So, for a kid, what is the worst time of the year to get sick? Yep. Christmastime. My oldest, Neal, apparently has strep. Fun. NOT!! Poor guy. I hate it for him since he has been “practicing” every Sunday to play bells tomorrow, Christmas Eve, at the Gwinnett Arena for our church’s epic Christmas Eve service. Hang in there, buddy. Daddy loves you and hopes you feel better soon.

Neal-2009-School-Pic, originally uploaded by w_kevin_gilbert.

I can’t tell you how proud I am, as a dad, of my son Neal. I’m proud of both Neal and Eli, but with this picture, I’m especially happy. Neal isn’t the most cooperative when it comes to smiling for the camera. When I saw this today, I just got so excited at how he was naturally smiling at the camera. He’s so fun and I’m so glad I get to be his dad.

We’re headed out tomorrow for his first camping trip this weekend. We’re headed to Vogel State Park, up near Blairsville, GA. They are having a fall festival at the park on Saturday. There will be hay-rides, a chili dinner, a bonfire with a storyteller and plenty of father-son bonding. It’s about making memories. Make sure you take some time to make those memories today.

I’m taking the camera and will be taking lots, and lots, of pictures. I’ll be posting them sometime next week when I get the time. Be watching for them.