Flupocalypse 2014

The weekend after Tday we flew to myrtle beach to visit grandma and papa. We had a fun day at the beach and lots of quality time together.

 

Unfortunately, Matt contracted the flu on the plane home and despite all efforts, all three of us went down for the count. We had to reschedule our annual Vodkas and Latkes holiday party, but we were determined to salvage some holiday fun! We managed to light the menorah every night, decorate a tree and a gingerbread house, bake some cookies, and visit Santa and reindeer. We even somehow squeezed the nutcracker in there between my illness and Charlotte's! 

Thankfully we were much better by the end of Chanukah.

Thanksgiving 2014

Everyone's favorite Jewish holiday finally arrived, and the whole family came to Seattle to celebrate. Charlotte, Sarah and  Abigail played hard for three days straight and had so much fun together. Charlotte also got some QT with Jay, Kaya, Julia and family friend David. Hattie sent costumes for the play even though she couldn't join us, so our production of Golda Lox and the Three Bears in the Fairyrale Forest went off without a hitch. Baby Bear Charlotte decided to be Tinkerbell instead, so Bubba read her lines.

3rd Birthday

Charlotte's birthday festivities kicked off with a celebration at her school. The kids made her a card and went around and each said something nice to her (I love playing trains with you; I love you; I like playing outside with you) then Mama and Daddy shared a special song we wrote about Charlotte's favorite things:

Schmoo bear the lovey and Minnie the mouse

My Little Ponies that fill up the house

Stella the baby doll, Tinkerbell’s wings

These are Charlotte’s favorite things

Sushi and pizza, macaroni and cheese

Cookies and ice cream with more sprinkles please

Raspberries, blueberries, pineapple rings

These are Charlotte’s favorite things

Jumping in puddles and balance beaming

Bird feeder watching, Daniel Tiger streaming

Dancing to ballet music, swinging on swings

These are Charlotte’s favorite things

3 years old now, such a big girl

So we’re feeling glad

To wish Charlotte a happy birthday today

With love, from your mom and dad

Then we all had lunch together and enjoyed some brownies the kids had made. 

On her actual birthday, we had a fun little party at our house- 3 friends for 3 years of age, plus of course the whole family! Daddy really outdid himself on the cake this year- blue sparkle pony lemon cake as requested. Charlotte blew out the candles with gusto and then had lots of fun playing with her new toys.

Halloween 2014

Charlotte initially rejected her home made Rainbow Dash costume due to unsatisfactory pants, so she wore last year's flamingo costume to her school Halloween party.

With retooled pants, we had some pizza at the Maloneys and headed to Madrona for some trick or treating. Mama and daddy were Applejack, and Shining Armor, respectively. We trekked tirelessly through the neighborhood and Charlotte took in quite a candy haul!

Pumpkin patch

All the families from Charlotte's preschool class went on a field trip to the pumpkin patch today. We did a corn maze, pet some goats, and of course rode the tractor to the pumpkin field to pick out our pumpkins. 

Doing the Puyallup

While Mama was visiting friends in Austin, TX, Charlotte, Daddy, and BFF Carrie Ella went to the state fair. Rides, cotton candy, ball pits, sheep petting- everything a fair-going toddler could ask for!

Big Girl Bed

Now that we have moved into a new house and started preschool, it's time for the next big transition- big girl bed! Charlotte's crib converts to a toddler bed, which made things go a little more smoothly. We went pillow shopping at Macy's, and had a fairy pillowcase from Bubba Linda and a fairy blanket from Shelly! Charlotte took to the arrangement immediately and was very excited to get in and out all by herself. Luckily for us, the idea of getting out of her bed once she is tucked in at night has somehow not occured to her yet :)

Our Little Library

Matt's firm took part in a competition to design a neighborhood lending library and it turned out really cool. Charlotte was of course on hand to help with construction. We can hardly wait for the shelves to fill up.

Haircut and Girls Night

After our weekend roughing it in our yurt, Charlotte and mama had a girls night out. After a haircut at the kiddie salon, we had sushi and some ice cream. Back to civilization!

Glamping

Charlotte had her first camping trip over Labor Day. We stayed in a yurt at Kanasket Palmer State Park on the Green River. Her favorite part was definitely the marshmallow roasting!

Let's Talk About Birds

Charlotte has been very interested in birds from a young age. Looking out the window at birds was our go to soothing technique for a long time. Now she is excited to learn the names of different species, so we got a bird feeder and a bird identification book. Charlotte insisted we paint the roof pink! We hope it will draw some interesting visitors.

Queen Charlotte

All of mama's jewelry. Very regal.

Zoo Tunes

Charlotte attended her first big outdoor concert at the Zoo. She and Carrie Ella rode the carousel, visited the penguins, and had a ton of fun dancing to Taj Mahal.

Summer Fun 2014

It's hot in Seattle. We started the day with swim class, made popsicles, and had sushi dinner followed by ice cream. With a visit to the toy store to complete our herd of my little ponies! 

First Day of School

We had a bit of a rough start to our first day at preschool. Charlotte woke up early and in a very delicate mood. But we strapped on our backpack and headed out eventually. Once we arrived,  Charlotte got engaged in a puzzle with Teacher Jeannie and we said our goodbyes. Then Mama cried hysterically in the car all the way to work :) But all for naught- Charlotte had a great 1st day.

End of an Era

Today was the last day of our nanny share with the Maloney Family and our amazing nanny Michelle. All of them have been such a gift in our lives in so many ways, it's impossible to imagine not seeing them everyday. But given the friendships we've developed, I know we'll stay connected for many years to come.