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....