Our Week with Riley

Our house was a little more full once again last week. We were able to have our niece Riley (2) here to visit while her parents (my brother Joey & his wife Pam) were in Jamaica and my parents & Pam's mom took turns with Carter. It was awesome getting to spend so much time with Riley! We've never been able to have much quality time with her. When we visit Wichita, we're always dividing our time between both sides of the family and seeing friends. And when they come here, normally we have to leave for work/school or other activities. So- this was a first for us, and her. And we had a blast!

Having a 2-year-old in the house again is definitely more work and kept me on my toes- especially keeping up with her schedule, giving her baths and remembering all her sign language. But in return, we all got lots of cuddles, hugs, giggles, smiles and kisses! She's a very happy, lively girl with tons of personality! We didn't have a ton going on over the week, but we did take her to everything we had to do. And of course, we visited the pools several times. We even went to a friend's house one morning to swim in their backyard pool. She saw Makena play softball and tennis. We ate out once with her and she "helped" us cook lots! Having her here for the Fourth was fun too... although by the time that night got here, she wasn't too sure about all the fireworks & firecrackers. As long as she was in my lap, she did just fine. Such a trooper! I'll never get tired of being called "Ne-Ne", and hearing her call Eric "Ookie."

Thanks to Joey & Pam for trusting us with your angel. I know leaving her with the local grandparents might have been the easier choice, so we appreciate it that much more. We all got to know her so much better and will always treasure those memories!!!