Polka Dot Party

Because her godparents had been on vacation on her birthday, we had Riley's party on Thursday, June 20th. Grandpa and Grandma Suchland, Mark, Troy and Lori and kids came over. We had Papa John's pizza for dinner. After the kids played and presents were opened, it was time for cake and ice cream. Riley was excited for everyone to see the surprise hidden inside her cake-polka dots to match her party dress!

It's ALL About ME!

Riley's 6th Birthday fell on a Monday. I took the day off work to celebrate with her. Originally, the plan was to go to the water park at Kings Island. The forecast called for scattered thunderstorms so we had to improvise. Riley started the day with a surprise birthday breakfast of strawberry shortcake. We lit a candle a sang happy birthday to her. The next surprise was a birthday balloon bouquet. Then, it was off to Wal-Mart. She was set on buying a Merida wig to go with the dress and shoes that Grandma Sarah had given her for her birthday. After lunch, we took a chance with the weather and hit the Tipp City swimming pool. The threat of thunderstorms kept the crowds away. We were literally the only people in the pool when we first arrived. I made a joke that I had rented the pool out for Riley's birthday. The sun came out and the weather got warm for 2+ hours. It was a great afternoon. When the rain started to move in, we were ready to head home. When Steve got home from work, he made Riley's favorite meal-shrimp scampi. We ended the day with ice cream cake from Dairy Queen and another round of the birthday song. I enjoyed spending a sweet day with the sweetest girl I know!

 

Ears Pierced

We took Riley to the Fairfield Commons Mall on the evening of Saturday, June 8th.  Riley loves to eat Chinese at the mall food court.  She says it is her second favorite restaraunt right after Red Lobster.  Ha!  We had dinner.  I have to agree with Riley.  The food at that one particular place is pretty good. 

After dinner, Riley couldn't wait any longer.  She was ready to accomplish what we had come to the mall for in the first place.  We had decided to let Riley get her ears pierced as a part of her 6th birthday present, and she was SO EXCITED.  Once she got into the chair at Claires, I could tell she was a little nervous.  She was very brave though.  She told me later that if she didn't do it, she was afraid I wouldn't take her back until she was at least 10.  Ha!  She did great.  She said afterwards that it hurt, but she never cried.  She was all better within a few minutes.  Once she got a glimpse of her earings in the mirror, I big smile came over her face.  She liked loved them.

Charleston Falls

On Saturday, June 8th, I took Trent, Reed and Riley to Charleston Falls.  Charleston Falls is only 8 miles from our house yet I had never heard of it before.  I saw it on the list of field trips for Reed and Riley's summer camp.  By googling it, I found out it is part of the Miami County Park system.  With nice hiking trails, I thought it definitely looked like a place we would like.  I was right.  We had a lot of fun exploring somewhere new.  I think it will be a great place to go to in the Fall when the leaves are changing. 

Wegerzyn Gardens

On Sunday, June 2nd, Trent, Reed, Riley and I went over to Wegerzyn Gardens to spend a few hours.  Steve was at work, and Cole was suppose to be studying for his final exams.  When I realized that Reed, Riley and I all had blue on, I asked Trent to wear it too.  Surprisingly, he went along with it.  It made for some cute pictures. We had a picnic lunch and explored.  It was a nice, relaxing way to spend a Sunday afternoon.

 

Riley's Recital

Riley ended her ballet and tap class with a recital on Saturday, May 11th.  The theme of the recital was "It's a Zoo in Here".  Riley's class was elephants.  Riley wasn't too excited about being an elephant until she got a peek of the costumes a couple of weeks ago.  Once she saw the sparkled leotard, she was sold.  She was definitely the cutest elephant I have ever seen. 

 

Riley completely enjoyed ballet this year.  She looked forward to class every Monday evening.  I thought for sure she would want to do it again next year.  Instead, she says she wants to try gymnastics next year and beauty pageants the year after that.  Ha!  One thing I will never be is a pageant mom.  Gymnastics I can support though.  At least she won't be expecting me to teach her how to do a cartwheel.