Almost there

We are on our way to home ownership 2. Hopefully it won't be too much longer that we have to wait.

Lesson in Patience

Me and Patience don't really mix but I've had to work really hard at it these past few weeks. Shortly after starting my job Barrett and I got pre-approved for a loan and started looking at houses. After a few weeks we decided there was one we really liked. Unfortunately, the day we decided to put an offer on it, the house went to auction. This is been the most stressful and time consuming process. They suggested that we put our loan through first to make sure we didn't lose any earnest money after putting an offer down. After more than a week we found out that our loan got approved and we made an offer. Now we are waiting to hear whether our offer has been accepted. We should hear back today or tomorrow and as soon as we do I will post some pictures of the house!

Good Eats

A few weeks ago I saw that Alton Brown was about to come out with a new book. I figured, "what a perfect Christmas gift for Barrett" But then I saw that Alton was going to be doing a book signing in Atlanta (he lives here) so I decided that I couldn't just get this book for Barrett when there was an opportunity to go meet him. It was a long evening. Alton started speaking around 7:30, talking about the book and answering questions, then he proceeded to signing the books. We finally got up to him around 10:45. I can't even imagine having to sign books for that long. There was still at least an hours worth of people in line behind us. It was a fun experience though. I'm so glad we live in a city where we have opportunities like this.

Botanical Gardens

The first weekend in October, Barrett's parents came to Atlanta to run a half marathon. While they were here we made a trip to the Botanical Gardens. They were beautiful with lots of fall plants and they even had a collection of "scarecrows" that different organizations around Atlanta had designed.

All the fruit inside this cornucopia is blown glass

Charlie Brown Scarecrow

After the parents left Barrett and I went to the last Braves game of the regular season. Braves vs Phillies. The Braves won which put them into the playoffs so it was quite an exciting game. It was also Bobby Cox's last regular game, it was touching to see how much the players and fans appreciate him.

September

I am finally getting around to posting about what the Hardins have been up to the past 2 months. Back in the middle of Sept I went home to visit my parents while Barrett was at a conference in San Francisco. Being the boy that he is, Barrett didn't take any pictures of the Bay area but I of course did get some of good ole PA. I spent the trip spending time with my parents, we went to the York Fair (America's oldest fair), and I made sure we got in a trip to Browns orchard so I could have some apple dumplings. Mom and I also went shopping, cuz that is just what girls do :)

Mom and Dad at the Fair

Me and mom waiting for dad to arrive

Chuck Wicks - Country singer that mom and dad like. He was playing a free concert at the fair

When I got back from home I just lounged around for a couple days and tried to clean the house up before Barrett got home. Barrett got home early on Monday morning and Monday evening we went to see the So You Think You Can Dance tour. Although almost all the performances were ones we saw during the season, they were the best ones and we enjoyed seeing them live. I just wish I had some talent as a dancer :)

New Job Fun

So I know I've been absent from the blogging world for the past month. During this month I went to visit my family, saw the SYTYCD tour, started my job, and have been extremely busy. While i promise to update soon with pictures of all of this, for now I thought I would leave you with this. This is Annabelle and she is our clinics new mascot.

Labor Day Vacation

For Labor day this year we met Barrett's parents, Jessica and Lucas, and Kathy and Walker in Gatlinburg for a long weekend. We shopped, hiked, ate good food, and had a blast together.

David in Cade's Cove

Cute little cabin in Cade's Cove

Warning: Bears...please note that this sign was not posted on the trail where we saw the bear (see below). This bear crossed the path just in front of us.

Me and Barrett on a bridge on the hike to Ramsey Cascades

Squirrel that ate out of Walker's hand and is here nibbling on my apple core

Me and the Best Friend!!!

Ramsey Cascades

Giant Tree

This is the beginning of our hike to Ramsey Cascades when we were still excited to be there. By the end of the 8 miles we wanted to die.

Kathy and the Walker

Our Car's first time off-roading :) Barrett is also demonstrating his new camelbak