Rick and Kelly Howell, residents of the River Crossing neighborhood for the past 12 years, have truly embraced their community and created a beautiful garden oasis in their yard. The couple moved to Washington from Sacramento, California, when Rick accepted a position as the Chief Information Officer for the law firm Perkin Coie. Although the transition took some adjustment, they quickly fell in love with their new home and now consider it their true haven.

One of the standout features of living in River Crossing is the natural beauty that surrounds them. Rick and Kelly appreciate the endless opportunities for exploration, both within their neighborhood and throughout the wider region. Their proximity to Town Center allows them to take leisurely walks for dining and groceries, while the abundance of trails provides ample opportunities for their dogs to roam and play. They find joy in sharing their slice of paradise with friends and family, showcasing the many indoor and outdoor attractions their community has to offer.

For the Howells, the changing seasons are a cherished aspect of living in River Crossing. They eagerly anticipate the arrival of snow during winter, which adds a touch of excitement to the colder months. The small-town atmosphere combined with the vibrant activities and events during spring and summer make Mill Creek an extraordinary place to raise their three daughters.

The couple has poured their hearts and souls into their yard, transforming it into an inviting outdoor living space for socializing and relaxation. Hosting hotdog roasts and s'mores nights has become a favorite pastime, thanks to their daughter's Girl Scout skills in fire-building and their well-utilized firepit. Among their many garden endeavors, Kelly treasures their collection of red azalea plants, which provide a much-needed burst of color after the long, gray winters. Their vegetable garden, consisting of several raised beds, is another beloved feature. With an assortment of tomatoes, jalapeno peppers, zucchini squash, and cucumbers, they delight in harvesting their own fresh produce.

The Howells' yard holds a few unique surprises as well. Rick has become a master of growing jalapeno peppers in a self-watering container called an "EarthTainer." This innovation allows him to produce an abundance of perfect jalapeno peppers, which he meticulously pickles and jars each fall, resulting in an impressive collection of about two dozen mason jars. Additionally, their backyard boasts a striking rock wall that separates their main yard from a sloping hill covered in lush vegetation. While the rock wall is a common feature among their neighbors, Kelly finds the annual return of ivy that cascades over the rocks to be a particularly enchanting sight.

The Howells' yard has undergone significant transformations since they first arrived. Initially neglected and in need of extensive cleanup and maintenance, they embarked on a massive overhaul in 2011. Then, in 2021, they further enhanced their outdoor space by adding pavers, a fire pit, a pergola, and an outdoor grill and kitchen. They also replaced a problematic lawn with a small patch of pet turf, providing a solution to their drainage issues and making life easier for their two dogs.

While their garden demands considerable effort, the Howells derive immense pleasure from nurturing and witnessing its growth. With their daughters now older, they have more time to devote to tending to their garden and learning the intricacies of plant care. They enjoy discovering which herbs and vegetables thrive in their environment and discovering ways to attract pollinators and hummingbirds to their yard. A new addition to their gardening routine is a countertop composter called the Lomi, which Rick received as a birthday gift. They have started composting and are delighted by the positive results they have seen so far. Watching their garden flourish and being able to share the fruits of their labor brings them great satisfaction and joy.

In the end, Rick and Kelly Howell's journey in River Crossing has been one of growth and transformation. From their initial adjustment to their deep appreciation for the natural beauty and tight-knit community, they have built a welcoming garden sanctuary that reflects their love for their home and their desire to share its treasures with loved ones.