Cleveland Rocks!

One of Cole's Christmas presents was a Rush concert ticket. The concert was on Friday, April 15th in Cleveland. Since it was the kids' spring break week from school, we decided to take the whole family to Cleveland for a couple of days of fun. We left on Thursday. After having lunch in Columbus, we stopped and took a factory tour at Anthony Thomas Candy Company. It was neat to see all that chocolate being made. After the tour, we hit the road to Cleveland. After checking in at our hotel (Embassy Suites in Independence-less than 10 miles from downtown), the kids wanted to hit the pool immediately. We took a break from swimming to go out for pizza and then spent the rest of the evening in the pool. Friday was jam packed. We began the day visiting the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame. Afterward, we went to the Great Lakes Science Center, which is right next door. We picked up some dinner and ate at the hotel. Steve and Cole left for the concert. The rest of the kids and I spent the evening swimming and watching a movie. We left plans for Saturday open. We had possible thoughts of visiting the Cleveland Zoo. When we woke up to cool temperatures, rain and high winds, we decided to just head home. It was a quick trip but nice to get away for a few days of family fun.

Beauty and the Beast

I took Riley to Beauty and the Beast at the Victoria Theatre on Saturday afternoon. As soon as I saw the play was coming to Dayton, I knew it would be something Riley would love. I was right. She really enjoyed it. Riley is 100% girl. She likes princesses and ballet and cheer leading and flowers and butterflies and dresses and doing hair/makeup... After three boys, this is a foreign territory to me, but I am so thankful that God gave me the opportunity to experience it. Riley said to me one day last week, "Mom, you are so lucky." I asked "Why am I lucky?" Her reply, "Because you have me, and everyone else wishes they had me." You are right Riley. I am SO lucky.

Spring is in the Air

It has been a long, cold Winter, and we are glad to finally see it come to an end. Tomorrow is the first day of Spring, but it has been feeling pretty Spring like for the past couple of days. Although it was only in the mid-50s today, the blue skies and sunshine were calling our names. We went to the playground at Reed's school and took a little walk this afternoon. Trent, Reed and Riley were happy to be able to run around for a while. I was happy to see them wear off some energy. Looking forward to many more spring, energy wearing off days ahead! (Did I mention that it has been a long Winter?)

"Happy Birthday To You"

March 8th was Steve's 44th birthday. We celebrated at home with a dinner of lasagna and homemade blackberry cheesecake. It was my first attempt at making homemade cheesecake, and it was sooooo good. Happy Birthday Steve!

Heart Breaker

Our lives have been filled with basketball this winter. With Cole and Trent both playing on rec league basketball teams, they each have a practice and a game every week. In addition, we have gone to seven or eight Flyers games and watched most every other Flyers game on tv. Not to mention, trying to follow the NUMBER ONE ranked Buckeyes basketball team as best we can. Even with all that basketball, we were still looking forward to the UD vs. Xavier game on Sunday. It was my boys' first UD/Xavier game, and I was excited for them to experience it.

The first half was not pretty. UD couldn't make their shots. Their rebounding was almost as bad. At halftime, UD was losing by 12. The arena was quiet. It looked like the experience we were hoping for wasn't meant to be.

A couple of minutes into the second half, UD finally came alive. The momentum built, and the game grew close. The crowd was on its feet and making lots of noise-my boys and I included. UD tied it up with less than two minutes to go. It was exhilarating and stressful all at the same time. This is what we came to see! Unfortunately, UD just didn't have enough in them at the end. They lost 62 to 66. But, what a second half! We left feeling frustrated and disappointed but still happy . UD lost, but they fought to the end. You can't really ask for more than that.

I have enjoyed yet another season of UD basketball with my boys. I don't know if or where they will each go to college, but I think they will always love the Flyers. Go UD!

Pretty in Pink

She hasn't caught Flyer Fever (yet)

Steve is redoing our kitchen floor this weekend, and Cole is helping him. We had tickets to another UD game Saturday afternoon. UD hasn't done as well as expected this year. Last Saturday, we watched them lose to Temple by 12 points. We feared that they would struggle again playing Duquesne (another A-10 leader that beat the Flyers in January by more than 20 points). Cole debated about whether to go to the game and finally decided to pass. That meant, we had an extra ticket. When asked if she wanted to go, Riley quickly said "No." I knew it would be easier for Steve if Riley went along. She was convinced by the promise of eating M&Ms and hearing that she would be able to ride a bus from the parking lot to the arena.

It turned out to be an unbelievable game. It was close the entire time. With a couple minutes left, UD was down by 6, and it looked like Duquesne was going to pull out of reach. But, UD did not give up. The arena was rocking. It was the kind of game you hope to experience. What a blast! UD won 64-63 in a dramatic finish. Cole was really bummed that he missed it. Riley's take, "That was SOOOOOOO boring. I am definitely staying home with Dad next time."