A Day With Thomas!

Mom-mom and Pop-Pop surprised Zeke and took him to the Orange Empire Railway Museum in San Bernardino (a little over an hour drive) because Thomas the Train and Sir Topham Hatt were making an appearance. Zeke was so excited and had such a wonderful day. He was so upset this week when his Thomas tattoo on his cheek finally was rubbed off in the bath! They had a special ride on Thomas, a petting zoo, jumpy house - oh what a wonderful day for a 2 year old boy! Zeke is a lucky boy!

HALLOWEEN 2009

Halloween was a lot fun this year and Zeke really got into it. He loves being a monkey and loves reading Curious George books so we thought he should be a monkey this year...and of course that meant that Ben was going to be a banana! We didn't tell Ben that Monkeys like to eat Bananas! Getting a picture together that showed both costumes wasn't easy.

Fall 2009

Here are some pictures of Ben and Zeke over the past month or so. Ben is getting bigger and bigger and really smiling and laughing! Zeke is still a great big brother and even allowed Ben into his fort he made with daddy.

Pumpkin Patch

The Sunday before Halloween we took a family run to the pumpkin patch. I didn't take pictures of us running with the double jogging stroller or on the way back walking with all of our pumpkins, but here are some pictures of Zeke at the pumpkin patch. He loved the petting zoo again this year! Ben was asleep during most of the trip so we didn't get a picture of him but there is always next year!

Some Pics of Ben!

Here are some more pictures of Ben. He is getting so cute and starting to smile and coo!!

Dinner and Sunset at the Beach!

One recent evening we headed to the beach for a picnic dinner and to watch the sunset. Zeke took a great nap that day so we could stay up a little later and boy was it worth it. The sunset was gorgeous! (not sure why some of these photos are sideways...)

Brotherly Love

Zeke has been a great big brother so far and is very gentle with "Baby Ben" as he refers to Benjamin. Here is a recent picture of one of Zeke's favorite activities...kissing Ben. Not sure if Ben is enjoying it as much as Zeke!

Sandcastles!

We have been very lucky with beautiful (although hot) weather here in San Diego for the past couple of weeks. This has allowed us to travel to the beach very often and Zeke and Mike have become masters of making sand castles. Here are some pictures from a recent visit where they made a drip castle.



Please note the tongue...he is exactly like his father!

Like Father Like Son!

Here is a picture at Sheila and Joe's pool with Zeke and Mike hanging out in their red Birdwell's (boardshorts that Mike swears by!)...

Cousins!

We have been very lucky this summer and have spent so much time with Stephen, Jodee, Colby, Jillian and Gunnar. Zeke and Gunnar (who are only 24 hours apart) have really bonded and have had a great time this summer. We will be sad to see Jodee and the kids go back to Massachusetts this weekend. Here is a picture of Zeke and Gunnar hugging as they usually do when they see each other.



here are some other pictures from the summer!

Zeke enjoying some BBQ!

One recent night, Mike and Zeke went to the bbq joint by our house and picked up some bbq. Usually Zeke just goes for the baked beans but he chowed down on some bbq chicken drumsticks!

The Del Mar Races!

Mike had a special treat for Zeke one recent afternoon. They were heading to the Del Mar Races!! Zeke loves the horses and has gone every year since he was born. This year they even won big (by our standards) and came home with some money!!

First Bath

Here are some pictures from Ben's first bath! Not that great of pictures but will try to take more!

Big Brother Zeke!

I had to share this picture even though I look horrible or should I just say exhausted. But that is the way a new mother should look, right? I think this is from the first or second morning we came home from the hospital. I love this picture because Zeke is so happy in it and is showing off his little brother Ben!

Benjamin Gerard Neal!

Benjamin Gerard Neal was born on July 20, 2009 at 2:11pm and was 8 lbs 5 oz and 20.5 inches. We are so happy and love that he is a part of our family. Zeke loves his little brother and is so gentle with him giving him kisses and helping mommy as much as he can. hopefully this stays for awhile.
here are some pictures with the family: