Halloween Weekend at Holiday World

Paige and I went to Holiday World for their first Halloween weekend of the season. Adam and Ella didn't want to go, because they wanted to stay home to enjoy a quiet house. Ha! Depending on the day, that sounds just as fun as Holiday World to me as well. 

Paige was so excited to spend the day there. We were in it for the long haul that day. She wanted to stay for trick or treating which didn't begin until 4:30. I don't think I have ever stayed at Holiday World that long, but I figured it was worth it for her to get to trick or treat. 

Ready for a fun day! 

She had to have her face painted, and this ended up lasting all day. It was well worth the almost $20 I paid for it. Sheesh! She loved it though. 

The absolute BEST part of Halloween weekends at Holiday World is the Monster Mash show. I love it every year. I thought Paige might be scared, but she loved it just as much as I did. 

She was even brave enough to get her picture taken with one of them. She would only get her picture taken with the "princess". 

I think her favorite ride is the fishy ride. Ella used to love this ride too. She rode it several times in a row. 

I grabbed this costume on the way out of the house so she would have something to trick or treat in. She was pretty tired and done with pictures by then. 

Paige joined in on the Kitty Clause dance party, and then trick or treated. I can already see how much fun she will have on Halloween. She was all about getting candy and eating it! 

The look on her face says it all. It was a long day but a fun one!  

Paige- PreK - year 1

Our sweet Paige started preschool back in August. I can not believe the time finally rolled around. When she was born it felt like an eternity until the time she would start preschool, but here we are. Time is not slowing down.  

Paige's first day of school was just orientation. Parents were able to stay and play with them which was nice. Paige was so excited to see what her school was all about. I knew she would probably have a small adjustment, but she was more than ready for preschool. 

She became fast friends with Parker on that day. They bonded over the play kitchen and have been friends ever since. :) 

Wednesday, August 28th, was Paige's first day of school. Although she was excited to go, she was still a little nervous. She thought she might "hiccup" on the way, but she did not. Once she saw her teacher, she took off and didn't look back. It was very undramatic and has been each day since. She is such a brave girl. 

Where did the time go? I honestly have no idea. Some days I seriously thought I would not make it to the next. Some days were LONG, tedious, and tiring. Some days I wondered if I would ever get a spare minute to myself again. I'm thankful for those days though, because once they start school life is never the same.  

Leader Day

A few weeks after school started Paige had her first leader day. I was able to join her for the day, we brought snack, and show and tell items. Paige also was able to be the line leader. It was such a big day for her, and she was so excited!

She also got to hold the pointer. 

It was so fun to see who she was friends with and how she acted in a classroom setting. 

Eating up the fact that she was leader for the day!

She brought a rock from Lake Michigan, a picture of her and Ella, and a baby doll for show and tell. She did a good job of explaining her items and showing her friends what she brought. 

Outside time was her favorite time of the day. She loved chasing everyone around (and being chased). She was in her prime out on the playground. 

We ended the day playing in the big room. It was such a fun leader day and nice to see how well Paige was adjusted to preschool. 

Fast forward to the week after leader day, and things went downhill a bit. Paige was not being a good listener, doing her paperwork, or participating in centers. I think she was rebelling, because she wanted to be in control. She had to sit in the "self -control chair" a few times, and her teachers also started a sticker chart for her. It only took a few times, but she finally started behaving again. Thank goodness! 

Overall, it's been the best start to preschool. She willingly goes and is happy while she is there. I can't ask for much more than that!

Ella Claire- Fifth Grader

Ella is a big fifth grader this year. This is her last year at the elementary school, and it's hard to believe. Each year seems to fly by faster than the one before it. 

Ella was not nervous like she usually is on the first day. She was confident and ready to go that morning. She has four friends in her class so that was such a blessing for her first day. She slid right back into routine and besides a few hiccups, I'd say she's doing really well. 

Ella has come so far over the years. Thinking back to kindergarten I'm surprised we have survived up until now. We have been through it all with her over these last five years. She has overcome so much, and I am so proud of the little lady she is becoming.