A Random Birthday Photo from July 2008

Here's a cute photo that I never had a chance to post... Look for many more updates between now and the new year... I want to clear out my 2008 photo albums, file them away and start focusing on 2009 very soon...!

A Message to Elijah from Daddy

Dear Elijah,

Hey I love this photo. You took it of yourself. Nice job. It was a little blurry but I fixed it up with microsoft office picture manager.

Oh how you are growing up...! You have recently started getting up in the morning an picking out your own clothes and are dressing yourself most mornings...!

At three years and four months old you have really started to take a keener interest in art. You are always making pictures and coloring. You also love to put together puzzles.

This is an exciting time for our family because we just put up the Christmas tree last night. It looks beautiful in the front window... We'll have to post some photos of it soon.

We just had a very nice Thanksgiving and we enjoyed a fun trip to the State Park near our home where we saw about seven alligators...! Daddy has recently started a new job and is very happy with it. Mommy is, too..!

You continue to be a bright shining star in many lives Elijah. You are loved very much...!

Being Your daddy is one of the greatest joys of my life!

Love always,

Daddy

Daddy's Glasses

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I've got to be careful leaving my glasses laying around...

Elijah and Daddy's 'New' car...

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Elijah used to love my old green 1997 Jeep Cherokee, mainly because daddy would let him ride in the front seat with him as we would drive around Columbia Lakes to the tennis center. (I know that's terrible grammer...)

But now we have a car daddy always wanted to own: a 1989 Jeep Grand Wagoneer. It's much more roomy than daddy's other jeep, and built like a 'tank'...!

Elijah REALLY likes the Wagoneer...! It's in pretty good condition now, but we plan to fully restore it and hopefully Elijah will be able to drive it when he gets old enough to drive...!

Cutie Pie...!

Here's a cute photo of Elijah doing what he does best... Being Silly. He is such a sweethart...!

Elijah's Tennis Friends

Here's a precious photo of Elijah with his two friends Laura and Webb Baugh. This photo was taken at my fund raiser tennis event for Elijah's school, The Master's Academy of Fine Arts, Lake Jackson. Laura and Webb are Elijah's class mates.

Some Tennis Videos of Elijah from Earlier this Summer

The Future Of America

Here is a photo taken on Elijah's Third Birthday. Mommy prepared a delicious chocolate cake that was decorated with a 'Go, Diego, Go' theme. That was a very happy day for this family...!

Dear Elijah,

Today we're waking up to a time that is not as happy. Last night our country held it's national elections and I believe that the majority of voting Americans have turned their backs on God, the Bible, and all that this family holds dear.

I'm not sure what kind of world You are going to grow up in but always know that Your mommy and daddy stand for life, traditional family values, and believe that the Bible is God's Holy Word and it's laws are the ones that we are going to honor.

We believe that You and Connor are the Future of America and that God has big plans for you. We love You and are lifting You up and covering You in prayer every day.

Love always,

Daddy

Chuck E Cheese

Elijah had his first trip to Chuck E Cheese yesterday after church. We went for a friend's birthday party. Everyone had a great time... The food was very good. There were games and rides... We'll probably be back again soon...!

Note to Elijah...

You are growing up so fast... I feel so blessed that I have a flexible work schedule and can help mommy and spend precious time with you at special events. Today I am going to be one of your teachers at the Mini Master's program. We are going to learn about a musical instrument called a 'Baritone'....

You love going to school and learning. You are very bright for your age. I can't believe how well you can use a computer already...

You are one very special young man and Mommy and Daddy Love you very much...!

Love always,

Daddy

Looking back about a year ago...

Elijah's self portrait from November 2007...!

Elijah and Daddy Christmas 2007

One Year Ago...

This sweet photo was taken when Elijah was taken on Oct 9, 2007... Elijah's little Nemo over alls are way to small for him now, but he still enjoys to waer his big floppy giraffe hat...! What a cutie!

Elijah Can Dance...!

Here's a cute video Connor took of Elijah back on August 2, 2008. I didn't even know that I had downloaded it to my computer. This will be a favorite for years to come...! Turn your volume up a little to hear Connor's commentary...

Last night Elijah and Daddy did something fun we haven't done before... First, we took some flashlights and went frog hunting. I remember enjoying to catch frogs when I was young. We only caught one frog last night but we'll try again before it starts to get too cold. I'd like to catch enough frogs one evening so we could have a frog race or some other fun game.

After frog hunting, Mommy gave Elijah a bath and then we built a tent and went camping in the family room. The only problem is that after about 30 minutes Elijah started missing mommy and evacuated the camp. Oh well, the camp was fun and we'll try it again. I'll try to take some photos next time.

Elijah's Tea Party

Elijah decided to host his own tea party and invited all his stuffed animal friends over for a little get together. He's already showing signs that he has the spiritual gift of hospitality...!

Elijah, Daddy and The Big Fire Truck...!

Here's a photo of Elijah and Daddy playing with his new peddle car on his third birthday.

This past week we had a very special adventure: -Elijah got to ride a real fire truck... Daddy did, too. It was lots of fun...!

A very nice fireman was driving though Columbia Lakes checking the water pressure on the fire hydrants and just happened to stop right in front of the tennis shop while we were working. When we went out to say hello he offered to give us a ride...

Elijah was very excited. (Daddy was, too)....! We drove around the hotel and Elijah even got to sound the fire engine's siren and horn...

Afterwards the fireman encouraged Elijah to study hard in school and said that when Elijah grows up he should join the fire department because they were looking for good men.

Elijah said... OK...!

Big Boy Bed

Elijah loves his new bed decorated with cars motif'...

Hey, Where are my glasses...? Missing My Sweet Boy...

Dear Elijah,

You and I had a nice day today. Mommy had to teach an art class this afternoon so I took you to lunch at Mulligans and we enjoyed a delicious hamburger and fries while reading some of your favorite books together. After that we just hung out together. You helped me pick up some of your toys and also prepare for my tennis classes.

We went to pick up Connor at his bus stop which is one of your favorite things to do. You love those big yellow buses and can't wait to ride on one, yourself! I had to leave you with brother while I went off to teach classes of my own this evening. Sadly, you were already asleep when I returned home this evening.

Unfortunately, I have to leave early in the morning for a weekend trip that will keep me from home for several nights. I want you to know how I ABSOLUTELY HATE to be away from you, mommy, and Connor.

I miss you already. And I hope that we never have to be apart like this again. I love you so much, Elijah. Of course, you know that because I tell you all the time. And when you tell me that You love me too, that's the sweetest sound my ears just can't get enough of...!

Well, it's late and I have to get a few hours sleep before I need to get up and make the final preparations for my trip so I'll close here.

Hey, maybe mommy can read this message to you while I'm away. Elijah, I'm looking forward to seeing you again real soon. And when I get back we can play a game, go for a walk, read, or whatever you want to do... -Just You and Me...!

Bye for now and Love Always,

Daddy

Digging for Fossils

Elijah, Monica, and Connor dug for fossils at Dinasaur Park outside of Dallas, during our evacuation. It was fun and a welcome diversion from Huricane Ike.

Dinosaur Park

Elijah really enjoyed his trip to Dinosaur World in Rosewell, Texas which is just outside of Dallas. It was a fun excursion and we want to go back again soon because we did not get to see all the sights in Rosewell due to our time restraints.

Fishing With Daddy

Here's a fun photo of Elijah and Daddy fishing at Matagorda beach back in May 2008. That was back on Mother's Day as I recall... I remember that we were worried that we might get our car stuck on the beach but that didn't happen. YEA... Elijah is using his 'Finding Nemo' fishing rod...

Coaching Elijah...

Here's a photo from back in January, 2008 when Elijah and I were practicing. He loves to run around on the tennis court with us...!

Elijah's Sunglasses

Elijah loves to wear sunglasses. He has several pair. These are from his 'Sun Dog' collection. He also has some cool 'Go Diego, Go' sunglasses, too.

I'm sad to report that Elijah is feeling under the weather today. He started coughing in his sleep about 1 AM and slept very restlessly the remainder of the night last night. I decided he shouldn't go to school today. So it's going to be Elijah and Daddy spending the entire day together today...

While I hate that Elijah is not feeling well, I do welcome the opportunity to get to spend more time with him... We're watching morning kids shows right now and will spend some time reading later.

The big news is that we rescued a stray doggy yesterday and will probably give the doggy a bath later this morning and let them play together...

More on our 'rescue' mission and the 'adoptee' later...!

Elijah's Other Two Favorite Things To Do...

Here's a cute photo taken earlier this year when Elijah and daddy were playing golf near the tennis center. Elijah is holding one of Daddy's clubs in this picture but he has his own 'Elijah-sized' putter and loves to tap the ball with it...

In this photo Elijah is waving 'Bye-Bye to the fishy he just caught. (We are a 'catch and release' family).

And what is Elijah's FAVORITE thing to do...? Why tennis, of course...!

Elijah Playing Pool

Elijah had a great time playing pool with his friends a few weeks ago. Pictured in the photo with Elijah is Kourtney K.

Elijah's Ping Pong Adventure

Elijah plays an 'agressive' style of ping pong. He is shown here taking a forehand on the rise in a fun competition with his friends Becca and Kourtney.

Elijah and Brad

Here's a nice photo of Elijah and our good friend Brad Burt. We all went to watch a local tennis tournament together the day this photo was taken...

Tennis Shop Photo

Here's a cute photo of Elijah in a tennis cart at the pro shop. He's wearing one of his favorite outfits: Camo shorts and Bugs Bunny button down shirt... -What a sweetie...!

I take Elijah to work with me frequently. Now that Monica has started her art career again we're trying to strike a balance of Elijah's home schooling and our work schedules. I'm very grateful that my job affords me the flexibility to be able to have Elijah with me on the job just about any time...!

Elijah Video -Driving the Fire truck

Here's a cute video of Elijah first learning how to drive his pedal car fire truck. The steering wheel is extremely sensitive...! He's pedaling it more now on his own power but still prefers a little push from mommy, daddy, or brother...!

Fire Truck

Elijah just loves his bright red fire engine...! We were taking a drive to the tennis center in this photo... Tomorrow I'll post a short video of our trip....

Elijah's Tennis Lesson Video -Ball Collection Time

Here is a short video of Elijah at one of his tennis workouts... He definitely has all the enthusiasm and energy a coach could ask for. I love at the very end that he is having such a good time and is so pleased with himself that he spins around and around for joy and even claps for himself...!

Elijah has really started showing a strong interest in tennis as the summer has drawn to a close. I'm looking to spend a lot more time in programming for 3 and 4 year olds this fall...

My Sweet Little Boy...

Dear Elijah,

Here is a sweet photo of you with your blanket and little tennis bear. I just want to take a moment to write to you about how much your mommy and brother and I all love You! You are the sweetest little boy in the whole world...!

Love always,

Daddy

Boy in the Bag

Elijah climbed into a grocery bag from Whole Foods recently and this photo opportunity was just too good to pass up...!

This could be the start of a new 'Boy in the bag' series....!

Link to Mommy's Blog

Dear Elijah,

Mommy posted a bunch of photos and commentary about yours and Connor's birthday on her blog...

Love, Daddy

Cute Face...

This isn't a birthday photo... But it's such a cute pic that I wanted to use it today. I'll resume posting birthday photos in the next few days....

Yesterday was a big day for Elijah... We converted his bedroom into a 'big boy bedroom'. He now has a full size bed... The only problem is that he had such a full and busy day that he fell asleep in the family car last night during a short evening trip so Monica and I had him sleep with us. He'll be trying out his new bed for the first time tonight...!

Another Milestone passed.... Elijah is definitely growing up...!

More BDay Photos

Here's some photos of Elijah on another fun ride. Elijah had such a fun time. But what really made it special is that our whole family was there. Elijah especially loves doing things with Connor...!

Here's a photo of Elijah hugging brother Connor....

Connor barely fit in this ride...

Elijah's Birthday Video

Dear Elijah... I posted one of your birthday videos on my personal blog. Click this link to watch yourself ride your fire engine for the first time...! -Love, Daddy

Elijah's Plane Trip

Here are a few photos from Elijah's Big Day...! Elijah and Mommy flew the planes at the Board Walk in Kemah. Elijah was thrilled. We'll definitely go back to Kemah again sometime soon...!

Face Painting in Kemah

Elijah had a shark painted on his face in Kemah last night as we went to the Famous Boardwalk for a special birthday excursion. We rode many rides, had a nice dinner and enjoyed a very memorable birthday.

Elijah is three years old now. He really looks a lot older than that (to me) in this photo. Happy Birthday Elijah...! I'll be posting more photos soon and I'm sure your mom will post on her blog, too...

Bye for now... -Love, Daddy!

Happy Birthday Elijah...!

Dear Elijah,

You are three years old today. Wow...! I can't believe it's already been three years since you were born. I remember the day of your birth so vividly. It was and will always be one of the happiest days of my life.

Happy Birthday Sweet Boy...! We all love You very much and look forward to celebrating this milestone with You...! We thank God daily for your presence in our lives. You are a great blessing to us all...!

Love always,

Daddy

Good Chocolate Cake, Mmmmmm....

Here are some photos from July 18. Elijah was enjoying some of brother Connor's birthday cake... Tomorrow Elijah will celebrate his 3rd birthday and he will be enjoying his own cake and lots of cool presents...!

Wall e

We took Elijah to see Wall-e today. It was a very good kids movie... I'll probably take him to see it again, and we'll definitely buy the DVD. Elijah Loved it...!

Precious Moments

Dear Elijah,

Here's one of our favorite things to do together: Read Stories. I just love this photo. Every moment with you is a precious moment, and I want to spend every moment I can with You.

I love you very, very much...!

-Daddy

Elijah, Sam, and Jim

Here's a nice photo of Elijah, Daddy, and Daddy's good friend, Jim Monts. This picture was taken at a Saturday morning family tennis drill at Columbia Lakes. Elijah looks pretty comfortable on the court, doesn't he...?

Easter 2008

Elijah had a fun egg hunt in our back yard after church. Then we went fishing and Monica caught her first fish...! Connor had his best friend Jimmy come for a visit. It was a very nice family day..!