Birthdayfest '09

Krikey! Can't believe only 2 weeks have passed since my last post. Per usual, things get kicked into uber-high-gear when the mercury moves ever upward in the Northwest and we squeeze every warm sunny moment out of every day to the point of exhaustion. 

We've had our first 'Getting to Know You' playdate with Oliver's really fun future Bayside Montessori buddies. Great group of kids and parents. I am buoyed.

He somewhat reluctantly started 'soccer' last week. There were a lot of kids, a new venue, I think he was overwhelmed. Definitely the smallest guy out there. Didn't really get into it until the second evening when dad was there. We'll see...

He seriously seems to have a thing for blondes...Araya, Gabbi, Elora, Riley...I'm blaming his sitter Laura.

We kicked off  Oliver's Third Birthday Fest on Father's Day, took (surprise!) Amtrak to Vancouver followed by a water taxi ride ride to Granville Island for lunch (I'll post video when I've completed my Videophobics Anonymous meetings). Oliver loved it. The pace is soooo nice. Customs was a bit of a drag, as we were the last car to be allowed (yes) to leave the train and get through to the station. It was just a short walk to Science World, where we waited for a water taxi. Unbeknownst to us, we ventured right into the middle of the Dragon Boat races on False Creek, very, very, cool. Rowing to drumbeats and we were right alongside. He ate sushi, naan bread, tempura shrimp, mango lassi. No King crab in the tank, only boring lobster. No chocolate fountain (that was so Easter). But we discovered a great kinetic sculpture at the Ocean Cement factory. Learned that 'cement is the flour, concrete is the bread'. Noted. 

On the return trip, he opened a present from grandma and grandpa that had mysteriously made its' way into my backpack - a couple of great books that helped make the waiting time before departure pass unnoticed. And he went to the lounge car. Twice.  

He opened a remote-controlled submarine with/from his Aunt Jessica and Uncle Alex live on a 3-way video chat between Kona and Waimea and Bellingham.

We walked the Taylor Dock on Monday, his Birthday proper, a wonderful sunset stroll. He insisted that I carry him, and that he be wrapped in the 'aunt wicki' blanket, as we had last year. Guess he's not ready to relinquish all of those little guy moments.

And his birthday we celebrated with his buddies the following Saturday in the front yard. Picture sunshine, rosemary-lemonade, grilled halibut tacos, balloons (he hand-picked), beach balls (I inflated seven). Picture a slip-and-slide going downhill (strictly against the manufacturers warning) with 5 shivering, shrieking, almost-three-ish (and one 30-something) kids + one very can-do little Sawyer. Picture cupcakes. Picture Oliver beaming. Nude. The entire party. It's his birthday...