soccer!

I took a chance and signed Riley up for soccer this spring.

I figured she would like it - being Miss Active and all...

Soccer was a sport my brother and I played growing up, so it's familiar.  A good first sport to learn I guess (in my eyes).  To each his own.

Actually, I think Riley would love dancing or gymnastics...right?!  We'll see.

So anyway, last Sunday was her first soccer practice.

My mistake was we got there too early (we actually were on time since they told us to arrive 15 min early to get acquainted). 

All that did was make Riley play soccer, on her own, for 10 minutes.  Or, what seemed a life time.

By the time practice officially started - she was like "can we go home?"  HA!  "Ummm, No.  I paid money for this kid - you will play!!"  No, I didn't say that to her.  But yes, I thought it.  I actually was very encouraging and supportive.  Of course, duh.

She ended up getting into it.  I think. 

Actually, for being so rambunctious she was one of the slowest kids there.  It was like someone sucked the energy right out of her before we started. 

I may need to rethink what I feed her before going and dressing her properly (her pants were a little small, since she's so tall now...and it was windy and she needed more on.  My fault.)

Knowing Riley I think she just needs time to get acquainted. 

Riley is also a perfectionist.  She likes to do things right.  Part of why she wanted to quit was she didn't feel like she was doing it "good."  While all the kids were running around with the ball - she was more like walking around, observing everyone.  ;)  That's OK!

And really, she's only 4 years old.  I didn't play soccer at 4 years old.  And I surely don't care if she decides it's not fun.  We'll try again in the future - or something different.  Time will tell.

She is wanting to keep playing for now.  She's ready for Sunday.  So, we'll see what our next practice brings...  We're excited.  She even has a new, pink soccer ball!

Also, on the plus side, it's supposed to be in the 70's!  YES.

I think she'll get in the groove after having gone a couple of times.  She's slower to warm up (like her Momma).

Riley is in middle - pony tail, pink pants, light blue shirt



Riley is on the left with the hood on.



Riley on right.

thank you

And, as always...thank you to our friends and family who think of us on our special Birthdays.

Riley loved all the cards, gifts and spending money!  ;) 

(She had so much fun shopping with Momma knowing she could actually buy something!)

Here is Riley with a couple of her purchases with gift money...

Riley's new "Palace Pet" named Pumpkin

Riley's new Tinkerbell dress-up outfit

Birthday girl, Riley!

We had a nice day on Riley's birthday!

Riley dressed and ready for the day!
(Her shirt says "Happy Birthday to Me!")

Riley next to her name...she spelled and wrote it all by herself!
(This is the best "R" so far, go Riley!)

I had my mom's group at church on her special day and it worked out because she loves the kids' program there (so we both have fun).  We did that in the morning.

 

It happened to be a beautiful spring day too so we got to meet at a playground afterwards and played with friends and even had a picnic lunch!  Riley had a blast.  (And I was apparently too busy to take more than one pic!)

Thank you to our friends who joined us at the park!  Riley was SO excited to play.

Riley got to Skype with Daddy when we got home too!  She opened a few presents in front of him.  It was very special.

 

We even had time to cuddle Owen (we always do...)

little sweeties

Owen adores his big sister!

Owen is saying "hi!"
Well, in his own baby way...

We had pizza for dinner and cupcakes for dessert (two of the greatest foods in the world...for those of you out there who enjoy "junk food" as much as I do!)

pink, blue and purple...our favorite colors!
AND...sprinkles!

complete with Princess plates!

Riley is "4"!

 

Riley had a great day.  We all did.

 

Happy 4th Birthday, buggy!

Riley in a new Princess gown on her Birthday!
(She posed like this all on her own...ha)

Love you, Riley.

play museum on a rainy day

I was hoping to have a Birthday party this year for Riley at a playground. 

My main motivation behind it was knowing we are moving this year and also knowing Riley has never had a Birthday party with friends.  (Not yet, anyway!)

I knew I took a chance when planning it - knowing the spring could either bring cooler weather or rain.

Well, sure enough it was cooler and we had pouring down rain all weekend!

(I planned it for the last weekend in March).

Anyway, our friends seemed to understand the cancellation - as did Riley.

So instead of a party - Granddad, Grandma, Mommy and Owen took Riley to the Please Touch Museum in Philadelphia!

It was our very first time there.

Riley had lots to see and do and she was a trooper.  She started out slow but eventually warmed up and had a blast!  (After eating some lunch...)

My camera took garbage pics...indoor setting with a kid running around was not ideal.

So, here are a few of the best pics of our day!

Owen in stroller - rosy cheeks and all

Riley "grocery shopping"

playing "Doctor"

Riley and Grandma on the canoe
 

Riley riding a tortoise

playing in the water!



and now, on an elephant...



Owen with Grandma

 

Video of Mommy & Riley on the carousel

 

We had a great day, indoors...spending it with family and celebrating Riley.

Who says rain is bad?

end of March

Here are a couple of pics taken the end of March...

 

We enjoyed a visit with Emillie.  Unfortunately, Hannah couldn't make it.

 

Next time I see the girls again, I'll try to take more pics!

Emillie (16), Owen and Riley

Riley
(Riley is dressed for summer, every day...the kid is ready!)

Owen - 7 mos

Owen is 7 months old!

 

(Actually 7.5 months as I'm a bit late in posting...)

 

Our little buddy is sitting up!

 

He still falls over from time to time, but is getting stronger every day.

 

He has 5 teeth now...they just keep popping up!

 

Owen is not into rolling around too much.

 

He knows how to...

 

Just recently he's decided to sleep on his belly now in his crib (instead of back).

 

We're not quite ready to crawl yet.

 

Owen is just a happy, content little dude.

 

He's in no rush.

 

And, neither am I...

 

 

March fun

Hi all!

I wanted to share some pics that I've taken in the last week or so...

Our St. Patty's breakfast - green pancakes (made with spinach) and SO yummy!
(message me if you want the recipe...they really are good, no lie.)

my kitchen helper

Owen and Riley - smiley kids!

Owen's first time in the walker on our porch

Riley and her Crocus flower...a sign of spring coming!

more of Owen in the walker...smiling this time

Riley's new "Easter" hat...she picked it out - in the $1 bin, my kind of price!

Owen practicing sitting up...he still needs help because he falls over,
but is getting stronger every day!

What's next for us?

Owen will be turning 7 mos old next week!

We plan to see Emillie and Hannah soon...(I need to get some pics with them!)

Riley will be enjoying a visit with her grandparents soon too...all by herself!

We are having a small birthday party with some friends for Riley the end of the month...

Stay tuned for more pics in a couple of weeks!

Keep on March'ing...spring is coming!!

Hope you all are well.

Love to you,