They grow up too fast.

Well, the day has finally arrived.
Trace started kindergarten!!!


He looks like he might get to ride the short bus to school in this picture, but alas, it is not his fault. I am a horrible photographer. Sorry, buddy!
(Check out the retro high tops Trace picked out. Nice.)

I cried the whole morning...


No I didn't, you fools!

Don't get me wrong, I love Trace and enjoy having him around the house; however, he is going to be SIX in a few weeks and we were both MORE THAN READY for this new chapter in his life to begin. Yipee! Free school!

Plus, kindergarten in Utah is only half of a half day (2.5 hrs). Sydney's preschool is longer than kindergarten! So, I feel it is merely an extension of preschool, thus no need for tears. Maybe I'll cry when he starts 1st grade and is gone all day. But, maybe I won't.

Tyler wanted to start a tradition with the kids and take them back to school shopping, himself. I knew I didn't want to drag 3 little kids into the stores with all the other moms and screaming kids, so I happily agreed that Tyler could begin this tradition. They had a fun day of male bonding and Trace was thrilled with his new clothes and shoes.

Trace also started soccer and had his first game last night. Tyler was able to get the night off, and joined us. The first half of the game, Tyler was quite concerned about his eldest son's athletic abilities. He eluded to the fact that at least he has two other possibilities coming down the line. Sydney probably being the most likely to have the aggressive instinct and athletic genes (since she is Tyler's clone).

So, after watching Trace clumsily kick the ball for awhile, he finally broke away from the midget pack emerging with the ball. He kicked it towards the goal leaving the other kids in the dust (he's quite fast--maybe track will be his thing). He was about 15 feet away from the goal when all of a sudden, eeeert! He stops and turns around.

Tyler's facial expression clearly said, "What the ______?!" (you can fill in the blank).

In Trace's defense, his cleat had come off. And, it wasn't until half time that Tyler noticed neither one of his too-big cleats were tied!

Ah ha!

Being the good parents we are, we tied his shoes and sent him back onto the field. He mentioned to Tyler a few minutes later, "Dad, I can play so much better with my shoes tied!" And, truly, he could.

Turns out he's not that clumsy and non-athletic after all.

Tyler was VERY relieved.