Christmas 2010 Captain Rex

Looking back on some Christmas memories, I found this photo from December 25, 2010 on my blackberry.  Elijah's favorite theme was Star Wars and he received numerous Star Wars puzzles, Lego kits, videos, and his favorite: Captain Rex helmet.  Pillow Pets were kinda cool back then, too.  ~Dad

Texas A and M

Elijah, May 2012, Jasmine Park, Lake Jackson

At this point I would be very surprised if Elijah attended any college other than Texas A and M University when he grows up.  He sure loves that school.  His older brother attended ATM and Elijah wants to play tennis for the Aggies and major in engineering so he can become a Lego designer.   Sounds good to me...  What ever Elijah wants to do I will encourage and support him.

At eight years of age Elijah is also cultivating a love of music and is taking piano lessons so who knows what the future will bring?    I am delighted that Elijah loves tennis and music which were also two of my own passions as a young person.

~Proud Daddy

Christmas 2013

Elijah and Connor Christmas 2013

December 25, 2013

Today was an AMAZING day.  We celebrated the birth of our Lord and Savior this morning with a reading of Luke 2, an Oswald Chambers devotional, and a gift exchange.   We had a lovely fire going in the background, and we were further blessed by being able to share the experience with my Sis, (Elijah's Aunt, Becky).

In this photo Elijah is holding an Archery set that was a present to he and Connor.  His Aggie shirt and camo pants were also a gift from his Aunt Becky.  Today was a wonderful milestone in our family's history.

CLICK HERE to view Mommy's Facebook photo album.

Love You, Elijah.

Connor, Mommy, and Daddy.

Practice Session

We try to have family tennis workouts whenever possible.  Elijah always plays his hardest when he is on the court with his brother Connor.

I sure love these guys...  Photo taken May 19, 2013 at the Columbia Lakes Tennis Center

Master Chef In Training

Monica and I have been teaching Elijah how to cook.  He is also learning from one of our dear friends, 'Miss Tami', who definitely knows her way around the kitchen...!  Here is a pic from March 2013 of Elijah helping to make rice crispie treats. Elijah has a true passion for cooking.  He especially likes to prepare desserts.

 Usually on the weekends Elijah helps daddy with 'taco night', and Sunday morning breakfast, too.   I want Elijah to know his way around the kitchen so he can be a blessing to his future wife and family.  Let me add that Elijah is an excellent student...!  The only thing we still need a little extra practice on is clean-up after the cooking...!   ~ Daddy

The Rocking Horse

Ride em, Cowboy,  Yee-Haaah...!

It has been suggested by more than one person that this is one of their favorite photos of Elijah.  I have to admit: I love this one myself.  I love the look of joy on Elijah's face.   

We all like to watch old tv westerns like 'The Virginian'.  And Elijah sometimes enjoys to dress up western style and ride his horse while we watch one of those vintage shows from the 1960's.   The horse in this photo is actually a cherished family heirloom. This VERY SPECIAL rocking horse was hand made by 'Grandpa Kieth', for Elijah's brother Connor when Connor was little.  It is very well made because it was built 'with love.  We hope to pass this horse on to Connor's children one day.

Elijah loves to play 'cowboy', just like I did when I was his age.  But I did not have access to a cool rocking horse like Elijah does.  And I am hoping to find a pic of Connor playing on the horse when he was a boy, too. 

Connor and Elijah November 2012

Here's a nice photo of Elijah and Connor from 2012.  They are proudly displaying a Lego Creation Elijah constructed.  Legos are definitely a passion of Elijah's   At eight years old: Elijah's ambition is to be a 'Lego Master Designer' and make a living developing new Lego concepts for the world to enjoy!  That sounds good to me.   

Art Camp 2011

Such a sweet boy.  And he loves his art.  Elijah is very creative.  He definitely takes after his mom in that regard.  ~dad

Dear Elijah, 

As I go through photographs and post them on your blog I want you to know that your mom and I treasure these precious memories of you so dearly.  I especially love when your mom hosts an art camp in our home and we can show hospitality to our friends and neighbors.  You are always a good host.  Thanks for being such a sweet young man.

I sure love you!

~ Daddy

USS Lexington July 2012

Here's a fond memory from 2012.  We took a family road trip to Corpus Christi so I could play in a tennis tournament.  After tennis we visited the USS Lexington.  It was a great tour but there was so much to see we barely saw half of the exhibits.   I hope we can take more trips like this one again soon...!  ~Daddy

Elijah Training

This is a great action photo of Elijah of Elijah in training during one of our family tennis workout sessions.  Elijah's brother Conner looks on in the background.    The is a 'classic' photo of Elijah.

Elijah is engaged in one of his favorite activities:  Tennis.

He is wearing his favorite workout attire:  Camo shorts and a Texas Aggie t shirt.

He is spending time with his Big Brother:  Another favorite past time.

By the way, I'd like to comment that Elijah sure is showing great focus on the ball in this photo.   His game is really blossoming at the tender age of eight years old,   Yesterday he participated in four different group practices for a total of five and a half hours of practice between my Nassau Bay and League City programs.   We don't train that hard at tennis every day, but Tuesdays definitely keep us busy.

I am very proud of both Connor and Elijah...!  

~ Dad

Oh how the years go by...

This photo was taken in April, 2006.  A lot can change in seven and a half years.   My precious little boy is growing up so quickly.  And much is changed with me in that time, too.  Wow.  I don't know where to start.

I will just say this:  PRAISE GOD...!   The Lord has done and continues to work miracles in my life and the life of the Chadwell family.    I thank and praise God every day for my precious sons.   The photo below of Connor and I striking a karate kid pose was taken in May, 2006.

It's truly amazing how seven years ago Elijah was a baby, I weighed in the 240's, and was taller than Connor.   Now Elijah is a big boy, I am a trim 165 lbs, and Connor has blossomed into a fine young man. 

This photo is from Oct 2013.  God is Good and has blessed us greatly.