Labor Day Weekend

It was so nice having a three day weekend. I wish all weekends could be three days. I think Ella needs that to recover from her long week of school, although it made it that much harder for her to go this morning. 
Saturday morning, my alarm went off bright and early at 4am. YUCK! Lacey and I ran the Jasper Heartland half. I decided on a whim this would be a good idea. This was the least prepared I have ever been for a half. I usually do at least a few months of training. Lacey and I only did a few long runs in preparation. We were definitely not doing this race to set a personal record. We only did it for fun, and it ended up being just that. 

It ended up raining almost the entire time. By the time all was said and done my clothes were soaked along with my shoes and socks. It is not fun running 13 miles with wet socks. My goal was to run the entire thing, but once mile 11 rolled around I had to start run/walking. My legs were tired and sore. Maybe one of these days I will run an entire half, but it just hasn't happened yet. 

Lacey and I were both excited about the medals we were given after the race. I think the medals are the best part about the run, and this medal is my favorite so far! It is such a feeling of accomplishment running across the finish line. It will never get old!

Sunday, the girls got together at my mom and dad's to play. They had the best time together. I miss the days that they could play together any day they wanted. Times have definitely changed! 

Monday, we watched sweet Isabelle be baptized. We went to St. Agnes church in Union County where Sarah and Aaron got married. It definitely brought back memories of that day nine years ago. Things have changed so much since then, but our friendship has only grown stronger. We love the Ice's. 

After the baptism we went to Sarah's parent's house for lunch. Sarah has the nicest family, as well as Aaron. We always enjoy being around them.  Ella had the best time playing basketball and hitting the baseball. She had so much fun she didn't want to leave. 

It was another great weekend that I was sad to see end. I can't wait for another three day weekend in October!

Kindergarten- Week 1

Ella survived her first week of kindergarten. There have been a few bumps in the road this week, but overall I would say she has done pretty good.  
I didn't expect it to be an easy transition for Ella. She has been home with me since birth. Other than preschool and Sunday school she hasn't been with strangers. The beginning of the week went really good. Ella looked a little lost when we dropped her off, but she didn't cry. As the week went on (and she became more exhausted) she started to say she didn't want to go. We unfortunately had to leave her crying with her teachers the past couple of days. Adam has went with me, and that has made it much easier. It's so nice living close to the church, because we can both go. 
Ella's teacher has been kind enough to email us late morning to let us know Ella is doing just fine. It's so nice receiving emails like the one below after having such a rough morning.

I am so pleased with her teachers and the staff at her school. They have been nothing but nice to us and reassured us that Ella will adjust.  

It's definitely going to take some time getting acclimated with this new schedule. I am used to having so much time with Ella, and now I feel like I hardly have any. Once she gets home the nights just fly by. I will definitely be taking full advantage of weekends with her. 

It's been a LONG week, but I am glad to have the first one under our belts. I'm just hoping and praying Ella has a great first year of school! 

First day of Kindergarten

Today is Ella's first day of kindergarten. She was so excited, and I hope the enthusiasm lasts all year long. I don't think she realizes yet that kindergarten is all day, five days a week. I know she will do great! 

Adam and I both went with her, but Adam walked her in. She was happy and even took a picture with her teacher.  I think Mrs. McClure is going to be a great fit for Ella. Ella told my mom, "She is old like you are." 

It made it a little easier knowing that Ella already had a friend in her class. Julie and Ella got to know each other over the summer, and it was seriously a blessing! Julia's mom sent me this picture. They are both such sweet girls! 

This is a picture we were emailed this afternoon. It's so nice that they email us pictures. She looks pretty happy to me!

I hope Ella has a great year. I can't imagine how much she will learn and how much she will change. I'm not sure where the past five years have gone, but I am so thankful we were able to spend them together. 

Summer catch up

We have been staying busy, trying to make the most of what's left of summer break. Ella starts kindergarten one week from today so this is our last week together. As much as I will miss her, I think (I hope) she is ready. She talks about it often, and even told me tonight what I could pack in her lunch box. We still have one last week to make the most of  before we get into our new routine. 
We have done a lot of fun things the past couple of weeks. 
Ella discovered a new love of miniature golf. She needs to work on her swing, but I think she did pretty good for her first time. 

Isabelle Anne Ice was born! She is so precious, and we are so happy for Aaron and Sarah! Isabelle has no idea what fun she is in for when the Bertram's and Ice's get together. Sarah is doing so well and already running again. I knew it wouldn't take her long. :) 

Ella received a new do for school. It was a good little reminder that I need to get her hair cut more than once a year. She looks so cute, especially when I curl it. 

Adam and I celebrated 11 years of dating/marriage. How can that be!? I was 21 and he was 23 when we met. Now we are just old! We went to Zuki for some sushi. Adam's love of sushi is slowly rubbing off on me. 

The fam sweated to death at the fair while the girls had a blast. The things we do for these two. 

This was the first time they both went down the slide by themselves. My mom couldn't watch. 

We went to Holiday World for one last trip before school starts. 

 Ella and I have enjoyed MANY Holiday World trips the last three years. 

My mom is a trooper. I don't see how she keeps up with these two. She does though and does it well! I hope I have as much energy as she does at 62.

If that wasn't enough fun, we just got back from Gatlinburg. More on that to come!