Trace is 3 Years Old!

Trace's new Rescue Heroes collection. Thanks to The Issa's for their great hand-me-down toys. We hit the jackpot!!

Trace's new Hawkeye football outfit. Thanks Grandma Becki and Grandpa Bob!

Ball Pit

Family Party at The Playstation

Aliyah and Kaylee

My baby boy is 3 years old, that is both exciting and sad. Exciting because he is learning so many fun things and becoming more independent. Sad because we no longer have a "baby" and he doesn't like to cuddle like he used to. Trace is an energetic little guy, who is "all boy". He loves to run, jump, and climb. He has a great sense of humor and is very social. Here are some of the fun things he enjoys:

• Trace still loves balls. It doesn't matter if he is rolling them, kicking them, shooting them, hitting them, or throwing them. He enjoys them in any and all forms.
• Trace has developed a new found interest in Star Wars, much to Daddy's delight. He has a light saber, which he likes to use to get the bad guys while watching his "Clone War" DVDs. He also enjoys playing with the little guys and space ships. Daddy of course knows their "real" names. Mommy still needs to learn them. 
• Trace loves sucking his thumb. It is in his mouth about 60% of the time, especially when he is tired. We have told him that he has to stop sucking it when he turns three, so we'll see how that goes... 
• Trace loves playing with his sisters. They all enjoy jumping on the trampoline together and playing house, where Trace is the baby. Kianna and Trace seem to have a special bond, since they are a little closer in age. They especially enjoy making food together with their little kitchen.
• Trace loves helping Mommy in the kitchen whether it be unloading the dishwasher or helping me cook. He also enjoys wearing an apron, little does he know it says "Diva In Training". I think we need to find him a boy apron one of these days...
• Trace enjoys writing his name. He can make a "T" pretty well, but is still learning the other letters. He really enjoys making circles and has recently discovered the thrill of using scissors.
• He likes to look at books, especially look-n-find ones or books with flaps to open. He enjoys reading books himself, so Daddy will read a sentence and then Trace will repeat what Daddy said so he can read. It is pretty cute. 
• Trace LOVES playing games. He asks to play a game almost daily. He is really good at matching things, so dominos is one of his favorites. He has also recently discovered puzzles and is having fun with them. 
• Trace is very social and would much rather play with someone than by himself. He really enjoys going to Kids Care to play with his friends, while Mommy exercises. Trace is great with names and taught Mommy the names of three of the other kids there. Trace also has enjoys going to bible school, while Mommy goes to her bible study. He has quite a few friends there that he looks forward to seeing. 
• Trace also loves to sing. Just before his nap today he was singing "Jingle Bells" quite loudly. He also likes "B-I-B-L-E", "My God is So Big", "Who Let the Dogs/Cats Out", and the "Mommy/Daddy" song, which are songs that we each made up. 
• Trace likes to talk on the phone and is often reaching for it when I am talking so he can say hi, whether he knows the person I am talking to or not. 

We were lucky enough to be in Iowa to celebrate Trace's 3rd birthday with our family at The Playstation. The adults had a great time visiting while the kids played. Trace was especially happy to see his cousin, Bryker. They are just 10 months apart and are becoming good buddies. Trace originally wanted to have a Star Wars themed party, but then he discovered cake balls and requested those instead. Again the power of balls. Happy Birthday Little Guy. We love you so much!