Happy Birthday from Mom

So hard to believe our little Austin is 3 years old today.   He is growing up so fast.    It is so fun to see him learning and exploring, more and more each day.  We took a family vacation a couple weeks ago to Traverse City, Michigan, and he had a blast playing on the beach and taking paddleboat and kayak rides.  Like his Mom, he loves to be outdoors!  One day while we were there we took the kids to a Children's museum.  There was an art section at the museum and Austin had his first experience with scissors.  Surprisingly, and happily, there were no lost fingers involved and he loved to cut paper up.  So weird to see our little guy using scissors!

He has grown up so much lately.  Austin has really taken to his role of big brother.  He loves to hold his babies hands and help them learn to walk.  It is so cute how he gets excited and says "Good Job Gabe!  You can do it!"   Austin also gets such a kick out of feeding the babies – including cheerios and some of his own food.  Such a difference from the little guy who was perplexed when these babies started to move initially and wanted his toys!  Of course sharing toys is still causing tension but it is getting better and is so fun to see him play with them and vice versa. 

                                                             Austin and his Ryleigh-Roo

Austin's latest talent is giving people what he likes to call 'movie' kisses.  This involves him wrapping his arms around your neck, pulling you in close, and planting a lingering kiss.   He has realized that this little move is received with laughs and will often get Mom or Dad to be a little less angry with him :-)  As he likes to say, it is 'absolutely, positively, ridiculous'. 

Thomas the Tank Engine remains one of his favorite toys and loves to read books.  He has also introduced his siblings to Barney in the last week and likes to show them how to become completely drenched when you are anywhere near water.   This week he will start swim lessons which is very exciting.   Austin has no fear when it comes to water so this should prove to be very valuable!

Overall, Austin is a fun loving, smart, and energetic little guy.  He is turning into a wonderful big brother and a helper to Mom and Dad (when the terrible 2s and 3s aren't interfering).   I love watching him grow and am so blessed to be his Mother.  Happy Birthday Austin!