easter Bunny!

Everything was good when Zach and I were in the picture...

Sienna didn't like it so much when I handed her over to the pink bunny, HA!!

Photo op for me and the kids- my computer doesn't give me the option of flipping the picture otherwise I would!!

Sienna watching her brother collect eggs =)

Egg hunt!

Hopscotch!

Noah test driving the new Lexus models- he was in heaven!

Daddy and Sisi- so sweet!

Angels Spring Training in AZ

2009-04-07T15:32:00.001-07:00

Zach and I have been going to Arizona in March for Angels Spring Training since we got married and before we had kids. All but one of those years has been with Aaron and Michelle and their kids. It's so funny remembering when it was just me and Zach with them and they only had Payton and Boston. After a couple of years Noah and Camden joined the picture. We weren't able to go last year and in that time off we also added Sienna and Finley to the mix- check out our group now!!! The first year Zach talked me into going I was thinking, "Whoop dee doo, let's go all the way to Arizona to watch baseball," and thinking this was mostly a trip for him. But now it has become a family tradition that I look forward to every year- there is that sense of history and I love making new memories with every trip. Also, we found a resort that we love with an awesome pool area for us and the kids- they have a wave pool, lazy river and slides, plus they have pool side service woohoo!!

Our gang: Me, Zach, Noah, Sienna, Michelle, Aaron, Payton, Boston, Camden and Finley!!!

Zach and Noah

Watching the team practice

Hanging by the practice fields

Noah and Camden getting autographs

Sienna hanging out in her Angels red and white outfit =)

Noah got 7 autographs on his hat- all no name players but he didn't care, he was so excited!!

Hats off for the anthem

Me and Noah enjoying the game from our lawn seats

Me, Zach and Noah- Sienna was back in the shade hanging in her stroller

Noah and Cammy

Pool time!! Feels so good after a long hot day at the game!

Day 2- ALL DAY at the pool, yeah!!

Sienna- so cute in her little bathing suit!

Mommy and Sisi =)

Sienna loved playing in the beach entry area.

The boys and Sienna- she loved her little lady bug floatie! It was great in the lazy river too.

Day 2- night game!! We had great seats for this one but the kids ended up on the lawn right next to them towards the end. Noah and Cammy are balancing cars here, crazy kids!

Day 3- Noah walking across the heliopad to a buffet breakfast at our resort. I love this picture of him- he looks so big!

Day 3- more pool time!!

Me and Michelle with the babies

Snack and sun break!

Night 3- Aaron getting a pic with the bull in front of the restaurant we went to for dinner called Rustler's Roost. It's a total cowboy joint!

Zach and Noah down the slide! A slide at a restaurant- genius!! No boring wait at the table for our food, let's slide instead!

Sienna and Aunt Chelle =)

Z+N

Our Little Dancing Machine!!!

2009-03-15T20:45:00.000-07:00

Sienna has been "dancing" since she was sitting up on her own- she will hear music and just get so happy and move to the beat! This clip is a good one- it has all her dance moves she does and it cracks me up every time!!

Noah Showing Off His Skills!

2009-03-15T18:44:00.000-07:00

Here is a clip of Noah saying the months of the year. They just learned this in school and he says it soooooooooo cute!

A Day at the Park

2009-03-13T17:10:00.000-07:00

Disneyland!

2009-03-05T22:00:00.000-08:00

We decided to take the kids to Disneyland the last Friday in February- it was Sienna's first time and Noah's first annual pass!! Noah is exactly 42" now so he is tall enough for just about everything except Indiana Jones! I can't believe how much he has grown, the last time we were here right before he turned 3 he was just shy of getting on the 40" rides and now he's onto the next level, crazy!! We were bummed because space mountain was closed when we were over there but Zach did take him on Soaring Over California in California Adventure and he loved it!!

Waiting for our passes =)

N for Noah!

Rockets!

Noah with his cousin Camden and friend Layne

3-D glasses on for Honey I Shrunk the Audience!

Me and Noah waiting for the coaster at Toon Town

Walking back to the parking structure after a fun day and night!

The next week I decided to take the kids back by myself and we did all of the smaller rides at Fantasy Land and the rockets- they both had so much fun!! I can't wait to take Noah on my own so we can do all the big rides!! I didn't get many pictures this day, it's hard to get pictures when I'm holding a 22 pounder and keeping track of an energetic 3 1/2 year old!!

Churro break =)

Sienna's 1st churro- this got really messy!!

Valentine's Day Fun!

2009-02-16T15:08:00.000-08:00

We had a lot of fun with Valentine's Day this year. It was Noah's first year being in school and he was so excited to pick out valentines for all of his preschool friends. He was BEYOND excited that they had NASCAR at the store so of course he picked those! He had fun attaching the candy and drawing on them with crayons. He is actually really good at writing his name himself but asked me to do it for him because he wanted to color. We also baked and frosted sugar cookies for his preschool teachers as well as for Gramma Patti and Nana Rosa.

On actual Valentine's Day Zach and I had reservations for dinner so we decided to take the kids somewhere fun for lunch. Noah has been wanting to go back to "Riptide," a restaurant with teppan tables, since we first went there a few weeks ago and so we indulged him in that request. He had fun watching the show with all the fun food tricks.

Dinner that night was at one of my favorite restaurants here in Ladera Ranch, "Infusions Restaurant and Martini Bar," with Zach's brother Aaron and our sister-in-law Michelle. We were a little bummed that our favorite foods were not available since they had decided to do a preset Valentine's Day menu, but the martinis did not disappoint!!

January Beach Days!

2009-01-15T21:07:00.000-08:00

This January has felt a lot like summer!! The temperature has been up in the high 80's and we were able to do 2 full on beach days. Feels so weird to go from taking down the Christmas tree to getting our bathing suits on!! It's just one of the many reasons I love living in southern California. I can't wait for summer this year- I'm hoping I can get Noah on a boogie board and Sienna will be walking!!

Sienna having a snack

Noah making his own little pool

Me and the kids at Huntington Beach

Me and Sienna at Aliso Beach

Zach and the kids at Aliso Beach

New Year's Eve 2008

2009-01-01T20:55:00.000-08:00

Happy New Year!!! Zach and I rang in the New Year in style this year at a swanky party held at the St. Regis in Monarch Beach with our friends and neighbors, Shannon and Ryan. To be honest, it's not our typical thing but I have to admit, it was so fun to get all dressed up!! Stacie was kind enough to watch the kids early in the evening and Papa Dave came over to do the overnight shift so would could stay the night- we had a blast!! It was a fun night with lots of dancing (me and Shannon- not so much the boys!) and yummy champagne mojitos- my new favorite drink!!

Me and Zach at dinner- Stone Hill Tavern, St. Regis Hotel

Me and Shannon at dinner

Zach and I waiting to enter the lounge where the party was held

Me and Zach with Shannon and Ryan

Champagne mojito!!

...and they just kept coming!!

My Birthday!

2008-12-29T22:00:00.000-08:00

I turned 27 this year- woohoo, getting up there! It was on a Monday and Zach's 1st day back at work from the long Christmas weekend so it was a little more low-pro than usual (no Morongo this year, snap!) It was a beautiful sunny day so I decided to take the kids to the Irvine Spectrum and I spent the day meandering through the shops, having lunch and taking Noah and Sienna on the carousel (it was Sienna's first time on the actual horse!). I decided on Outback for my birthday dinner and we invited family over for ice cream cake when we got home- basically the same deal we did for Zach's birthday. So we get to Outback and it's a 45-60 minute wait!! That plus the fact that Zach couldn't get his key out of the car wheel for some reason lead us to the pick up window to order to go! It ended up working out perfect and we all got to enjoy our meal at our own pace at home. I wasn't really expecting anything as far as a present this year aside from the usual flowers and card but Zach came out of nowhere with a surprise!! When I saw the bag size I was thinking maybe it was this jogging arm band I had wanted but instead it was a....platinum diamond band!!!!! I was beyond surprised and excited!! Those of you who know the story of how my original wedding ring is now currently resting on the bottom of Lake Mead know I have been missing a "real" ring for a long time but this was the LAST thing I was expecting! Wow, Zach really got me good!!

Hanging at Outback waiting to see if Zach can get his key out...am I a little dressed up for Outback Steakhouse? Sure. Do I care since it's my birthday?? NOPE!!

Me and my Sisi!

Carry out bag, ha!

Yum!

Diamonds are a girl's best friend!

Mint chip ice cream cake, my favorite!

Me and Noah digging in!

The Morning After (Christmas)

2008-12-26T18:13:00.000-08:00

I love the day after Christmas because the social responsibilities are finally over and we can just sleep in and hang out! Plus we finally get a chance to play with our new stuff! It was too cold and drizzly for Noah to test out his NASCAR on Christmas so he was ready go the next day. Our street has two different grass islands that he likes to pretend are his race tracks. Sienna was having fun playing with her very first dolly that she got from daddy and a new stroller walker- she's not quite ready to use it as a walker but it has fun toys on the front she likes to play with.

Christmas

2008-12-25T22:00:00.000-08:00

We caught Santa leaving presents for us under the tree around 8:30 that morning (we asked Santa to do us last since we were up so late the night before at my parents and the kids sleep in). After opening presents at our house, we headed to Gramma and Papa's house for a yummy breakfast and more presents with them and the Hardin crew. After that it was time for naps at our house and back to Gramma and Papa's for Patti's annual prime rib and yorkshire pudding dinner - sooooo good!! We hung out there with Uncle TT and family and headed over to Aaron and Michelle's where they were getting together with her family for a little dessert! It was a long fun filled day with lots of presents and lots of food!!

Noah's very own NASCAR!!

Sienna's first order of business: her morning baba!

Helping eachother open gifts, so cute!

Sienna was really into opening the gifts and playing with the box and paper more than the actual toy, haha!

Gramma and Papa's house

Cousins: Noah, Cammy, Ava, Payton, and Boston- pay attention to Payton in this picture: now you see him...

...now you don't!!!

Noah's parking garage- we put it together while he napped and he was so excited when he woke up!

All dressed up for dinner!

I can't figure out why these aren't turning the right way but oh well- Sienna's outfit is too cute not to post!

Matchy-matchy!

Started on the high chair with her own dinner and ended up on my lap eating mine too! The girl can eat!

Christmas Eve

2008-12-24T16:54:00.000-08:00

We celebrated Christmas Eve with my family at my parents house- it was a packed house with us,my mom and dad, my brother Jr. and his family, my sisters Liz and Yesenia, my Aunt and Uncle and about 5-10 of my cousins that came in and out throughout the night. We had my mom's homemade tamales for dinner, yummmm!! And of course it wouldn't be a Leyva family get together without a little poker!

Nana with Noah and Sienna

My parents were cracking up at the fact that we couldn't get Sienna to look at the camera but what they weren't realizing and that she was looking at them because they were laughing!

Sienna opening her official first Christmas present!

You can't tell from the picture but Noah was BEYOND excited for this one!

Elena wearing the tutu I made her, this picture doesn't do it justice!

Mommy and Noah

Zach's B-day!

2008-12-18T15:51:00.000-08:00

This year for Zach's 28th birthday we went out to El Torito Grill for dinner just the 4 of us and had cake (that me and Noah made!) and ice cream at the house with some of his family- his parents, sister Stacie and brother Aaron and family came over. It was mellow but fun. =)

Our family =)

Kisses for Sisi!

Noah helping daddy blow out the candles

Stacie and Sienna

It wasn't the prettiest thing but it was pretty darn good!

Tara's B-day!

2008-12-15T15:06:00.000-08:00

Tara has been one of my best friends since high school. We went to different schools, me at Fountain Valley HS and Tara and Edison HS (rivals!) but we worked together at my very first job - Planet Kids!! Tara is now dating one of Zach's cousins, Justin- talk about small world!! This year Tara celebrated her 26th birthday at Yard House in Triangle Square- fun night!

For the first time ever, Tara's hair is shorter than mine!!

Tara, Me, Zach

Displaying my gift to Tara =)

This one's fuzzy but I wanted to post it anyway: Me, Tara, Amber

Gingerbread House

2008-12-14T16:24:00.000-08:00

We busted out our year old gingerbread house kit this weekend with high hopes of making it just like it looked on the box, HA! Apparently it's a little harder than it looks- it didn't turn out too pretty but we had a ton of fun trying!

Santa

2008-12-12T19:00:00.000-08:00

Noah and Sienna got to see Santa this weekend at a Christmas party hosted by one of our neighbors- it was a fun time with yummy food and wine with friends and neighbors. Noah was so excited to see Santa, Sienna not so much!!

Ladera Ranch Tree Lighting Ceremony

2008-12-01T16:08:00.000-08:00

This was our second year going to the Ladera Ranch tree lighting ceremony. It's a fun festive time for the kids to see the big tree light up and Santa drive through on the fire engine. This year was extra fun because we got to see my niece Camden perform with her dance class- too cute!

Family Photo Op.

Noah and his cousin Cammy

Halloween

2008-11-02T09:43:00.000-08:00

We packed ourselves up on Halloween night and headed over to my sister-in-law Michelle's house for a yummy chili dinner and trick or treating with the cousins.

I must say I'm quite proud of my children's costumes this year. I asked Noah what he wanted to be about a month ago and he picked the character "Dog" from his favorite cartoon Word World and then decided he would be a Super Hero Dog! At first I tried to talk him into something that other people would get (and admittedly, something easier for me to purchase) but he was set on his idea. I'm so glad I wasn't able to talk him out of it- I loved seeing how happy he got helping me get all the different pieces to the costume- first we found a cape then ears and a tail and last I ironed on the letters to the t-shirt. And the process was actually so much more fun for me than just a simple trip to the Halloween store. He was so happy to wear it and I got a kick out of how unique it was- he was definitely the only Super Hero Dog around these parts!

This was Sienna's first Halloween and I decided to dress her as a little mouse. While searching for the perfect costume for her I fell in love with the idea of having her in a tutu. I was about to buy one online until Michelle helped me figure out how easy they are to make. So now I have just about every color tulle there is and can't wait to make her a million tutus for every occasion- they are so cute and fun! I also added rhinestones to the ears to add a little sparkle- honestly I surprised myself with my crafty side I never knew I had. Only time will tell just how far I will take this new hobby of mine. Stay tuned =)

SO cute!

One of the few shots of Sienna with her nose and whiskers before they were smudged

Mommy and Super Hero Dog!

The gang before we headed out

Noah and his cousin Cammy

Noah and Papa

Noah and his cousin Ava

Heading back- candy break!

Pumpkin Patch

2008-10-18T21:00:00.000-07:00

Our trip to the pumpkin patch this year was a big hit! Noah had so much fun running around the pumpkin field and doing just about everything they had to offer- swings, pony ride, train ride, petting zoo, games- you name it, we did it! Sienna hung out in her stroller for the most part and just enjoyed watching everything. All attempts at a family picture or of Noah and Sienna together did not fare too well- I'm realizing just how hard it is to get a good picture of both of them in the same shot. Better luck next time!

Sienna- 5 months

2008-09-30T22:05:00.000-07:00

My baby girl is getting so big! These days Sienna is rolling, trying to sit up and eating rice cereal with fruit and veggies. Some of these pictures capture these milestones and others are just to show off how cute she is, enjoy!

Just about to grow out of her infant car seat- a bummer because it's so convenient but man is she getting heavy to carry in that thing!

Sienna's corner on the couch to practice sitting up on her own and to lean back and take breaks when she gets tired.

So excited to start her carrots- no more plain rice cereal!

Yummy!

Noah loves that Sienna is eating and always wants to have her next to him at the table =)

Rolling from tummy to back, she hasn't quite mastered the other way yet, but she's getting close!

Noah's First Day of Preschool!!

2008-09-02T21:15:00.000-07:00

Noah started preschool this week and he is loving it! It helps that his cousin Cammy is in his class. According to Noah and his teacher, Ms. Massey, they are pretty much stuck like glue to eachother most of the day. Noah didn't even blink an eye that first day when Zach and I dropped him off. Me, on the other hand- I was fine until I got home and the sight of his cereal bowl at the counter made me cry! I know it's silly, especially since it's only 2 days a week for only 3 hours! I just can't believe my little guy is getting so big and going off to school already. I'm excited that he loves it and that I will get to spend some one on one time with my baby girl, Sienna. Also a plus, Sienna naps for about an hour and a half of that time so suddenly there's a little "me" time, woohoo!! I love that we can walk to school, we can get there under 10 minutes! It's going to be so great once the weather cools off and I can go for a jog after dropping him off too!

Sea World

2008-08-29T23:30:00.000-07:00

We got annual passes to Sea World for Noah's 3rd birthday and decided to squeeze one last trip in during Labor Day weekend before the summer night shows were over. We got there around 4 and stayed until the park closed at 10- it was so great to beat the heat. The "Rockin' with Shamu" night show was totally worth the drive and we had a great time enjoying the dolphins and penguins and feasting on some late night funnel cake.

Noah was so into watching the whales swim by in the underground tank. He was plastered to the glass and clutching his stuffed Shamu the whole time, so cute!

Noah's T-Ball Pics Are In

2008-08-17T12:21:00.000-07:00

Noah started Itty-Bitty T-ball a few weeks ago and is having a blast! The first week he was more interested in kicking the dirt than playing the game; it's was pretty funny to see just how short a 3 year old's attention span really is. He gets better every week, but at the end of the day it's all about having a good time.

Update

2008-08-16T09:38:00.000-07:00

Haven't posted in a while. Been busy at work as well as trying to get a new venture up and running. Here is a little preview: (click on logo to go to website)

Noah's 1st Day of Itty Bitty T-Ball

2008-08-02T10:10:00.001-07:00

Happy 4th of July!

2008-07-05T10:22:00.001-07:00

Weekend in Palm Springs

2008-06-29T19:50:00.000-07:00

This weekend I had an appraisal scheduled in Indio which is pretty far so we decided to make a mini vacation out of it and stay the weekend in Palm Springs....well, actually it was the Westin in Rancho Mirage. It was pretty hot: 110 on Friday and 114 on Saturday!! We rented a cabana all day on Saturday at the pool. Noah and Sienna had so much fun. They even had a "movie at the pool" night on Saturday where they brought a big blow up screen and played the movie "Barnyard" for all the kids to watch. Noah loved it!

Sienna hanging out in hotel room.

Working on my beautiful tan.

Raquel and Noah having fun in pool.

Sienna's First Angel Game

2008-05-26T23:16:00.000-07:00

It's Memorial Day so we decided to go to the Angel game and bring Sienna for her first trip to Angel Stadium. She did great and Noah had a blast of course. Final score Angels 1 Tigers 0. There was a Fireworks show after the game for Memorial Day so that was cool - Noah loves the fireworks...Sienna, not so much!

Happy Mother's Day

2008-05-11T07:36:00.000-07:00

Happy Mother's Day to the woman that raised me and four other crazy kids. Don't know how you did it but you pulled it off. I love you mom!

And to my beautiful wife - you are such a great mom to Noah and Sienna. I love you!

Update on Sienna

2008-05-06T23:55:00.000-07:00

She is doing great at home. Finally getting her schedule down at night. She wakes up once around midnight and then once again around 3:30am. Then she usually is asleep again until about 8am. Very nice! We are finally getting some pretty good sleep. Noah is doing an excellent job at his new big brother profession. Take a look at some updated pics.

Disneyland with Noah

2008-05-01T22:43:00.000-07:00

Noah has been a very good helper with the new baby and has been cooped up in the house/hospital for the past few days so I decided to take him to Disneyland on Thursday. We had the most fun I have had in a long time! We got there right around 11am and it wasn't crowded at all. We hit up the new Finding Nemo submarine ride first - then went to his favorite ride...Matterhorn! He loves that ride. It was a blast as you can tell by the pics....we had so much fun during our boys only day!!

Sienna Rose Hardin born 4-25-2008

2008-04-25T23:32:00.000-07:00

Well it was supposed to go down on Monday, the 28th but our little girl had different plans. Sienna Rose Hardin was born on Friday, April 25th 2008 at 9:51am. Weighing in at a healthy 8 lbs 9 oz. We are truly blessed to have her in this world...Raquel and Sienna are both recovering well in the hospital right now. Noah and I are trying to visit the hospital as much as possible as well as get the house ready for Sienna's big arrival home.