Colby,

Two days ago (Dec. 26th, 2012), you and I were staying at a hotel in downtown Chicago ('Cago as you refer to it).  You found a Chicago Bears shirt that was packed for you and decided you needed to wear it right away.  Then you looked at me and realized that I was not wearing Bears gear.  You then asked "do you have a Bears shirt here?"...which I did.  I put it on at your urging and then you continually spelled B - E - A - R - S, BEARS! on both of our shirts.  I absolutely loved it...but your grandpa (a packers fan) was not quite as impressed.

Thank you for a great day!

Love,
Dad

Colby,

This past Tuesday (November 20th, 2012), I took the day off of work to spend all day with you.  It was one of the most fun days I have spent with you.  We started by going to "Pump It Up."  I had so much fun watching you run wild throughout the place.  Here is a picture:

Afterwards, we walked around downtown Elmhurst and we stopped at My Favorite Toy Store.  You let me off easy by only wanting a $3 toy.  Here is a pic of you with you requested that I send to your mommy:

After a nap, we visited not one but two playgrounds.  On the way, we passed someone jogging in a red shirt and a red hat.  After he passed, you said to me "Go Big Red!"  That's my boy!!!

Here is another photo of you in your PJ's with Woody:

Thank you for another great day with you.

Love,
Dad

Football!

Colby,

Today you and I played catch with a real football for the first time.  You were actually a pretty good thrower...maybe quarterback instead of pitcher?  Just wanted to say thanks for the great day.

Love,
Dad

Ps:  You went to your first soccer practice earlier this weekend.  You didn't really love it but I was proud of you for enduring the full session (even if I made you).

Fun After Work

Colby,

Today when I got home from work today, you gave me a fantastic greeting which made my day.  What made my day even better was playing golf and baseball at the same time as you.  While one of us hit the golf ball, the other would hit the baseball.  We kept switching back and forth...at your request of course.  Here is a picture:

You kept saying..."we hit at the same time."  Thanks for a great night my son.

Love,

Dad



Father's Day 2012

Colby,

For Father's Day 2012, you and I went to Omaha by ourselves to see my side of the family and catch a college world series game.  I hope I didn't mess you up too badly as we know mom is probably (definitely) a better day-to-day caretaker.  Although I think you enjoyed the steady diet of mac'n cheese, pizza and candy.  :)

To start the trip, we had an adventure getting through security at O'Hare.  Apparently Blue Bear and the mini Lightening McQueen cars were threats to national security.  They had to be scanned twice.  You did not take it so well. 

Once we made it to Omaha, the fun began.  To start, we went to a banquet where your grandfather was nominated for an award for Big Brother of the Year.  When people were clapping, you used your toy cars to clap: 

Although grandpa didn't win, we had a good time.  Ps:  Thanks grandma Nancy for the cars!

Next it was off to the college world series to see Kent St. vs. Arkansas.  We walked into the stadium right as the game was starting.  You ran right up to one of the aisles and tried to see around people to avoid missing any action...I couldn't be any prouder!  I gave you a piggy-back ride so you could see the game while heading to our seats, but apparently those are now illegal in Omaha (lousy democrats).  Here is a picture of us at the game:

Just to note, you were pointing at the Razorback mascot.  During the middle of the 5th, we went to the concession stand to meet my lifelong friend, Josh.  We followed my dad's old rule when he took me to games...always had to wait until half way through the game before hitting the concession stand.  Anyways, while there, you wanted twizzlers which I happily obliged.  You were holding one in each hand and could not decide which to eat.  After puzzling over it for several seconds, you decided to eat both at the same time.  It was so cute!  Here is a good pic of you and your twizzlers:

You made it through several hours of baseball in 90 degree heat in the sun.  You were so focused on the game.  As Josh put it, "Are you surprised...he's a Thompson."  Darn right.  Well, dad put on his bad idea jeans and bought you a mini wooden baseball bat on the way out.  You spent the whole walk to the car swinging the bat.  Here is a short video and a couple of pics:

You were getting compliments from the tailgaters on your great form!

On father's day (next morning), you said the greatest words I dad can here on Father's Day.  "Dad, let's play golf."  You were referring to grandpa's putting green and I was so happy to do that with you.   

The next day we came home after a stop at the Omaha zoo.  You had a blast with your favorites being giant spider crabs, penguins, monkeys, sharks, bears and especially tigers.  Here is a picture of a black bear trying to climb over the fence via the tree: 

Finally, we were off to see mommy.  At the airport, you cried hard when I checked my bag...but we managed thanks to Godfather's pizza and Reese's Pieces.  Finally, you slept on my arm the whole flight home.

What a great father's day weekend.  Thank you Colby.

Love,
Dad

Weekend in the Dells

Colby,

This has been one of my favorite weekends with you.  Work and other distractions stayed out of the way and I was able to spend basically the whole weekend with you.   I took you to the Wisconsin Dells to meet up with Uncle Matt, Aunt Julie and the Cousins Will and Josh.  It took a little while, but eventually you really warmed up to the water park at the Great Wolf lodge.  Your smile and excitement is something I wish I could bottle up.  Even at dinner at Buffalo Phils, you went crazy for the model trains that delivered the food and then you went nuts running around the arcade. 

I didn't get any real good pictures over the weekend but I will attach a picture your grandpa loves (Go Irish!):

To top off my weekend, when we were sitting separately watching the Superbowl (you were playing Angry Birds!), you decided you wanted to sit next to me so show off your skills.  You snuggled up tight and we watched the game.  Later, you  even asked for me later to come wish you goodnight (I think that was a first). 

Love you so much,
Dad