Thompson Cousins

My cousin Lana came for a visit with her twin boys, Neal and Mace.  They are 11 months old and lots of fun for Eli!  It was...interesting to say the least!  Luckily, Lana is a pro at this Mom thing and we had a great time!

Eli was a bit in shock when the rascals first arrived!

Mace had fun pushing Eli around!

They played really well together

Eli, Neal and Mace (Lto R)

Feeding time was interesting!

Being around the older boys really pushed Eli into some big-boy activities!  They clap for themselves, and after they left Eli has been experimenting with putting his hands together...no clap yet, but it's close!

We spent a lot of time outside enjoying the cool weather!

We had a great time and hope they can come visit again before Lana and Steve and Knox, Neal and Mace move to North Carolina for Steve's next assignment.  We are very proud and thankful of our Marines and their families!

BP MS150

Ben rode the BP MS 150 for the 2nd year in a row!  He really loves the ride, the camaraderie, and the small part he is doing to help find a cure for MS.  I see the tolls of MS frequently in the hospital, but Ben really gets to meet the people afflicted with MS that he is helping during the ride and on the overnight in LaGrange. They are all so appreciative and it really helps you to be thankful for a strong, healthy body.  We are all so thankful for the donations this year.

Last year Eli was in my belly when we met at the finish line, but this year he was able to get in on the fun!  He always lights up when he sees Daddy!

Chilling out waiting for Daddy!

Some of Ben's teammates from Team Hott Wheels

Eli also got to try some German fare:  sauerkraut, bratwurst and wiener schnitzel!  He liked the pickle best!

One proud rider!

Eli and Mommy got a quick overnight visit with Mammaw and Pappaw.  Pappaw enjoyed relaxing for a minute with Eli in between feeding the cows and the catfish with him!

Making a pie with Mammaw!

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The Yorks graciously hosted us on Friday night and Eli finally found a dog, Smokey, that tolerated him!

We had a nice, quick visit from Grandma & Grandpa to do some legwork for their home building and to see Eli.  We had a lovely dinner Tuesday night and lunch out on Wednesday.  Grandma babysat while I got a little extra sleep before working tonight.  Always appreciated!  Eli enjoyed playing and showing off for them! 

Pappaw's 59th Birthday

For Pappaw's birthday Eli, Uncle Justin, Jaden, Jordan, Jentry and myself went to see Mammaw and Pappaw.  We had a big weekend with fishing, baseball tournaments, and hanging out!  The boys enjoyed catching lots of fish and were getting un-yuppy-fied as Papa Phil would say!  Eli loves playing with his cousins even though he was teething and a little more fussy than usual.  Jaden got to practice his driving (still can't believe he's got his permit)!  Jordan's team won a great tournament in Franklin.  He hit a triple, clenched the win in the semi-finals with a walk-off single, and pitched the championship game!  Jentry, Eli, and I headed to Brenham on Sunday for a baseball scrimmage.  He did very well, especially his fielding, which he says is his specialty!

Eli's First Easter

Eli and Ben spent Easter weekend with Mammaw and Pappaw.  Ben and Pappaw completed the retaining wall project!  And Mammaw spoiled Eli.  Ben and Pappaw also fished and shot guns and hunted wild hogs (unsuccessfully).

Photo-op 7 months old

Nice day for pics at Mammaw and Pappaw's house.  

First Visit to Snyder

We went to see our kin folk in Snyder during Spring Break!  Eli's first plane ride went very well!  He fell asleep as soon as we started down the runway!

Great Aunt Cheryl making elephant noises for Eli

Eli was mesmerized by Great-grandpa ( Papa Ken)

GAS and Eli with the White Buffalo on the Square in Snyder