Spelling Bee and Wax Museum

The week before Thanksgiving was a CRAZY, marathon week for us. Ella had two big school events, and Adam was out of town. Being a one woman show on a week like this was not easy, and I probably would not have made it without help (my mom and dad). They always come through for me, even when I'm an emotional mess. ;) 

Ella was one of four third graders in the school spelling bee. I was so nervous for her (probably more nervous than her), but she ended up doing great. She has come so far since kindergarten. She was the little girl that would not talk to anyone. It would break my heart when other kids would ask me why Ella would not speak. She has grown leaps and bounds since then. It was nice to see her so confident on stage.

The next morning was the dreaded living wax museum. Adam was supposed to make it home on Thursday night so he could go, but his flight ended up being cancelled. It just added to the craziness of the week. He did make it home late Friday morning and was able to go to Ella's party that afternoon. 

Ella had been dreading the living wax museum for weeks. Parents, teachers, and other students come around and click your mouse. Once your mouse is clicked you have to start saying your 30 second presentation. Every introverts worst nightmare!! Ella was nervous, but she did it. All the kids were watching the clock to see when it was 9:15. They were all ready for it to be over. 

Ella's book was "A Crazy Day with Cobras" by Mary Pope Osborne

She wanted to take this gold mouse home with her. 

I am so proud of my little third grader for overcoming her fears! 

Halloween 2017

We had a fun, cold Halloween this year. Last year we were all in short sleeves, and this year it was winter coats. By the time if it was all said and done we were freezing! 

Ella was a pikachu, and Paige was Minnie Mouse. I could barely get a costume on her. I don't think she could understand why she had to dress up to go around to take candy from strangers. Paige didn't make it very long before my mom took her back home. 

We ended up going trick or treating with Autumn and a couple of Ella's friends. They all had so much fun and got lots of candy. 

Adam took off work early and drove these girls around on the golf cart. It ended up working out great, because they were able to go around to a lot more houses. 

It was a fun Halloween, but I was glad when it was over so we could move on to the holiday season. :) 

Fall break

Ella had a week long fall break again this year. I have a love hate relationship with a week off. I think it's great that she has the break, but it's just long enough to get out of routine. We took a small trip with just Ella which she was so excited about. She doesn't get a ton of one on one time with us so we always take advantage of our time when we do get it. 

Adam and I took Ella to Nashville for some shopping during the day, and we stayed at the Gaylord Opryland that night. 

To say Ella had fun is an understatement. We shopped, had lunch at Rainforest Cafe, hung out in the hotel room (what she loves to do), and ordered room service. Ella takes full advantage of staying in a hotel. 

On Wednesday of fall break we went to the pumpkin patch. I had been waiting for the perfect day to go. It was pushing 90 days before, but we had the perfect chilly day to go on fall break. 

Ella is an old pro at the pumpkin patch. This was the first year Paige was all in and wanted to try everything. They both had a really good time!

I think their favorite thing was the big jumping pillow.

 Paige was not fond of the hay ride or the pumpkins. She was only concerned about jumping. 

Adam and Ella picked out a pumpkin for us while Paige and I hung out in the wagon. 

We finished out our visit with some cornhole and one last jump on the big pillow. 

I can't even get over how mature Ella is looking these days. She is growing up way too fast for my liking.