Four already??? Well, almost.

Your fourth birthday will be here in a little less than a month and it's time to order a new book.

I can't believe how fast this year has gone by.
You continued the terrible two's all through your third year but in the last few months I have seen a drastic change in you.
You're becoming a young lady.
You still cry and whine but you take direction so better than you used to.
You can cut back your tears in an instant if I ask.
I sure appreciate that.
You are still independent and more driven than ever.  You don't like to receive much help and you will try anything on your own until you reach frustration.  My advice for you: Asking for help is okay!  It shows humility in fact.
At three years old:

You took dance for 8 months
You took swim lessons
You can write your name-- although I may be the only one who can decipher your letters
Your favorite color is still black
Your favorite movie is Mariposa (Barbie)
Your favorite primary song is "Snowman"
Your favorite toy is Ikea, your dog
Your favorite book is "Healing Herbs"-- a novel from Mimi
Your favorite food is a cheeseburger
Your favorite thing to do is going to the "real" zoo
You still love playing dress up and especially playing family

You make my days so much brighter.
You make this world a bigger and better place with your vibrant spirit.
Your independence scares me because I know that you will always choose what YOU think is right.
I try to instill good things in you.  And you are innately good.  I don't need to worry.
Please remember to choose the right.
Be kind to others.  Love everyone.
Know that I am here for you 100%.
I am your biggest fan.
I am proud to be your mother.
I am lucky to call you my friend.
I love you sweet, sweet girl!
May your fourth birthday be just as special as you.
Love,
Mom
 

Swim Lessons

I discovered that you are old enough to take swim lessons and I was thrilled!

I thought you were going to have to wait until next summer but sure enough, they took ya!

I found out just in time for the last session of lessons.

You got two weeks of swim lessons under your belt and although you can't swim without floaties, you've made tremendous progress.

You will now get your face wet without freaking out.  As of two weeks ago, that would not happen. 
Yay for Chloe!!!

 

This may be a good time to mention that you've stopped attending your dance classes.

They began to be a hassle.

You never wanted to go and it was a battle to get you dressed in your ballet clothes.

The last time you went, you cried and I was forced to dance with you.

I decided that you needed a break.

It's never good to quit but it's okay to try new things and of course, take needed breaks.

We'll find something else for you to participate in next year.

No matter what, I'm proud of you.

I love you,

Mom

A Hiking We Will Go

Proud mom moment here...

You climbed all the way up and down Tome Hill without mommy or daddy having to help you.

You even ran parts of the way.

By the end you were saying that your legs were hurting and you wanted nothing more than to rest and drink some water.

But you pushed through and endured to the end.

I think this was the hardest thing you've ever done, physically.

And I am so proud of you!

I wanted to help you but you've gotten so big and I'm afraid that if I had tried to carry you, we would have both rolled down the hill.

I mean look at you; You're half my size!

When we reached the car, we all had cold bottles of water waiting for us and you chugged yours.

When did you get to be such a big girl?  Where's my little baby?

Oh my goodness, I love you so much!

Mom

Music Nights

With our BioPark pass we get 1/2 off and extra events hosted at the parks.

In the summer there are concerts at both the zoo and the aquarium in the evenings after the parks have closed.

We decided to try it out and it was so fun!

There were a lot of people.  But there was a lot of fun too.

We went to the aquarium and had exclusive access to it.  We were practically the only people in the aquarium itself.

There was also a magic show and a hula hoop area for you kids.

But we mostly sat/danced on the grass and listened to the music play.

It was a great family outing.

I love you!

Mom

Fun in the Sun

One Saturday morning, Daddy came home from the gym with a happy surprise.

He brought home a slip 'n slide!

We spent a good portion of the day having some fun in the sun.

You LOVED it!

 

And I love you,

Mom

Chore Rewards

You're now a contributing part of our family.

You now have responsibilities. 

Yikes!

I've created a chore chart for you and when you complete the chore, you get a sticker.  If each chore has a sticker on it then you get a special treat on Saturday-- It will usually be ice cream.  So far, our deal is working out pretty well.  You loooove ice cream!

Love you,

Mom

Enjoying your treat at Cold Stone

Fourth of July

Happy Independence Day!

This is one of my favorite holidays because we get to spend it as a family with little obligations to anyone else.

We like to make it fun too.

On the morning of the fourth we were asked to walk in another parade on Grandpa Allen's behalf.  So we did that with your Aunt Jen and Uncle Josh.  You loved throwing candy at all the kids from the stroller.  And you would yell, "Vote for my Grandpa" while signing "I love you" with your hands. It was excellent campaigning skill on your part.  Good job.

 

In the evening, we went to and Isotopes baseball game and fireworks show.  We attended one last year and I think we can officially call it a tradition.  It was a great time and a great way to celebrate our freedom!

Daddy and Sophia at the Isotopes game

 

Love you babe!

Mom