Houston Highlights

We just returned home from a week long trip to Houston, Texas. Adam went to the Microsoft TechEd conference and decided it would be a great idea to drag Ella and I along. 
It was a fun trip, but it ended up being a really long week. I think I have decided I will be staying home when Adam goes to these conferences in the future. Adam isn't someone that can mix work and family. I felt guilty being there. I didn't want him to feel like he had to miss something he wanted to do just because Ella and I were there.  He would leave around 7:30am and be gone until 6pm. The first two nights he had dinners to go to that were late. He was also extremely tired and would return a little bit grumpy (sorry Adam) most days. I thought it would be a good idea to go since we typically don't talk to him much while he is at these week long conferences. We really didn't see him or talk to him that much more being there so unless it's somewhere cool like California, Ella and I will be staying home. 
With all that said, Ella and I did get to experience all Houston had to offer. We rented a car so we were free to go wherever we wanted. Here are just a few of the highlights of the week:
1. We stalked The Little Couple.
I spent a few hours before we left searching for their address online. After figuring out what county they live in I finally found their address. Driving by their house was one of the first things we did.

Their house is absolutely gorgeous. I was surprised to see they live in just a "normal" neighborhood. I was hoping one of them would come out. I'm not sure what they would have thought of the girl hanging out of her car window stalking  taking pictures of their home. Unfortunately, I'm sure this is probably a normal thing for them. 
2. Downtown Houston Aquarium
I thought this would be the perfect way to spend Mother's Day. There is an aquarium, rides, and games all in one area. Ella and I bought an all day pass and really enjoyed ourselves. If you ever go to Houston I would recommend the aquarium.

 I decided since it was Mother's Day we would have a nice lunch. Hard Rock Cafe was right next door. We ended up getting free dessert and a wine glass for as a mother's day gift. I told Ella all I wanted from her was a picture of her and I. She did just that and even smiled. 

3. Pool time

We didn't end up swimming as much as I would have liked, because it wasn't as hot as I thought it would be. It was hot the first day so Ella and I headed to the pool in the afternoon. 

We also went back that night after dinner. Adam's friend, Bobby, was at the conference as well. He quickly became Ella's "favorite friend." He used to be a swim instructor years ago and helped Ella swim. She had the best time. 

Anytime Bobby was around the rest of the week Ella was stuck to him like glue. She had to sit by him in the car and at dinner. She also had to hold his hand. It was very sweet. Bobby has two girls of his own so I am sure he is used to that kind of thing. :) 

4. Kemah Boardwalk

Kemah was almost an hour away. I decided to battle the Houston traffic so we could go. It was not as scary driving there as I imagined, but it was SO congested everywhere we went. Kemah Boardwalk reminded me a lot of being in FL. If it would have been sunny and hot I would have thought we were in Florida. The boardwalk has shops, restaurants, and rides. It was fun, but it was super humid that day. I wore Ella out, and she slept the whole way back... to IKEA. 

 We ate lunch at Landry's seafood. 

5. IKEA

It took me 32 years, but I finally made it to an IKEA. It was everything I imagined it would be. I was seriously in heaven for about two hours. The whole time I was trying to figure out how I could get certain things back on the airplane. I ended up only getting a few things (that I had to ship), but it was well worth the trip. I'm already trying to figure out when we can go to the IKEA in Ohio. 
6. Houston's Children's Museum
We couldn't go to Houston without checking out at least one museum. This was the nicest and biggest children's museum I have ever been to, but it was also really crowded. Ella and I stayed outside most of the time, but she enjoyed herself out there. 

That night we went to dinner at a super nice restaurant. Ella has NO table manners. She immediately took her shoes and socks off, and set them on top of the table. She also got up out of her chair and fell on the floor. I am sure people were looking at us. It was embarrassing but looking back I can't help but laugh.
Ella took this picture of us on the way home from dinner. She is getting to be a good little photographer. 

7. Rice University Jogging Trail
We just happened to drive by Rice University. They have the prettiest tree lined streets I have ever seen around there. I went back the next day just to get a picture. It is beautiful!!

8. George R. Brown Convention Center/ Discovery Green

The second to last day I decided Ella and I would go see where Adam was spending all of his time. He failed to tell me there was a great park and playground right in front of the convention center. Thank goodness for this playground. All Ella wanted to do in the afternoons was sit at the hotel, and I was going stir crazy. This was a nice reprieve from the hotel room. 

9. JP Morgan Chase Observation Deck
On the last day Ella and I went up 60 floors to the observation deck at the JP Morgan Chase building. It was really cool, but I must admit it did make me a have a little anxiety being up that high. We didn't spend much time there, but I am glad we went. 

I am so glad we were able to travel to Texas for the first time and experience Houston. It is a great city, but I definitely would not want to live there. There is a lot of traffic, and a ton of one way streets. I even turned the wrong way onto a one way. Go me! It definitely made me appreciate Evansville a little more. There is no place like home!

Goodbye Preschool

Today marks Ella's last day of preschool. I am not sure where the last two years have gone. 
We joined the YMCA almost three years ago. I needed a way to work out, and they offered childcare. Ella needed to get used to being away from me for short periods of time in preparation for preschool. At the time, I had no clue where I was going to send her. 
I remember seeing a line of kids walking around the building with two teachers. I soon figured out they offered preschool. By this time Ella was comfortable at the Y so I decided this was the perfect place to send her to preschool. 
It has been a GREAT experience. We have had a handful of rough mornings, but overall I think Ella passed with flying colors. I could not have asked for better teachers, Mrs. B. and Mrs. Kremer. They were both so patient and loving. We will miss them both so much! 
As much as I would love to just curl up in a ball and cry, I will not let myself. I am SO incredibly blessed with such a sweet little girl. I am lucky to have spent everyday of the past five years with her. 
I hope Ella loves kindergarten. I have never wanted her to be the smartest, prettiest, or best athlete in her class. I hope she is the kindest, sweetest, most loving little girl toward others. I hope she is confident yet humble. I hope she loves God and loves herself. 
Happy last day of preschool, Ella! It's been fun, but I'm ready for a new chapter. I think:) 

Holiday World opening day 2014

Today was opening day at Holiday World! It has kind of become a tradition that we go on opening day. If you are interested, you can read about the past two years here and here. Looking back, it's crazy to see how much Ella has grown over the past two years. 
It was the perfect day for Holiday World. It was sunny, cool, and not crowded. Adam has worked a ton this week but was able to go as well. Ella was so thrilled to have him along after not much quality time with him this past week. 
The obligatory picture with the Santa statue! 

Ella riding on her favorite dolphin. I must add that Ella's stuffed animal was the first one sold this year. Why am I not surprised!?

Ella was tall enough to ride a couple of new rides this year. She was able to ride the bumper cars.

She was also tall enough for the sparkler this year. 

I think Ella's favorite part of Holiday World is Holidog and Kitty Claws. 

 Picture courtesy of Ella:)

 She had to have one more hug before we left!

 We are looking forward to another fun summer at Holiday World!!