Wow! Grace, you are 3!

MOM: What do you like about being 3?
GRACE:"I love being nice to mommy.
That's my favorite part about being 3"

MOM: Are you all grown up now?
GRACE: "Nope, I'm still little"

MOM: Do you like being 3?
GRACE: "I liked being 2 and I like being 3 and I like being nice to mommy"

MOM: Did you have fun birthday parties?
GRACE:"Yes. My favorite part was eating cake a Pump It Up and eating cupcakes at my princess party with Grandma"

So much has changed in the last 12 months. We've said hello and goodbye to some very special parts of our lives. Here are a list of just a few things that have happened from April 08-April 09.

-Found a love for princesses and playing dress up and pretend
-Traveled to Maine where you were a flower girl in Heathers wedding
-We moved (again)
-Got your first tattoo
-Your creativity and imagination began to soar
-Coloring is like a hobby. You could spend 2 hours playing with your color wonder books/markers
-Became a "Dove" at church...your first real Sunday School class.
-Were in pumpkin patch heaven in October
-Were a part of a "Toddler Worship Class"
-Took Gymnastics, and swimming (Joined the YMCA in January 09)
-Made your 1st gingerbread house
-Went Trick or Treating for the 1st time
-Gave to kids in need
-Moved into a big girl bed
-Made many friends.
-Memorized at least 100 songs
-Baked lots of yummy treats with mommy and daddy.
-Sang in church for the 1st time
-Went to the Puyallup fair (1st fair experience)
-Went to Tennessee, went hiking, visited an aquarium, road a pony, loved spending time and being silly with family
-Went to the Tacoma zoo for the first time
-Made a tent
-Went to your first choir concert and loved every second of it and even stayed quiet while they were singing
-Went roller skating twice
-In October 08 we said bye bye to the paci (you only used it in bed. It was never allowed any other time)
-In January 09 we said goodbye to diapers (Potty Party....with in 5 days you were full potty trained, minus night time. We are so proud of you!
-1st Hair Cut in March and your hair was/is really long and beautiful.
-We started a responsibility chart
-Danced, sang and acted your little heart out every chance you had. You are pure entertainment.

You made and make your mommy and daddy very happy every single day. You have challenged us and taught us so very much this year. There were times we were pulling our hair and other times we just rolled on the floor laughing with tears rolling down our cheeks because you are just about the funniest person we've ever met. You keep us young! You keep our priorities in line and remind us to rely on Christ daily and for all things. We love singing praise songs with you, pretending with you, playing chase, exploring the outdoors, smelling the flowers, and getting excited about stuff we've taken for granted for years. You bring such joy and excitement and newness to our lives. Thank you Grace.

You are all grown up. There's zero evidence of a baby. It makes us sad but also very happy. Our job as mom and dad, are to grow you into a strong, independent young woman who can make wise choices which means saying good bye to all the baby stuff and allow you to open your wings and soar. You are growing into a beautiful little girl. Your heart is so kind. You are spunky and sassy. You have a strong opinion about most things and love to direct everyone and everything. We look forward to seeing how God uses the gifts and personalities he's given you to shine as an Amazing Woman of Christ!

We love you Gracie Monkey!
Wiggly Worm.
Silly Billy.
Rollie Pollie Olie.
Queen Princess Grace
Lovely girl
Silly Goose, etc., etc.