Vacation 2012

Last week we packed up and headed to Destin for a little fun in the sun. It was a great trip. We have had some trips with Ella in the past that were not the best, but I think this was the best vacation we have had with her thus far. She slept good and had a really good time. It was fun to see how excited she was when we got there. She wanted to head to the beach first thing so that's what we did! 

She has come a long way. Two years ago she wanted nothing to do with the sand or water. She still doesn't love the beach as much as I do, but she's getting there!

Sunday, Adam unfortunately had to work. I was really annoyed that he had to work on our first day of vacation, but it could not be helped. He ended up working 12 hours that day. Ella and I went to the pool with my mom and dad and played on the beach while Adam sat in his "hole" on his computer. These are the times when I am not thankful for the internet, laptops, and mobile phones. 

After 38 years of marriage my parents still hold hands. Sweet!

On Monday I was happy to hear Adam finished working and could actually start his vacation. He really wanted to rent a golf cart for the week. Last year we rented a scooter car for an hour, and it was so fun to ride in. We ended up getting a street legal golf cart that we could ride all around the island, except for the highway. It was a huge hit with Ella, because she didn't need her car seat. We ended up getting a lot of use out of it while we were there.  

Did I mention we took the boys with us? Sometimes I think we are a little nuts driving almost 11 hours with a three year old and two dogs, but we do it. This was their sixth trip to Florida. They are great little travelers. I wouldn't have it any other way. I love not having to worry about them while we are gone. They obviously enjoyed the trip:)

Monday afternoon Adam, Ella, and I went out to lunch and went to the aquarium. Ella loves dolphins so it's really fun for her to get to see them up close and personal. The dolphin show was her favorite thing. I started feeling pretty bad during the dolphin show. I think I had a sinus infection. I felt bad the week before we left, but I thought it would probably go away on it's own. It only got worse when we got to FL. Luckily, I was able to get a prescription called in, and I felt better within no time after taking the first dose. 

On Tuesday we hung out at the beach in the morning. This was the only day Ella was at the beach for an extended period of time. I think it's a little too hot for her taste. She is getting there though. I can't wait for the day she will want to stay at the beach all day with me. 

Tuesday night before we went to dinner I decided to try to get our Christmas card picture. It was a success! It's not easy to get a good picture with everyone looking (including the dogs), but we ended up getting one. Shew! 

My mom made this dress Ella has on. I really love the way it turned out. Adam's cousin, Erin, monogrammed it for me. I'm glad I know people who are good with sewing machines, because I am not. 

Wednesday I took Ella down to the beach by myself, but she was not happy about it. She wanted nothing to do with the sand or the water. That afternoon we decided to go to Baytowne Wharf to eat lunch and ride the carousel. Little did we know the carousel is only open on weekends. Bummer!

After a big lunch at Jim n' Nicks barbecue we decided to just grill out that night. It was really nice to just relax. 

I drove Ella around the parking lot. I didn't trust myself on the street with her by myself. I'm not the best driver;)

Adam took us for a night time drive after dinner. He looks thrilled, doesn't he?

Thursday morning my mom and I got to do a little shopping at the outlets while Adam and my dad entertained Ella. After we shopped we hit the pool for a bit until it was time to get ready for the dolphin cruise. 

 Ella was so excited to see dolphins!

They let the kids feed the birds. They were swarming the ship. 

It was really exciting to see dolphins in their natural habitat. I loved watching them. They got really close to the boat. It was fun until I started feeling a little sick. I went up top to sit down, but it didn't help. I ended up puking with about 45 minutes left in the trip. It was a horrible feeling knowing that I couldn't get off the boat. Needless to say, I will either be taking necessary precautions next time, or I will not be getting on a boat anytime soon. The dolphin cruise was a really great experience minus my illness! 

On our last day we took it easy. We made one last trip to the beach for a few pictures before heading to Baytowne Wharf so Ella could ride the carousel. 

Adam and I sat on the balcony that night after Ella went to bed, while my parents were inside watching TV. All the sudden we heard something fall and hit the floor. I looked in, and I could see my mom and dad talking about something. Come to find out, one of the shells my dad found "walked" off the counter. Thank goodness we didn't bring our little crabby friend home with us. He was returned to his rightful home that night. 

We had such a fun trip. I was sad to see it end, but it was great to get home. Every year vacation seems to get a little easier with Ella. We have come a long way since she was a baby, and we had to pack what seemed to be her entire room. I'm already looking forward to our next vacation, whenever and wherever that may be! 

Don't cry because it's over, smile because it happened

We have been in Destin, Fl for the past week. It has been a great trip, but today is our last day. I don't like last days. Even though I'm sad that it's over I am so thankful we have had such a great trip. We have had some not so great vacations in the past so I always appreciate the great ones!

Here are a few instagram pics from our trip... 

Our sweet ride in the parking lot at dinner. Adam rented this golf cart for the week. It has been so fun to drive around!

Ella ready for the dolphin cruise. Love her dress!

 Laying out on the beach. I love the beach!

Ella on her huge dolphin at the pool. We had to get this as soon as we got settled on Saturday after we got here. 

A snapshot of the beach. I will miss it!

We are still around...

I don't know why, but this has been a crazy week. I have been really stressed out and feel like I am barely keeping my head above water. Adam has been working a lot of over time lately so I have been on my own with Ella and trying to take care of everything else with her running around like a crazy person. This week is coming to an end though and things are about to slow down for a little bit! 

 Ella actually made it to both days of preschool this week. She did really well. She didn't cry either day and was happy to go. I really enjoy hearing her stories when she comes home. I think she is really fond of her friend Nick. Every time I ask her who she played with her answer is, "Nick." Today she told me he played with the Thomas toy she brought with her. I find it so funny that one of her first friends in preschool is a boy. I didn't expect it, but I think it's so cute. I think preschool has been really good for Ella so far. She seems to be coming out of her shell and opening up a little more. I still can not believe how far she has come in the past year and how much she has changed.  Last year at the time Ella was still in diapers and now she is fully potty trained. It blows my mind how much can change in a year. 

Ella threw probably the worst fit she has ever thrown to date the other day. She has been truly testing my patience lately.  The fit started in Target. I told her she could get one Thomas DVD. After picking out a DVD she found a Thomas book she wanted instead. There is no way I was going to pay $20 for a book so I told her to put it back. She wouldn't put it back so I put it back for her, and she threw herself on the ground. Once that happened I told her she wasn't getting anything and headed to the checkout. The fit continued while we were checking out. She kept staying, "I don't want a DVD." I think the fit was bothering the cashier, but I didn't care. Ella changed her tune when she realized we were heading out the door without a DVD, and then she wanted one. I was not giving in, and then that really set her off. She screamed all the way home and probably for a good half hour when we got home. It was not fun, but she has to learn she can't get everything she wants in life. 

Yesterday we went to the park while we were waiting for the dogs at the groomer. It was such a nice day. We met my friend Joan and her boys there since they live right down the road. I love hanging out with her and listening to her talk about her kids. Her two year old threw a D battery at her head the other day. Not funny to her, but I couldn't help but laugh. While our kids play we exchange stories about the fits they have thrown that week. It makes me feel like I am not alone. :) 

"The days are long, but the years are short." 

Preschool, Week 2

It's been pretty eventful at the Bertram house this week. Ella went to preschool on Tuesday. It was a bit of a rough morning. I told her she couldn't wear her favorite pair of underwear(because they were dirty) to school on Tuesday morning and that set her off.  Things went down hill from there. She cried and cried for a good thirty minutes saying she didn't want to go to preschool. I knew she would be fine once I got her there, but it wasn't very easy getting her out the door. Once we got there she had calmed down and did ok until she saw another little boy crying. She teared up so I just sat her down and left. When I picked her up her teacher said she only cried for a couple of minutes, and she had a good day after she calmed down. I heard she made a new friend, Nick. I'm not surprised she would become friends with a boy. He was stuck to her like glue when I went in there. Maybe it was the thomas the train jacket that attracted him to her? I think it's so cute. I am excited to see who she forms friendships with 

Unfortunately, Ella had to miss today because she was sick again. It stinks she has only been there two out of four days. We aren't starting off on the best foot. Ella started telling me her stomach hurt yesterday afternoon. Around five she fell asleep on our bed which is very unlike her. When she woke up she kept moaning and groaning, and I could tell she felt horrible. I took her temperature around seven last night, and she was running a fever. Shortly after she threw up. Once she did that she felt better, and her fever went away. It was the weirdest thing I have ever seen. Today has been better. Tonight she sounded a little congested so she might just have a touch of something. Fingers crossed her immune system will toughen up a bit now that she is around other kids and germs! 

I just had to share pictures of this dress I got Ella for fall/Halloween. I found it on an etsy shop I love, wren ten ten. I am a HUGE fan of chevron. I love almost everything in this girl's shop, but I especially loved this dress. I knew Ella would look cute in it, and I'm thinking she may be able to wear it next year also. 

 I could just eat her up! Hopefully I will be able to keep Ella well for the weekend and our Florida trip coming up in one week. My fingers are crossed! 

First Day of Preschool

Today was Ella's first day of preschool. Technically, it should have been Tuesday, but she was getting over her stomach virus. 

I have dreaded preschool since the day she was born (no joke). A year ago, even the thought of preschool made me tear up. I had visions of Ella screaming bloody murder when I dropped her off. I think things happen for a reason. Last October I started taking her to the Y so she would get used to being dropped off with strangers at their childcare center while I worked out. Come to find out they have preschool at the Y, and today that is where she started.

It was not a big deal to drop her off since we are usually there at least four or five times a week anyway. It was like any other day, but I just dropped her off in a different room. I couldn't have asked for a better drop off. Ella didn't shed a tear, and she seemed excited to be there. Me on the other hand, I at least made it to the car. I did so much better than I expected, but it was still a little sad. 

The two and a half hours flew by and before I knew it it was time to pick her up. Ella's teacher said she did great. At circle time, they went around and all the kids were supposed to say their name. Ella would not say her name, but when asked what her favorite toy was she clearly said, "Thomas!" I'm sure you couldn't have guessed that from the picture. Her teachers seem so nice. Their names are Mrs. B (Briody) and Mrs. Kremer. I think they will be a good fit for Ella. 

On the way out of the building Ella said, "That was so much fun!" I was happy to hear she enjoyed herself. Afterwards, we met my mom at McDonald's for some lunch. I promised Ella I would take her to lunch if she was good, and she didn't forget. 

Ella came home with her first little art project from school. I am so excited to see all the things she will make this year. I'm thinking I will frame this one since it's her first. I really love it. 

I can only imagine all the things she will learn and all the stories she will tell us this year. Tonight, as she was going potty, she told me she touched her pee at the Y today. She said she stuck her hand in the potty. Who knows what went on in that bathroom. I'm just proud that she peed on the potty without me there. :) 

I hope this is a great school year for Ella!!

Day out with Thomas

This past Sunday we headed to Nashville for "Day out with Thomas." with my family.  Ella is OBSESSED with Thomas the Train. She has anything and everything Thomas you can think of. She has only wore Thomas the Train PJ's for the last year. When I potty trained Ella I got her Thomas undies (boy undies) as an incentive for wearing underwear. We hear "Thomas" probably 100x a day. Ella loves Thomas. 

Day out with Thomas finally rolled around, and Ella was so excited! 

Isn't she just the cutest Thomas fanatic you have ever seen!? 

I thought Ella looked so cute in her Thomas garb. I ordered her shirt off of etsy. My sister in law, Penny, made her skirt. It turned out so cute, and Ella was more than thrilled to wear it. We ordered the hat and lanyard with our tickets. She also had a Thomas whistle and bandana.  She got lots of compliments on her outfit!

Ella got a Thomas and Percy tattoo. 

Ella in Thomas heaven. She made it out of there with a duffle bag, t-shirt, pez dispenser, and picture album. She is lucky Adam is a softy! 

Ella is getting so big. I didn't think she could make it up this slide by herself so Adam went with her the first time. She told him she could do it by herself. The second time she climbed up all by herself. She is getting so big!

This is my favorite picture. Ella in all her Thomas glory! 

After Thomas we went to eat at Jack's Barbeque. Unfortunately, Ella's stomach started hurting and things went downhill from there. I was in the bathroom with her five times. At the time I didn't think she was sick. I thought she just need to go to the bathroom but was afraid to go anywhere but home.  Once we headed home things only got worse. We had to stop 4 or 5 times. Adam took a different way home, and it ended up taking us almost four hours to get home. Come to find out Ella had a stomach bug. Poor thing missed her first day of preschool today. I'm hoping Thursday she will be good to go!