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. 

One Last Hurrah- Soundwaves

We took the girls on one last hurrah before the school year started. We were originally supposed to go to California with Adam this week. He was going to Santa Barbara for a work thing, and I couldn't pass up the oppurtunity. The closer it got, the more worried I got. The thought of being alone all day with two kids in an unfamiliar place made me feel uneasy. Sometimes you have to trust your gut, and that's what I chose to do. This did not come as an easy decision as I have had an obsession with California for a long time. I'm not kidding when I say I fell into a depression for a few days over this decision, but in the end I knew it was the right thing to do. Sometimes, the right thing to do and what we really want to do are two different things. That has been a hard thing to accept for me over the years. Doing what is right for my kids may not be what I want to do. One of these days, right? 

Instead of wallowing in my sorrows, I planned a trip with my parents to Soundwaves in Nashville. We love the Gaylord Opryland Hotel so I knew this was the perfect getaway. 

Adam decided to come along with us since he didn't go to California. Don't even ask! 

Soundwaves is unlike any other waterpark I have been to. It's SUPER nice. Everything about the Gaylord is top notch so I wasn't surprised at all. 

Paige loved the outdoor wave pool. 

Indoors, we went on the raft rides and swam in the pool. 

This waterfall made for great pictures. These two girls had the best time!

We are big fans of the Gaylord Hotel. We have been every year for the past 10 years. 

Two big kids right here. My parents crack me up. 

After the water park the big girls and I stopped at Starbucks. How these girls are old enough to enjoy Starbucks as much as I do is beyond me. 

This is what happens when you give two 10 year olds caffeine!

We had a great view of the boat ride. Paige loved waving to everyone. 

The next day we hit up the mall for some shopping and Chuy's! My favorite!

Paige and I rode the carousel before going to the Disney Store to pick out a surprise. She had the best time. 

It was a great trip and a great way to end the summer. Summer 2019 was a great one. From Orland0 (Universal Studios) to Michigan to Nashville, we made memories that will last a lifetime. 

Michigan- Part 2

Kicking off the second half of our trip was a trip to Glen Haven, MI for a little shopping and lunch. All the little towns in Michigan are so quaint and fun to explore. 

We took the oppurtunity to get a few pics before we left since we were all showered and ready for the day. 

Peep and Mammy were brave to go on a trip with the Bertrams, or maybe it's the other way around?! Lol! 

Glen Arbor was such a cute, little town with some great shops. We hit up The Totem Shop for a few souvenirs. I'll be sporting my Michigan gear once the weather cools down. I have to pick up a t-shirt or sweatshirt on each trip we go on. 

We ate at a really good tavern called, "Art's" which is famous for it's burgers. It was definitely a dive type restaurant, but it was really good food. I think it was the first time I have ever wrote a check to pay instead of using a debit card. 

We also went to "Cherry Republic" which had every cherry flavored product you could think of. My dad ended up putting a chocolate covered cherry in his pocket, and we got a good laugh about this on the way home after it melted. 

 Paige had fun playing at the little kid's area out back. 

My girl is getting so big. It won't be long, and I have a feeling I will be looking up to her. 

Later that afternoon, we played in the sandy beach area and ate some smores. 

These pictures do not depict just how crazy Paige was on this trip. I'm not sure why, but she was unsettled I guess you could say. I always have very low expectations on a trip, because she can be like a ticking time bomb at times. Overall, she does pretty well, but I think she does miss home when we are away. 

They have the perfect fire pit out by the lake. There is nothing better than smores with a view. 

Empire Bluff Trail is a must see when you go to Northern Michigan. It's a short hike to the most beautiful views of Lake Michigan. 

It was CHILLY this day. It still blows my mind we were able to wear sweatshirts in July. The weather in Michigan is one of the best parts of the trip. 

These pictures below were taken on the trail on the way up. My dad noticed a wood pile where he wanted to break of a stick so Ella could have a walking stick. I look over and see my dad falling over this pile of sticks and my mom just walking the other way. I'm pretty sure I laughed so hard I almost fell over. You can't take my dad anywhere. :) 

The view was totally worth the small hike. It was absolutely beautiful. I would love to watch the sunset from this spot some day. I can't even imagine how beautiful it would be. 

You can't really capture the beauty in pictures, but it was just gorgeous. 

On our last day, we went to the beach in town. I'm not sure why it took me all week to figure out there was a beach in town WITH a playground. I mean, this is Paige's dream location. We would have went everyday if I would have known about it, but better late than never. 

Can you tell she was in seventh heaven!? She was so happy all day. 

There is nothing better (for her) than a playground on the beach. 

 

She had so much fun digging, building, and finding rocks in the water. We brought home a bag full of rocks. 

The beachgoers of the family. Paige and I love the beach so much. 

After a long day at the beach and  a nice dinner at The VI Grill, it was time to wrap up our trip. 

The backyard of the house is the perfect picture spot. 

They were not thrilled about pictures, but they always cooperate with me.... once I threaten their life. 

Our life is crazy and chaotic, but that's what makes up the Bertrams.

It was a great trip to Michigan with a little snafu's along the way.  I'm so thankful my parents came along and were able to experience all that Michigan has to offer. We probably aren't the easiest people to travel with, but I appreciate the fact that they will willingly take on the challenge. The memories we made together are priceless. Thanks for the memories!