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..!

Elijah at the Zoo

Earlier this month Monica took Elijah to the zoo with some home school friends... Here's a photo of Elijah and his good friend, Abbie Tiemann

Elijah at the track meet...!

Connor Wins by a 'nose'... Oh how Elijah loves hanging out with his older brother...!

Here's another fun photo of Elijah at one of Connor's high school track meets. The trampoline mats are in the background. As you can see he's having very fun time. He loves to do anything that Connor is doing...!

Dear Elijah,

You are growing up so fast. These are such precious times. I'm cherishing every moment with you watching you experience things for the first time. You are a great blessing.

Love, Daddy.

Golfing With Daddy

Here's one our favorite activities besides tennis and fishing... It's Golf...! And Elijah has his very own kid sized putter that our golf pro David Garver gave to him...!

Fun Times...

Dear Elijah,

We haven't taken a drive in the big red boo boo car in awhile. I miss that. Is it a sign that You are growing up...? I can't believe that you are going to be 3 years old at the end of June. That's not too far off...! You are growing up fast. But I praise the Lord that I have the flexibility in my career to spend more time with You than other dads get with their children.

I just wanted to post a quick photo and tell You how much I love You, Elijah. Mommy loves You, too. -And so does Your brother, Connor.

As you look back on Your life and wonder what it was like during your growing up years, know that it was good. Even when there seemed to be madness and chaos all around us, You made us smile. You made us laugh. You really helped us make a family, Elijah. Thank You, son. You are such a blessing!

Love always,

Daddy

A quick note To Elijah...

Dear Elijah,

Just a quick note to let you know how much I love You. I was telling your mommy today one of the most difficult things I have to do every day is leave the house and go to work because I miss you guys so much. Pretty soon You'll be big enough to go to work with me all the time. I can't wait for that.

I don't want this message to be too long but I just wanted to also make a public mention that at 2 years and 9 months old, you have decided that you don't want to be called 'Boo Boo' any more. You prefer to be called 'Sweet Heart'...

So, 'Sweet Heart' it is...!

Bye for now. Daddy Loves You very much...!

-Daddy

Elijah's Blanket

Elijah has several blankets. This is one of his favorites. It was made for him by one of our home school friends when he was born. Notice he's holding two of his favorite stuffed animals, a US Open Collector Bear and a baby giraffe.

Elijah's Little Friends!

Elijah recently called together a meeting of all his little friends. He's sitting in the middle riding on top of his favorite rocking horse looking proud as can be! What a sweet heart!.

Worn Out...!

Elijah went to bed early and slept throughout the night last night. He was very tired from a big fun day with daddy. We went on a picnic for lunch and brought our fishing poles with us for fishing afterwards.

We found 'our special spot' along the lagoons under a big tree at the front of the country club property. We pitched our blanket and enjoyed a feast of tuna sandwiches, fruit, cheese, crackers, and some m and m's.

We caught a big turtle, a catfish, and a sunfish, but we let them all go. The catfish was the biggest fish we have caught to date... about 3 lbs...! Elijah had never seen a catfish before and he was a little scared of it!

After fishing we read some books before heading home. All in all it was a good, fun day!

One funny thing did happen, though. At one point I had taken my shoes off so my feet could relax a bit and that was big mistake, Elijah threw one of my shoes in the water...! I had to walk home (about a mile) in a sopping wet shoe...! Thanks a lot Elijah. My shoe is still wet nearly 24 hours later!

Daddy Time...!

Dear Elijah,

I consider Monday my favorite day of the week because I get to spend extra time You.

Mommy has art classes in the afternoon and so You and I have from about 11:30 AM until about 3:15 all to our selves. The weather's supposed to be gorgeous today so I'm sure we'll do some fun things outside this afternoon. I think today we'll just go for a long walk. And I'd love to go fishing today, maybe find a new fishing spot that we've never fished from before... Of course, we can go to the playground, and play golf or tennis... What ever -you want to do is fine with me. I'm very much looking forward to Elijah-Daddy time!

Love Always,

Daddy