Diaper Man Tennis Super Hero

These photos were taken on a hot afternoon in September...! Elijah's going to be very mad at me for publishing his diaper-man tennis photos one day but I can't help it... He looks so cute....

My Best Friend!

This sweet little boy told me that I was his best friend a few days ago...! He said, 'Daddy, you're my best friend!' That was such a touching moment. It was one that I will never forget. I am so grateful to have this blogsite to perserve memories like this one.

While every post is a treasured memory, today's post really stands out as a great moment for Elijah and I...

Dear Elijah,

I just want you to know that you are my best friend, too.

You are a tremendous blessing to your mommy and I. We both love you very much...!

Love always,

Your best friend, Daddy

Gonna Miss My Boo Boo...

I think I've posted this photo before but it's such a sweet picture that it deserves to be posted again. I just love the look on our faces as we snuggle up togethere while mommy takes our photo...! Unfortunately, today I have to take a trip out of town for a conference and will be gone for a little over 24 hours. That really isn't a very long time but I'm going to be miserable not seeing my dear sweet baby boy until tomorrow evening.... Eljah, in case you haven't figured it out yet, your daddy loves you very much!

Playing with Mommy

In this photo Elijah and Mommy enjoy a fun time at the tennis center with a box of puzzels while Daddy was working...! Eljah really enjoys puzzels. Daddy really enjoys having his family close by while he's working!

Thomas the Tank Engine...

Here's one of Elijah's new favorite Characters and his website...

http://www.thomasandfriends.com/usa/games.asp

Big Ol Turtle

I just came across this photo. I had it saved on my desktop and never got around to posting it. It's from a fun day out at the Houston Zoo with Elijah's buddies from First Baptist Church this past fall. Elijah is sure one happy boy...! And why not? The zoo is fun. .

Oh well. As you can see, Elijah loves going to the zoo. I enjoy it, too. We'll have to go again, soon....

First Tennis of the New Year...!

Elijah and I enjoyed some court time earlier this month at our '1st Sunday of the month' tennis social. We havenlt been able to enjoy much tennis other than that because the weather has been really bad lately. I'm hoping we can get on the court a bunch this week...!

One of My Favorite Photos

I love this Photo. It's a sweet photo of two brothers enjoying a fun moment together. It's a photo of what family is about: time spent with each other, sharing, mentoring, and fellowship.

I am so happy and grateful that Connor and Elijah love each other. I did not have that kind of relationship with my brothers growing up. I don't think my father had that kind of relationship with his brothers growing up, either.

Praise the Lord it appears Elijah and Connor are breaking generations of Chadwell family barriers...! We are so Blessed!

Elijah's Catch of the Day...!

Elijah loves to go fishing... We actually try to go fishing for a few minutes just about every day, weather permitting.... This is the fifth fish Elijah has caught in his life... I'll quit keeping count pretty soon. I think this was the biggest fish Elijah has caught to date...

Next time it warms up we're going to experiment with some different bait and see what happens. There are some enormous 30-40 lb fish in the lagoons around the tennis center. We see them all the time. We just call them 'Big Fish' I can't wait for the day when Elijah poses with one of those monsters...!

Helping with Ball Collection

Elijah loves to pitch in during ball collection time...! This photo was taken back in October during one of our home school camps!

Tennis Photos

I thought I'd wear Elijah's glasses but he had other plans for them...

Elijah and Daddy at the December 29 adult tournament. -Elijah wanted to be my doubles partner!

Elijah's First Movie....

This past Sunday we took Elijah to see Veggie Tales: The Pirates Who Don't Do Anything. It was a very special time for the entire family. Elijah was very, very excited. Here's a photo of Elijah and Daddy standing in front of the movie marquee.

Of course, with one's first trip to the movies also comes one's first trip to the movie concession stand...! After a short wait in line, Elijah had a small Dr Pepper, small popcorn, and small pack of chocolate mm's. I'd say Elijah's first trip to the movies had all the trappings of a fairly traditional old time movie experience...!

Elijah was pretty attentive for the whole movie which lasted about eighty-five minutes... We went to a three o'clock matinee showing and it was pretty packed.

This was an excellent first movie for Elijah. -I can't even remember my first movie as a child so it was a big deal for daddy, also...!

Elijah's Christmas...!

Connor took Elijah Cristmas Caroling!

Elijah helped decorate the Christmas tree!

Elijah and Connor Open Presents

Elijah and Connor on a hayride...!

He's All Boy...!

Dear Elijah,

Here's a fun photo of you chasing a ball around the Thanksgiving holiday (2007). As I recall, you and your brother Connor were playing and having a great time. Your mom often remarks that you are 'All Boy'... Meaning that are only interested in the things of boys and boy activities like running, jumping, chasing balls, playing sports, going fishing, etc...

Sorry I haven't posted on your journal in few weeks but we have really enjoyed many fun experiences together lately. You come to the tennis center pretty much every day with me and I love that I can take you to work with me. Watching you catch your first fish a few weeks ago is a priceless memory that I will never forget.

I consider being yours and Connor's daddy as the most important 'work' I can do... Everything else will just have to find it's place and wait it's turn behind you guys...!

That's it for now. More later...

Love, Daddy

Elijah's First Fish...!

Elijah really fell in love with fishing back on October 19 during our first home school tennis golf art and fishing camp. We've gone fishing many times since then, but haven't caught any fish. Well, this past Wednesday Elijah, Connor and I were fishing on the lagoons back behind the tennis center near the hotel. Connor caught the first one, and then Elijah caught the second one.

Elijah was so excited and it was just a joy to watch. He wanted to pet the fish and take it home with us but I released it and returned it back to the water... I took some photos of the event using my camera phone but will need to research how to email it to myself from my phone...

Anyway, I am very delighted to report this fun milestone in Elijah's Life...! I don't know how old I was before I caught my first fish but I'm sure I was much older than two years and four months... -Way to go, Elijah!

Elijah's Apples

Elijah Loves Healthy Snacks Like Apple Slices...!

Last night, Elijah just would not go to sleep. Consequently Mommy and Daddy did not sleep much either... Oh well, that just comes with the territory of being a parent of a 2 year old...! Yesterday Elijah and I went to play golf for the first time... We putted on the practice green behind the tennis courts. He loved it. We also went fishing, but didn't catch anything. Elijah is getting very good at reeling in the line now...! ( I cast for him) We try to fish for at least a few minutes almost every day, unless the weather is really bad...

Elijah Thanksgiving 2007

We had a fun Thanksgiving hanging out, cooking and watching movies... Elijah is shown here holding a video case of one of his favorite movies... Here's a link to Monica's latest post about Elijah... It's precious....

Day at the Zoo...

Here's a photo of Elijah at the Hoston Zoo sitting on a big turtle statue. This was a trip he and Monica took with our Friends from FBC West Columbia. Obviously he had a good time...

Here's a link to some photos and commentary Monica posted on her blog of our Thanksgiving this year... I may publish some more pics later...

Daddy's Shoes

Boo Boo loves to put on Daddy's shoes, but this is a little crazy...

FAVORITE CARTOON

Dear Elijah...

I haven't posted in a couple of weeks but I'm back on track today... I have to report that we've really had some fun times lately... We bought you a finding Nemo Fishing Pole and have gone fishing pretty much every day since then... We haven't caught a fish yet but have had several 'bites' and have seriously scared several turtles... We've been fishing the lagoons around the tennis center... I really enjoy going fishing with you...

I posted the photo above because your other passion lately has been the cartoon Go, Diego, Go...! It's a good cartoon and daddy enoys watching it with you...!

Today, mommy is taking you to the Houston Zoo with friends from church...!

I know you will have an awesome day and mommy will take lots of pictures... Bye for now...

Love Always,

Daddy

Wiggly Baby

I love playing with the Boo Boo... But he can get very wiggly at times....!

Elijah's Big Adventures

We took Elijah to the zoo last month and he had a blast...! I'll be posting zoo photos for days to come... We enjoyed the zoo so much that we bought a zoo membership... Now that the weather's cooler I'm looking forward to visiting the zoo a lot this fall and winter...

Today Elijah and Mommy had a big day at the Park in Lake Jackson. Mommy posted a bunch of photos of Elijah and his friends on her blog today... Here's a link to an adventure in the pumpkin patch.

Close Up...

Dear Elijah...

Hey there sweet little boy...! I haven't written you a note in a while so I thought this morning would be a great time to tell you how much I love you...! And I do love you very, very, much. I was sad yesterday because I had to work late and when I got home you had already gone to bed... I missed my Boo Boo time.

Today will be different. My goal is to work hard this morning and then spend the whole afternoon with you...! Yea...! I can hardly wait...!

You're really growing up every day. I love just hanging out with you and talking. Your mommy was telling me how you used to awaken in the morning and say: Get Up, Mommy... Now you say, Mommy it's time to get up...! That may not seem like a big deal but you are starting to construct complex sentences... I thank that's awesome...!

You love to give hugs... And when you give us a hug it makes us feel so special... Thank You for being such a sweet boy...!

I really can't describe how much you are loved... But it's to the most of our ability...!

Well, I'd better close here... Bye for now. Love Always, Daddy...

Ball Collection Time

Elijah helped out with the ball collection during the recent home school camp!

Making Music

Dirty Face

Elijah hates to have his face wiped... If he'd just find his mouth a little better that wouldn't be an issue...!

Playing Rough...

Here's a fun photo of Elijah and Connor playing together. Elijah loves to chase Connor.

Got Cookie....?

MMMMmmm....! This photo is self explantory!

Some Recent Photos

Here's Elijah this past week. He was falling asleep in his new car seat....

This is Connor and Elijah after Church this past Wednesday night. Elijah is wearing his favorite Nemo Overalls and connor is wearing his favorite shorts with paint splatters on them.

Elijah, Puppy, and Bear

Here's a photo I took a few days ago of Elijah wearing his Giraffe hat while holding puppy and bear. Sigh... He's looking so much older now...!

Another Birthday Photo

Here's a classic: Elijah, Mommy, and The Cookie...!

This photo was taken on Elijah's second birthday, July 28. The cookie was sent from Aunt Becky... Mmmm... Elijah (and daddy) loved them....!

At The Houston Zoo Gift Shop...

Boy was this a great day for Elijah... And the rest of the family had a pretty good time, too.... We enjoy visiting the zoo so much that we bought a family membership to the zoo. Now we can go any time we want to...!

Playing the Drums

In this photo Connor is helping Elijah learn how to play the drums. I love how both our boys have an interest in music. And I love how well they play together. -Connor is a very good big brother and Elijah simply adores him...!

Maybe one day we'll form a family band... -And mom could be the lead singer...! :)

Aqua Man

Here's a fun backyard pool photo. I cropped myself out of the photo because daddy without his shirt on is not a pretty sight these days...!

Elijah is wearing his momma's work goggles. They were not water proof, but Elijah didn't care....

We bought this little pool at Wal Mart towards the end of the summer and Elijah has had a lot of fun with it...!

Today Elijah is staying at home with daddy because Mommy had to take Connor into Houston early this morning for a dentist appointment. We were out of milk for cereal but Daddy saved the day by melting a little vanilla ice cream to pour on the cheerios.

There were no complaints from Elijah....!

Elijah's Trip To The Zoo

Wow...! Daddy ad Elijah were very impressed with the Giraffes at the Houston Zoo earlier this summer...!


What an amazing creature...! God is an incredible, Master-Designer...!

Dear Elijah,

I remember our first trip to the zoo. You were in awe of the animals. -Especially the Giraffes... Daddy and Mommy thought they were pretty neat, too. But Elijah, I am most in awe of You.

YOU are a most amazing creature. You are a blessing from God. Mommy and daddy love You very, very much...!

I can't wait for our next fun and exciting experience together. Of course, every moment with you is precious, but fun things like seeing a Giraffe for the first time is something extra special that will be one of my favorite memories for life...!

I love You, Boo Boo...!

Your Daddy

Elijah, Bear, and Giraffe

Heading To Work With Daddy...

Elijah and Daddy wave bye bye to mommy as they prepare to leave for the tennis center.

It's about a half a mile walk to the tennis center from our house and Elijah and I walk it alot. Today Elijah wanted to drive his Big Red Car... We had a very fun day today...! Elijah helped me string a couple of racquets. He quality tested the chocolate bars in the tennis shop this afternoon. We walked along the lagoons around the tennis center looking for a 'big fish'. We played on the playground. And we looked for stray golf balls along the diving range. All in all it was some good daddy-boo boo time!

200th Post Today...!

This photo was taken of Elijah back on January 28th, 2007 and has been the wall paper on my computer screen ever since...!

Dear Elijah,

Today is a milestone for your journal. It's the 200th post I've made since you came into this world...! I did go through a few months where my life was just very crazy and I didn't take time to journal for you, but we haven't missed anything 'major' I assure you.

As far as what is really notable so far regarding your second year of life, I'd have to say that your vocabulary astounds me. I love talking to you. I love the sound of your sweet little voice. And you are still the sweetest, nicest, loving, and kind little baby I know. You definitely take after your mom in that regard.

You are always telling us that You love us. You are always wanting to share things... (Well, most of the time, any way...!)

These past few days, weeks, and months your mommy and I have really been facing some difficulties in life but You brighten our every day. We consider You a most precious blessing from God.

Thank You for being such a sweet little boy. Mommy and Daddy love you very much, Elijah...!

Bye for now my sweet little boo boo...

Love always,

Daddy

One of Elijah's Favorite Things To Do...

Elijah Loves Books. We try to read to him every day, sometimes multiple times throughout the day. He recently received a bunch of new books for his birthday from his Aunt Becky...!

I'm glad Elijah likes books. He also loves sports, music, and eating... He's a pretty well rounded little boy.

Oops....

Somehow, defying the laws of physics, Elijah had managed to get completely inside this basket and then as I was about to take his photo he fell down... Oh well.... He was too big for that basket, anyway! -Daddy