oliver the map: oliver’s travels

We took off right after your backyard birthday celebration to Destin, Florida, with Aunt Lala and family. We rode down with them in their minivan, and once again—this time with distractions of cousins—you were a great tripper.

We had dinner with the whole gang at the Back Porch, and you ate better than most of your older cousins. You loved the grilled amberjack, and so does Momma.

You lasted all of three minutes the first time we went down to the beach before you were covered in sand and rubbing it in your eyes and mouth. The solution we came up with was brilliant—a kiddie pool filled with salt water so you could sit and play without the constant hassle of the sand. You loved it!

We stayed at the place Aunt Jates was renting one night, and you had breakfast with the big kids, took a walk on the boardwalk and snacked on push-pops as a treat for a good nap. What the heck; you were on vacation!

We stayed at Grandmother’s place at Four Mile. Daddy joined us from San Diego for a couple of days, and we took you for a walk by the lake.

Finale dinner at the Crab Trap with the gang. We were quite a force when we entered a restaurant!

Why does the drive back always seem so much longer? You and Aunt Lala snoozed. Sand, sun and fun had worn us all out.

It seems as though we just kept celebrating your first year, this time in the backyard with friends and family. Actually, this celebration was a bit more for Momma and Daddy having survived the first year!

We went to Mammy and Papa’s for your the day of your birthday, since Daddy had to be out of town. This time we celebrated with a cupcake, and you had no problem determining what to do with it.

This photo was taken at the exact moment you were born—11:29am. I love the sweet soundness of your sleep.

You were all worn out by the week’s celebrations.

We celebrated your first birthday with family at Crockett Park on the Fourth of July. You didn’t quite understand the opening of the presents, but you played along. Extended family was visiting from Michigan, cousins of Momma’s, and they made a special trip to Target to get you a fun lion bubble machine. Aunt Jates and family gave you a cool water table where you can stand (which you love to do) and play with the water and things floating in it. Daddy and I got you some big foam alphabet letters for the floor of your bedroom. You have little interest in them now, but I figure it can’t hurt to surround you by letters. Mammy and Papa gave you the hands-down hot gift—a little Winnie-the-Pooh car you can push. (see below)

You were determined to conquer the wedge of watermelon on your own.

The cake adventure started out like you were playing in the mud. You had no reason to believe something colored purple and green was meant to be eaten. Up to this point, you have had no processed foods and certainly no sugary goodness. Daddy put a little finger of frosting in your mouth, and you caught on quickly

You traversed the distance of at least three football fields, pushing this little car. It was as if you had tasted freedom. That’s what Mammy and Papa were hoping for. I sent you to bed that night with a little Motrin in your system, certain your newly used muscles would be aching in the morning. Exhausted, you slept like a lil Oliver. Daddy and I have mixed emotions about your newfound mobility.