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