Little Sister

Being a little sister to three big brothers has its perks-three boys that adore you and for the most part don't mind waiting on you hand and foot. Kinda hard to complain about that. However, Riley earns that perk. It is no secret that Riley hates sports. Baseball to her is especially boring. The games are long and often hot. With both Trent and Reed playing baseball this year, we spent a lot of time at the ball park. In one seven day period, Riley was at seven baseball games. Notice, I didn't say that she watched seven baseball games. I am not sure if she even watched a total of one inning the entire season! Riley usually found other things to occupy her time-climbing on the bleachers, picking flowers, eating a snack, taking a walk,.. When Reed lost his tournament game to end the season, Riley said, "Yes! Now I don't have to sit out there and be bored any more." I told her brothers that they will feel the same way when she starts ballet.

Party in the "Park"

About a month ago, Riley told me that she wanted a party in the park for her birthday since she already had a house party. It wasn't a park exactly, but we had Riley's 4th birthday party at Cottonwood Campground in Versailles where Mark, Jace, and Troy and Lori have their trailers. Although the day started cool and overcast, the sun came out and it warmed up just in time for the party.

Riley had decided that she wanted a Little Mermaid birthday cake and decorations. When we went to the party store to get them, she saw and then asked for a Little Mermaid dress to wear at her party. She even got matching Little Mermaid jewelry from Grandma Howell to go along with the dress. I did talk her into just wearing the dress at present time.

Riley liked all of her presents. They were all "girly" which suits her perfectly. After she was done opening the presents, I told her we had one last surprise for her. She shut her eyes, and we brought a Disney Princess bike. She loved it.

It was a great day to celebrate a great little girl. I think I have said this a hundred times in the past week, but I just cannot believe she is four. I feel so blessed that God gave us a big surprise four years and nine months ago. She turned out to be one of the best gifts of my life.

"TOADally Awesome!"

Two new pets joined the Howell house this week. The boys have had a number of toads, frogs and turtles over the years. I used to try to stop them from keeping them. Over time, I have learned that they eventually get bored with them and let them go. In the mean time, it keeps them busy. I usually feel sorry for the animal though. They get lots and lots of attention while they are here.

Play Ball

We had five tickets to the Dayton Dragons Game on Wednesday, June 1st at 7 pm. Originally, Steve and I were going to take the boys. The plan was for Riley to stay with Grandma. At the last minute, Riley decided she wanted to go to the game. Since Steve had already taken the boys to a game in May and had work to do, we decided I would take the kids. I was a little apprehensive about taking Riley since she is not a sports fan. In the 4th inning, Riley turned to me and said, "I changed my mind. I want to stay home with Grandma now." Ha! She did great though. We had planned to leave before the game was over but ended up getting caught up in the excitement and staying to the very end. In the bottom of the 9th, the Dragons were down by one run. They had two outs but the bases were loaded. It was really exciting! Unfortunately, the guy struck out. The Dragons lost 6-5. We still had a good time though (or at least four of us did).

She is so ready to be four.

I, on the other hand, wouldn't mind if she stayed three forever.

Kings Island

We have already made two trips to Kings Island this year. All of us went for our first visit on Sunday, May 8th (Mothers Day). We spent part of the day together. Most of the time, I was in Planet Snoopy (kiddie land) with Riley, while Steve and the boys rode roller coasters. I was afraid Reed would be at an awkward size this year-not big enough for the roller coasters but way too brave to ride the kiddie rides. Fortunately, he grew quite a bit since we went to Kings Island last September. He is 49" inches-an inch taller than you need to be for many of the coasters. It is a good thing too, because he loves them! He has already rode the Racers, Flight Deck, Adventure Express, and Stunt Coaster. The Beast and the Vortex are next!

Last Sunday (May 22nd), I took Trent, Reed and Riley by myself. I was a little worried about going alone, but it turned out great. The park was really empty in the morning. The boys were able to ride several of the roller coasters twice each, and Riley and I didn't have to wait on them too long. After that, we all made our way to Planet Snoopy. There are several rides there that all the kids enjoy. We rode those together. Then Trent and Reed rode a couple of the larger rides in that area. While they were riding, I would put Riley on a couple of rides and still be back in time to meet the boys when they got off the ride.

Looking forward to many more fun days at the park this summer. Going to try out Boomerang Bay (Kings Island's water park) on Memorial Day! More pictures to follow.

Baby Birds

A robin built her nest on our front porch. I can see how she thought it looked like a nice, quiet spot at the time. That poor bird probably didn't know four kids lived inside the house. That poor bird probably didn't know that once those four kids noticed the nest, they would want to check on it every single day. That poor bird probably didn't know three of those kids were loud and crazy boys. That poor bird probably didn't know one of those boys played an electric guitar. That poor bird probably didn't know the other two boys played drums-one electronic and one good, old fashioned, noisy as h___ drums. That poor bird probably didn't know the boy that played the noisy drums had a room at the front of the house right where she had built her nest. That poor bird probably learned a lot in her time in that nest. I would bet we never see that poor bird again!