It's been awhile

It's been awhile since my last post. We have been keeping busy enjoying what's left of summer. 

Preschool is quickly approaching. Ella starts in less than a week, and I can't believe it. This may sound crazy, but I have dreaded her first day of preschool since the day she was born. She is growing up entirely to fast. We met one of her teachers on Monday and went to look at her preschool room. Ella has seen the room a million times, but we have never actually walked in. Ella's eyes lit up when she walked in the room. Her name is on the wall along with her other classmates. I think she will enjoy it. It sounded so fun I wish I could go. Her teacher said they want them to look forward to coming to school. I hope Ella loves preschool. 

Here are just a few pictures from the past couple of weeks...

Ella would be such a good big sister!

She has a nice princess bike, but she insists on riding this Thomas bike we got from a yard sale. 

Last Holiday World trip of the summer

This past Wednesday was our last Holiday World trip of the summer. It seems like yesterday that Ella and I went on opening day.  We had a lot of fun times there this summer so I was sad that this was our last time.  

We met Erin, Bree, and Mallory. I am glad we squeezed in one last trip with them before the summer ended. 

The big girls waiting in line. I can't believe how big these two are getting. I still remember when Erin was pregnant with Bree, and I was asking her what it was like to be pregnant. Shortly after I was pregnant with Ella. Now look at them!

Mallory and her cute shades!  

Ella was sure to tell Santa she wanted a "Thomas the train table" for Christmas. 

This is the first time Mallory went down the slides by herself. 

I love watching Bree go down the slides. She screams loudly and gets herself going so fast. 

 Ella went down every slide by herself. I was so proud of her. Bree and Ella had so much fun going down the water slides together. 

 This is Safari Sam's Splashland. It's where we spent most of our day. 

Before we parted ways with Erin and the girls we were able to catch a show. 

Ella had to see the dive show one last time. 

Goodbye Holiday World. It has been a great season! Until next year....

Holiday World...again

We went to Holiday World this past Sunday with the Andreae's. It was nice to get to hang out with them two weekends in a row. We were so lucky to have nice weather. It wasn't too hot or humid. I think this is the first time I didn't sweat to death. It was great! 

We started out at Holidog's Funtown. Natalie headed straight for the water from the get go, and Ella joined in a little later. I think it's so funny how much Natalie loves water. 

Of all the times we have been to Holiday World this summer this was the first time Ella got to sit on Santa's lap. I was pleasantly surprised by the fact that she wasn't scared and willingly sat with him. I just love this picture!

Not only does she love Santa, but she loves Holidog too. 

On the way to the water park we made a stop at the canoes so the girls could ride together. This picture just makes me laugh. Ella's face is priceless!

The adults actually got to do a few things this trip. Adam and Bobby are on the left blue lanes. Brandi and I rode another water slide. I loved it, but I think you could probably hear me screaming from a mile away. 

Ella finally went down the little water slides. I have been trying to get her to do this all summer. She would of course only go down with daddy.

These dads are just too cute going down the water slides with their girls. I have to give props to Bobby. He seems like such a good helper with both Natalie and Aubrey. He even watched both girls while Brandi and I were on a water slide. Adam stood on a bridge with Ella on his shoulders for about 30 minutes waiting for us. We are both definitely lucky to have them.

Natalie loved the slides..of course! She kept going under water and acted like it was nothing. 

Ella finally worked up the nerve to go down all by herself. I was so proud of her! 

Go Ella!

We headed to a different area of the water park in the afternoon. It's pretty bad I have been there a ton this summer and had no clue this part even existed. 

We couldn't make it out of Holiday World without a ride on the dolphin. Adam almost got in a fight with another dad over this dolphin, because he wouldn't make his daughter get off. The worker wouldn't say a word either. Ella finally got her turn though and was thrilled!

Aubrey was so good the entire day. I forgot she was there most of the time, because she was asleep in the moby wrap. If I ever have another I definitely want a moby wrap. Isn't she the cutest little thing!?

Ella had to ride #5  on the little carousel, the airplanes, and the sea horses. 

Natalie liked the rides much better later on in the day! :) 

It was another great visit to Holiday World. I'm sad to say that this Wednesday will be our last weekday visit to Holiday World until next year.  Where did the summer go!?