Holidays 2015

December always seems like a busy time for the Wasses, and this year we have a lot to squeeze in before baby sister arrives. We kicked off the season with the  new Nutcracker ballet and a Hannukah party with the fam. Then Mama came to Charlotte's class to make latkes for the kiddos. When the week long torrential downpour finally ended, we got our chance to go to Wildlights at the zoo. So pretty! Santa and his reindeer were even there for a visit. However, we opted to just observe other kids sitting on his lap. Maybe next year. Then it was time for our annual vodkas and latkes party- during which Charlotte spent the night with Nani and Popi. Then we built a gingerbread house, made our Christmas cookies, and re enacted the nutcracker multiple times before it was finally Christmas Eve. We had the Maloneys over for a big ham, and daddy whipped up some homemade peppermint ice cream in his new machine. We spent Christmas Day with the family- brunch, then Charlotte's first movie in the theater (Charlie Brown) and finally Chinese food. Wow! What's next after Christmas, Charlotte asks. Alas, just back to regular life, and of course waiting for baby sister to make her appearance.

4 years old

Charlotte was well feted this year for her 4th birthday. First a kid party with under the sea themed crafts, dress ups and imaginative play at a local arts org, mermaid cake decorated by daddy the cake master; Then a school celebration and visit from mama and daddy; then sushi dinner and cupcakes just the three of us; and finally a family party (with recycled mermaid cake). This will be her last birthday sans siblings, so hoping she won't be too disappointed if things are a little simpler next year :)

October 2015

It's a big month for the Wasses, getting ready for Halloween! Festivities started with our preschool trip to the pumpkin farm.

A little one night baby moon getaway to Whidbey Island for mama and dada to celebrate 10 years since we met.

And of course pumpkin carving. Matt is our resident pumpkin artist- this trio is the Octonauts, Charlotte's favorite cartoon undersea explorers. 

Bubba Linda and Tata were in town for Tatas book tour, so Bubba joined the Swan Lake crew: Charlotte was the white swan queen Odette, mama was a swan attendant, daddy was the prince, Poppi the sorcerer, Bubba the black swan, and Nanni was a cat of some kind. The rain stopped just long enough for us to tromp around the hood. We went trick or treating with the Maloneys and brought in a big haul of candy.

The Fair

It's that time of year again, the end of summer and the last day of the Washington State Fair in Puyallup. It was a long day of rides, sweet treats, and farm animal viewing/riding/petting. Charlotte, emboldened by her best friend Carrie Ella, had her first pony ride! And Mama got to see a whole litter of adorable pink piglets. Much fun was had by all, and the whole family is ready to hit the hay early tonight.

Why?

We seem to have arrived at that phase of development when just about any statement is met by Charlotte with the question why. In many cases this can be answered by asking her why she thinks x is the case, but a bunch of the time she is simply asking legitimate questions about the workings of the universe, which we feel compelled to answer. Daddy covers questions of atmospheric science, physics, and astronomy, while mama is in charge of biology, sociology, and chemistry. I am seriously curious  what on earth happens to parents with less than 3 graduate degrees between them at this stage! She stumps us all the time. God bless the Internet.

Mama, why can't I hear you when my ears are under water?

Beach House

We had our 2nd annual Knaster Schinfeld Wasse beach house getaway trip this year in Port Gamble, right in time to celebrate Mama's 40th and Uncle's 38th birthdays. There was lots of wading pool action, beach combing, shell gathering, rock tossing, and plenty of relaxing. Ahh.

Summer Fun 2015

It has been a really long and hot summer is Seattle this year, so we've been taking full advantage. Swimming, boating, gardening, berry picking, picnics. Charlotte has been taking swimming lessons, which were going great until a substitute teacher accidentally let her go under. Now the going is a little bit slow :) Charlotte has made so many leaps and bounds this summer- drawing skills, counting, getting dressed, singing entire songs, jumping and balancing, playing board games, memorizing all of her books. And she has been busy sharing the exciting news that she is going to be a big sister! Another girl, due Christmas Day.