The Quad City River Bandits are the Class A team for the St. Louis Cardinals.  The East Moline Cardinals (Payton’s Little League team) participated in the “Anthem Buddy’s” program in which each player gets to meet and greet all of the players, tour the locker room and clubhouse.  Then each players name is announced, just like the pregame lineups as they run onto the field with the professional player of the same position. 

After running to their respective positions  they stand for the national anthem alongside their professional counterpart.  It was the second largest crowd in River Bandits history, with 6,800 people in attendance.

The giveaway for the night was either a Obama or McCain bobblehead.  Whichever bobblehead was gone first, was considered as the unofficial River Bandits candidate.  FYI, Obama won!  His bobbleheads were gone way before McCain’s were. 

Needless to say, it was a great night at the ballpark.  Fun was had by all.

A few weeks ago, the Miller’s hopped on their bikes for a short bike ride along the            M-i-crooked letter-crooked letter-i-hunchback-hunchback-i (Mississippi) River.  We stopped to take a break at the park, and watched the kids play on the equipment.  A nice relaxing evening…we’re about due for another ride…any takers?

You may have seen these already, but here are some pictures that I took while in Florida…some of my faves.

I failed to report that Horace Grant stopped by the Miller house for a game of hoops, or so we thought…come to find out, it was an imposter!

Thank you for continuing to check Rileyrose.org…As I said before, I’m having technical difficulties with my laptop, and therefore unable to upload pictures to the site.  However, I have got my pal, Scottie, on the job and he’s working hard to find the part necessary to ‘fix’ the problem.  As soon as I get that taken care of, I will resume the blog by posting pictures.  In the meantime, continue to check back as I will continue to blog. 

 If anyone’s got a laptop they don’t want, send it our way! ha, ha, ha

Thank you for your patience.

For all that haven’t heard, Payton was the home run derby winner at a tourney last weekend.  Of 10 pitches, he hit 3 homers! Way to go, Payton!! He took first place, and a $30 gift card to Wal-Mart.  Who knows….right now it’s a gift card, and a medal…in 15 years it will be a house for Mom & Dad!? No pressure.

 I must apologize for being inconsistent with my posts and for not including pictures.  Payton started “fall ball”, which is season 2 of baseball…so we’ve had games. And, as for the pictures…my cd rom drive isn’t working, so I can’t install the program I need to fix pics prior to posting them on this site. So, until I can get that taken care of, you’ll have to bear with me…please.  My mom has the program I need on her computer, so I may resort to posting from there.  Zach: are you sure you left ACDSee at Mom’s?? We can’t find it.  If it doesn’t turn up, I may need you to send me a copy. Thanks!

Love you all.

Well, another Bix 7 run has come and gone…I’d like to say “Congrats!” to those of you who participated by either running or walking, or both! It was such a beautiful day, perfect morning for the Bix.  You can check out Bix related stuff at the following link: http://www.qctimes.com/special/bix08/

This year, we had two very special first timers…1) Scott Wells and 2) Payton.  It was the first time they participated in the Bix.  Scott had a finishing time of 1:49:38 and Payton finished with a time of 1:18:57.  Other results: Joe finished with a time of 47:33, and finished 451st overall! That’s a hugh accomplishment when running the Bix!! Great job, Dad! One other note, he did NOT, I repeat, DID NOT end up in the medical tent this year…way to go Dad! Hal ran a 1:06:28, Lindsey did a 1:11:43, Heidi did a 1:18:58, Tony finished with Payton around the same time. 

Thanks, Tony for encouraging Payton to run this year! We all need a little push sometimes…he’s REALLY sore this morning…I keep telling him “Pain is just weakness leaving the body.” then, he rolls his eyes.

Great job, everyone!

I miss my chubby little nephew, Levi Hunter! He’s such a sweetie pie.  Check him out!

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ijk_iQKHiSU

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QLtvMTvUh9w

Well, It’s been a little over a week now since we’ve returned from our family vacation and back to reality.  I think everyone had a nice time…there were a few moments, where I would’ve loved to click my sparkly red heels together and say “There’s no place like home, there’s no place like home.” But, in hindsight…I’m glad I don’t have that capability…it forces you to deal with things, rather than run and hide.

The kids had a GREAT time, and didn’t want to leave.  They love Mr. Levi more than anything! I think we all do.  He’s such a handsome boy, but he can be a little stinker.  I miss the hugs and kisses he gave, although sparingly. Stevie, kiss that little chunk on the back of his neck for me I LOVE ‘EM!

Because we took LOTS of pictures, I’ve decided to post links that send you to a site where you can view the pictures compiled from the 3-4 cameras that were being used while vacationing. 

PART 1 : The BEACH

http://picasaweb.google.com/SNDurbin/MorenoFamilyVacation2008Pt1TheBeach

PART 2: DURBINS Casa

http://picasaweb.google.com/SNDurbin/MorenoFamilyVacation2008Pt2DurbinsCasa

PART 3: Out and About

http://picasaweb.google.com/SNDurbin/MorenoFamilyVacation2008Pt3OutAbout

PART 4: Fun Times A GO-GO (Go Kart/Zoo)

http://picasaweb.google.com/SNDurbin/MorenoFamilyVacation2008Pt4FunTimesAGoGo

Again, we had a GREAT time, and we can’t wait to do it again next year…only this time Heidi has to go, too! I missed you Heidi.  It was fun, and very memorable since we were  all together, for the first time in a long time.  Well overdue!

I’d like to give a big “Thanks!” to The Durbin Family for welcoming us into your home and being such wonderful hosts.  Stevie, you’re THE BEST sister and friend…and I love you more than you’ll ever know.   Levi, you are my favorite nephew…and so gosh darn sweet.  Work on giving more hugs and kisses, because in December we’re all going to expect them!!

Since we’ve returned, we’ve had a very special visitor…Aunt Patty from Ohio.  As always, it was a pleasure having you here with us.  We love and miss you dearly, and look forward to your return for the Bix 7 on July 26th!! For every mile you complete, you’ll have a strawberry margarita with your name on it, to enjoy that evening!! C’mon Aunt P, we’re counting on you!!

Speaking of special visitors, we’re expecting two more this afternoon…Cathy and Harold will be here for the weekend.  (Mmm…french toast on Saturday morning…what a great way to start the day!) 

Our bestest friend in the whole wide world, Scotty, will be here the following weekend (finally)…He’s going to walk/run the Bix 7 for the VERY FIRST TIME…I guarantee, he’ll have such a great time he’ll want to come back every year.  http://www.bix7.com/2008/   As of right now, I think everyone is doing the Bix in some way, shape, or form.  Registered for the Bix 7 (7 miler): Tony, Heidi, Dad, Scott, Hal, Lindsey, and Payton.  Registered for the Quick Bix (2 miler): Mom.  Registered for the Kids Bix: Payton (1 mile) and Maddie (1/4 mile).   As long as it’ s not too hot (like last year), it’ll be a good time…last year I ended up in the medical tent…not fun, right dad? My advice to everyone: pace yourself, drink plenty of water, and don’t overdo it…(especially you, Dad!) Keep in mind this race has over 20,000 runners/walkers…not the place to set a PR.  Finishing and having a good time are the only goals I have for the Bix…it’s usually too hot, and there’s way too many people to think otherwise.

Grandma Dado (Dorothy) and Brad, we’re expecting the two of you in September….Payton should be in football by then. 

In case you haven’t heard, there’s a 3 part invasion going on right now, as we speak in Gulf Breeze, Florida.  Groups 1 (Grandma Bubbles, Payton, & Maddie) and 2 (Tony, Zach, and Pappy) have arrived safely.  Group 3, (Hal, Lindsey, and Grandma J), will arrive on Tuesday, July 1st at 0935 hours. 

Here are a few pics.  There’s a few of the kids standing on chairs…waiting to get the green light from Uncle Tony…to jump on the mattress.  Theres’ one of each of them in flight.  I forgot to send the insurance card with Grandma Bubbles…SO NO MORE KIDS JUMPING!!

Here I come, Joshua D!!

See you all soon!