Field day and last days of school

Ella just finished up her second grade school year. It was definitely her best year yet. You never know what to expect when the school year starts, but I don't have one complaint about this school year. She learned so much, she gained confidence in herself, she grew about a foot and most importantly, she was happy. Ella is such a sweet little girl, and I hope she stays that way forever. She will be moving on to third grade at ECS East Campus next school year, and and it's hard to believe that the time has come. 
Field Day
Field day was last Friday, and the weather was less than stellar. It was chilly and rainy, but that did not dampen the kid's spirits. Field day is my favorite day of the whole school year. I love watching Ella compete. She did the same events as last year: 50 yard dash, team relay, and the soccer kick. 
Ella's class has been together since Kindergarten. I have never met a nicer group of kids. They were like a little family, and I will miss them being together next school year.

 Ella and her two main friends, Jossalyn and Mariah

Ella gave it her all that day.

Can you tell she loves to compete? 

Second grade celebrating their win against in the first grade in tug of war

Field Trip to the Lock and Dam

Ella's class had one last field trip yesterday to the lock and dam. It was a fun day of play, and a great way to wrap up the school year. 

Last day and awards ceremony
Today was her last day as a second grader. I couldn't help but shed a few tears when I dropped her off. First and last days are always hard. We are super proud of this girl!!

Ella and Jossalyn before the awards ceremony

Ella received an award for physical education and honor roll. Ella had no idea what the honor roll was. ;) 

 I love comparison pictures and here is Ella on the first and last day of second grade. It's crazy how much older (and mature) she looks. 

This is the first day of Kindergarten and the last day of second grade.

We have had our ups and down the past few years, but it turned out to be a great experience. We are super proud of the sweet, happy, confident girl Ella is. It's on to third grade!

Wheels on the Bus 2nd birthday

Paige turned two last week, and we celebrated her birthday the weekend before with our family and friends. She is currently obsessed with school buses so I knew her party had to have a school bus theme. 

I recreated quite a few things I saw on pinterest for a "wheels on the bus" party. Who knew that was actually a party theme?! I made the table look like a school bus. I didn't think I would be able to pull it off, but it actually turned out pretty good. I even found a school bus to come to the party to take us for a short ride around our area. Paige had never been on an actual school bus so I knew having one come to the party would be a treat for her. Little did I know that the sound of the school bus would scare her to death. :) 

 I think Paige's favorite thing was playing with the balloons. 

I wanted to get a picture of Ella and Paige before the party, and this is what I got. Paige was crying, and Ella looks scared. Oh well!

The cake was made to match her shirt, and it matched exactly. Not only did it look good, but it tasted good as well!

This girl is always on the move. 

 The school bus came rolling down the street about an hour after the party started. We were all outside watching and waiting. I'm sure people who drove by wondered what was going on. Once the bus came down the road we were all screaming and laughing. Paige started screaming "school bus" and then started crying when it actually pulled up to the house. She can't handle loud noises. 

 It was such a nice day for a school bus ride and everyone seemed to enjoy it. 

Paige was a little unsure, but overall did pretty good. 

 Once we made it back we had cake and opened presents. Paige loved all her new toys and played the rest of the day. 

Paige loved her party, and we all had fun celebrating her! Thanks to everyone who made her party special!! :)