First plane ride - to Arizona!

We packed up Oliver and all his crap to go visit Fernanda and Ian in Tucson. This was Oliver's first plane trip and our first time navigating security with a baby. We attempted to only bring carry-on bags for our 4 day trip and I have to say it was a bit tricky, but we pulled it off! Oliver did great on the plane and we were lucky to have people sitting nect to us that liked babies...

Our first outing was to the Dessert Museum. It was sunny and warm - the best day of the trip. This baby is not used to so much sun! He is my boy after all ; )

He had a great time riding on daddy's shoulders

And a tortoise



He really loved meeting Fernanda for the first time. They hit it right off.

Even saw some javellina's basking in the shade...they are supposedly more like deer than pigs (says Fernanda)...they sure look more like pigs to me!

Awesome dessert view

We were going to go for a swim at the pool, but it was too cold...went to the park instead. Oliver's first time on a teeter totter. It was a BIG hit!

And of course the swings...

We went out to a great dinner (well, except for Mike's well done pizza...). In case you can't tell, Oliver really liked Ian too : )

There are no pictures of the next day of the trip because it was spent inside watching a marathon of "jersey shore" because Oliver and I were barfing our guts out. Oliver's first time throwing up and he did not like it! Neigther did Mike who got the brunt of it...Luckily we were feeling better by the 3rd day, so we went hiking in this canyon.

Unfortunately, that night Ian got sick too and Fernanda was feeling bad on our last day there. She was a trooper though and took us out to see this beautiful mission.

Then it was back home to Seattle for us. Luckily Mike didn't get sick until we were back home...That was some crazy virus we all got. Very glad it was only for a few hours. Despite all the sickness, we had a really great time in Tucson, especially seeing Fernanda. I miss her already!

Some of Oliver's recent "firsts"

Christmas Part 2: Grandma Susan

A week after Christmas, my mom came to celebrate with us. She made Oliver this special stocking. He was very excited to see what was inside...

Auntie Wisty could be here, but she sent a very cool gift for Oliver. He had had his eye on this a couple of his friend's houses...
This was the best present I got this year ; )

Reading with grandma

Awww...he learned how to give kisses!

Second Christmas dinner! Still loving the sweet potatoes. I tried to get him to try the brussel sprouts, but no luck...

Grandma got him some sweet outfits - a bowtie and suspenders! Very fancy little boy.

Christmas Part 1: The McDonells

On Christmas eve, Katie, Andy and Savannah were here and we all got dressed up and went to church. My two boys looked so handsome in their suits!

Savannah looked so sweet in her Christmas dress

After church, we sat down for turkey dinner with the babes. The sweet potatoes were a big hit.

Visions of sugar plums danced in his head....

..and grandma's shortbread cookies!

Covetting the gift he gave Savannah...

The rest of the Mcdonells came over Christmas morning. The babies were both napping when they got here...that did NOT go over well with Laura and Jo Ann!

Books were a theme of the day...

and Savannah was happy just to play with her own shoe!

Oliver is One Year Old!

Oliver's first birthday started out with a great surprise from grandpa Ken - a hand made teak toy box! Oliver loves it.

It was a school day, so we brought in cupcakes for the whole class...
They had even made him a birthday crown!

Then at home, we had another cake for him. This time it was a fancy cheesecake from the Bakery. What a lucky baby!

Oliver was not so sure about this cake business....

... so he dumped it on the floor!

After "cake", Oliver opened his present from mom and dad...I think it is a hit!

Then a few days later we threw a group birthday party for all his little friends. Still wouldn't touch the cupcakes...

First picture with Santa

We dressed Oliver up in his best suit and took him to the mall to see Santa for the first time. He did a great job - didn't get strange with him at all! Isn't Oliver handsome in his suit?