Mary Cate, age 4

I'm actually pretty proud that we raised this child past age 3. Just kidding, sort of. Mary Cate has turned a corner and seems very grownup lately. Just this morning, she woke up, got out of bed, and walked downstairs by herself. When she saw us, she remarked, "Oh, hi Mom. Hi Dad." That might not seem like a big deal, but until recently, Mary waking up involved a lot of screaming. I guess she had to get it out of her system early. Or she was just getting her vocal cords warmed up for the day.

But really, four is such a fantastic age. Mary is fun, funny, curious, and helpful. She knows what she wants and she works hard to keep up with her siblings, and now, her classmates. It's been amazing to watch her start school this year so happy and confident. In her words, with "almost ZERO crying." 

I can't imagine our lives without this spunky girl! We love her to pieces and can't wait to see what this year holds. It's time for the birthday interview!

How do you feel about being four?  

I feel super big, like I'm five.

What makes you most excited about being four?

Going to Papa John's house and meeting Papa Mike!

What kinds of new things can four-year-olds do?

Help mom do dishes, count families of birdies, play basketball on the highest one.

Who are your best friends?

Let me think about this. Like Robynne, Allison, Leah, and Alexa. Otto! Lani and Corbin. Luke maybe, and maybe Elliott.

Who are your favorite people to play with?
Alexa, Eddie, DJ, Mom.

What kinds of things are you good at?

Like doing crafts and not getting the glue all over me. Not crying.

What do you want to be when you grow up?
Teacher. A doctor. How about when somebody gets hurt I'll be a doctor, and then I'll be a teacher.

Why do you want to be a teacher and a doctor?
Because I learned how to. I watched my teacher and I play doctor.

What’s your favorite song?   

Doc songs!

What's your favorite food?
Mac and cheese!

Favorite drink [this question was her idea.]

Juice! Juice.

Favorite movie?
Frozen! Frozen 2 and Frozen 1. Both.

Favorite book?   

Let me think about this one, Mom. The Frozen book where you can look for Frozen things!

Favorite color?   
Blue. You already knowed that.

Favorite place to be?

Impression 5!

What are your favorite things to do?   
Build with blocks! Watch shows like Doc!

What is your favorite present that you opened for your birthday?
My Doc McStuffins watch!

Why do you yell so loud? [This one was also her idea.]

Because I want Mommy and she doesn't come unless I yell that loud.

Is there anything else you want us to know about you?   
That I find a bunch of fall leaves.

A different kind of summer fades into a different kind of fall

 As summer winded down, work continued to ramp up but we fit in plenty of fun. There were cousin sleepovers and last-minute mini-vacations to visit family and water. We held Mary Cate's front yard 4th birthday party a little early to see some family and friends before school started.

On a couple of trips to Pam's, we packed in swimming and synchronized swim performances, walks, delicious dinners on the grill, boat rides, bike rides, kayaking, and more. We also spent a few days in the U.P. for some safe-distance visits with John. We discovered the best coffee shop, the best Lake Superior beach, and the quietest sort of vacation we've had in a long time. It was peaceful and lovely.

Then, finally, it was back to school. After so many months of planning and preparing and wondering, the first day of school actually came. We're so happy to be back and everyone's adjusting just fine to masks and distancing and a block schedule!

As Nellie prepares to go back to school, thus marking the real end of summer break for the Wernet family, I asked everyone the (probably dreaded) question--What was the highlight of your summer? Here's what they had to say.

Kevin: Going up north to his dad's.

Nellie: The first time she jumped in the water at Aunt Pam's house after she got her boot off and her leg didn't hurt!

Annie: Trips to Aunt Pam's.

DJ: Learning to jump off the deep part of the dock without a noodle or float and jumping off the diving board at Otto's house.

Eddie: Jumping off of the dock and Aunt Pam's.

Mary Cate: Building with blocks, snuggling with Mommy and with her blankie.

We love summer life, but we're ready to welcome fall in all it's glory!