To nap or not to nap?

Yes, my 3 year old still takes a nap. Why? Because he needs it. Tate gets up between 5 and 6AM. I know not all kids his age take naps. It is very obvious when he doesn't get nap. The more days in a row he doesn't take a nap, the more disagreeable and grumpy he gets. Last weekend, he didn't nap Saturday or Sunday. I tried my best Saturday and despite the fact he was up before 5AM, he wouldn't take a nap.
This was the scene this morning:

 He didn't want me to take his picture while he was throwing a fit.

 Same here... "NO! Stop taking my picture!"

Most days, just he sleeps about an hour, which is fine. Yesterday, he napped for over 2 hours and would have slept longer, if my mom had let him. He was also asleep before 8PM. Monday nights are a little crazy because I teach a swimming lesson from 6-6:30. That means bedtime is a little later than usual, but we are still usually out of his room by 7:30.

Michael and I have differing opinions on the situation. He thinks bedtime would be easier if Tate didn't nap. While Tate generally falls asleep faster at night, when he's awake he tends to throw fits and acts out more. Even if he hasn't taken a nap, he usually has to take melatonin to help him go to sleep. Michael also hates the hassle of trying to get Tate settled down for a nap and that most of the afternoon is ruined. But I would much rather have the sweet, loving Tate around, so I choose to have him nap or at least give it my best shot to make it happen. Oh how I love age 3 (yes, Sheldon, this is sarcasm)!