July in Oklahoma 1

Here's the first set of photos from Manu and my trip to visit our dear family in Oklahoma this summer.  My sister and her family have moved to Qatar, so we went for a whole month to spend time with them before their big move!  Manu loved getting to know his family better, especially his cousins!

Helping pack and unload the dishes; Manu and Aunt Bug playing with the hose; Manu aerating Nana's flowerbed; Meeting cousin Miss A; swinging in the backyard; Giving Miss A a hug (or is it a headlock?); composing a piano duet; and hanging out with Aunt Bug and Grandpa!

Manu's 1st Birthday!

It's nearly a month ago, but while we were in Oklahoma with my family this summer, Manu had his 1st birthday!  We had a fabulous celebration.  My sister, Kathryn, and my Dad also have birthdays near Manu's and we partied together.  They didn't seem to mind the Very Hungry Caterpillar theme.

Manu with his Daddy, the birthday cake, opening presents, eating cake, the dinner party

Nate Skyped in for the festivities and we had fondue for dinner!  Manu wasn't sure what to think of his cupcake; he just rolled it around.  He loved the ice cream, though!   Happy Birthday, Manu!

Just before his birthday, Manu took his first steps.  Now he's roaming around like crazy!

He's also starting to use a few words (uh-oh, mama, dada, more, no, hot, hello, and bye).  He says bubbo for blueberries or strawberries, which is too cute.  I think no is the funniest, though, because he seems to use it for yes and no.  And he just walks around the house singing no, no, no, no...

We had a fabulous time in OK and I know I've been delinquent about posting pics, but I'm mending my ways, so get ready for more posts in the coming week!