This past Friday we drove to Topinabee for Memorial Day. Usually, Peter's extended Bos family gathers up north over the holiday weekend. This year, though, only Aunt Susan, Uncle Steve, Peter's cousins, Ashley and Jessica, and our family could make it up. Despite the modest crowd, it was an extremely fun-filled weekend, complete with grilling, boating, cards, and fellowship!
My Little Peanut in Her Shell
Olivia helping me pack for the trip while sitting in her baby pouch/sling that Blanca & Tom bought us.
When we arrived at Grandma & Grandpa's house, we had to give Olivia an emergency bath in the downstairs sink. Since Daddy did NOT stop on the drive up, we didn't discover the accident that had occurred until we took Olivia out of her carseat and smelled the backseat area...poor girl! She only woke up a little bit during the drive and never really complained. I guess next time we'll have to plan a bathroom break on the way.
After Olivia got cleaned up and glamorized, she was greeted by her Great Aunt Susan. She immediately took to Aunt Susan, who entertained her with "Here Comes Olivia Cottontail," "Fee Fi Fo Fum" as well as other fun games. Olivia loved the attention and Aunt Susan's playful interaction...this comes as no surprise since Aunt Susan has 6 grandchildren of her own!
Next, we had a delicious dinner (grilled beef and pork steaks, baked potatoes, vegetable medley) with Gma & Gpa. Here is a video and picture of Olivia trying some baked potato pieces. I don't think she was a fan.
This look says it all! Unfortunately, I think she inherited my character trait of not being able to mask her true feelings.
Mashing the potatoes seemed like more fun.
Just Like Daddy
As we've been told, Olivia exhibits CLASSIC Peter behavior (climbing up one's chest as a baby). Here, Olivia has since been taken out of her high chair and is bonding with Gma at the dinner table.
After dinner, Olivia enjoyed some diaper time on the floor. Gma lied on the floor and took out her toys, including the Noah's Ark playset. Olivia enjoyed playing with the toys and roaming around the living room. She even found Gpa's remotes!
After Olivia exerted some of her pent-up energy, we headed over to Great-Grandma & Grandpa Bos' house (they live right next door to Mom & Dad, so it is super convenient for family get-togethers). This was the second time Olivia saw GGma & GGpa Bos since they've returned from Florida. Olivia did very well on the visit and even sat fairly still in GGma's lap for awhile. The rest of the family was there, except for Uncle Steve, who eventually joined us after he returned from fishing. It was nice to chat with everyone and catch up on each others' lives.
Olivia & Great Grandma Bos
Ashley & Jessica Bos, winning Olivia's affection
Ashley & Olivia playing in Gma Bos' toy box
Saturday morning, we enjoyed a great breakfast. Olivia slept fairly well during the night, only waking up once. As Grandma's special baby, she was able to sleep in comfort on her newly foam-cushioned pack 'n play mattress...she's already being spoiled! Saturday afternoon, Ashley & Jessica came over to visit and play with Olivia. Olivia also enjoyed some floor play time with Grandma. Grandma taught her the names of the animals in the Noah's Ark set. For lunch, we all gathered under Mom and Dad's picnic pavillion. Aunt Susan made a delicious meal of lasagna, cheesy bread, salad, and homemade cookies. Later in the day, Daddy took Olivia over to GGma & GGpa Bos' house where she met her Great-Great Uncle Stu and his family, Eric, Isabel and children. Olivia really took to Isabel. Isabel spoke to her only in Spanish, and Olivia crawled right up to her. She even ended up sitting quietly in Isabel's arms for quite some time (this is rare for Olivia as she is typically very squirmy).
Modeling her sunglasses for Gma, Gpa, Ashley, & Jessica
Drinking a bottle with Ashley
Walking with Jessica
Saturday evening, Olivia enjoyed some diaper time at Gma's house. For the past few weeks, Olivia has been evolving her crawl to all fours; she would sporadically take 2-3 strides on all fours and then return to her standard stomach crawl (pulling her weight forward with her arms and pushing off mainly with her left leg). Well, on Saturday evening she graduated to a complete all four crawl! Below is some footage of her new accomplishment. After Olivia went to bed, we played cards with Mom and Dad. Mom and Dad won all 3 euchre games, but Peter and I won Hand & Foot.
I love profile shots of Olivia when she's sitting. She used to be so skinny when she was born, but now she has an adorable little belly and chunky thighs.
Chair Study
Olivia was interested in Grandma's child's chair, so I decided to let her try it out...
She's not too sure about it, but...
It quickly becomes fun! She's growing up so fast!
Sunday morning we attended church at Indian River Baptist. We decided to put Olivia in the nursery so we could fully enjoy the worship service and see if she would have another positive nursery experience. We were told that she cried for awhile in the beginning, but when we picked her up, she was content in Amy's (the pastor's wife) arms. After church, we went to Christopher's with Mom, Dad, Gma & Gpa Bos, Ashley, and Jessica. Later in the afternoon, I worked on Gma Bos' front garden, and Gpa Bos took us out on the Mariah for the first boat ride of the season. It was a little chilly, but relaxing and fun to be out on Mullett Lake in the sunshine. Olivia stayed inside playing with Gma & Gpa. The evening was then filled with more card playing. Again, we lost to Mom & Dad at euchre, but we stomped them in Hand & Foot.
Olivia enjoyed some melba toast with Grandma at Christopher's.
Church and restaurant dining really wears a girl out!
I got her to perk up for a quick photo with her Daddy.
Monday morning, Olivia slept in until 9am! For the first time up north, she slept through the night in her pack 'n play (a nice break-through)! We had a leisurely morning and afternoon discussing business plans with Mom & Dad. The video below is of Olivia climbing the stairs to Gpa's home office. This is only the second time she's attempted stairs. On May 9th, she climbed nearly the entire flight of stairs at Uncle Craig's apartment. Jenna and him were watching Olivia while Peter and I ran the Riverbank 5K. Anyway, we don't give her the opportunity to climb the stairs at our house since they are all hardwood, so this was good practice for her.
Gma Bos' front garden
In the afternoon, Mom & Dad made lunch for everyone (grilled teriyaki beef steaks, lemon pepper pork steaks, green beans, cheesy potatoes, squash/zucchini blend, and caramel apple pie for dessert). Shortly after lunch, we packed up and headed home. Olivia slept the entire way to West River, waking up when we stopped for gas. Olivia was excited to be home, but she would not fall asleep in her crib when we put her down for the night. I guess she needed LOTS of time to unwind at home after her weekend adventures.
Happy to be back at home after a busy weekend...lounging with Daddy on the sofa after 10 pm.
We had a wonderful weekend with family, and we are grateful for being back in Michigan so we can have these opportunities to visit more frequently!
Olivia trying yogurt for the first time; I think she liked it!
Samuel Harlan (22 mo.), Jordyn Carey (18 mo.) & Olivia (9 mo.) playing with dinosaurs
Olivia LOVED all the toys at the Harlan household! She had such a fun time watching the other kids play, crawling and pulling herself up on the furniture.
Wheeee! Olivia was not quite sure about being pushed on this little car.
The talented Peter, showing off his one-handed catching ability
Olivia playing in the grass
Sam was very determined in pressing forward & not willing to stop for a picture.
Liam going on a butterfly hunt. He was also searching for Jenna to accompany him on the hunt.
Elaine stopped to pose for a picture with her huge ball...too cute!
Uncle Craig & Olivia
When I asked Jordyn to smile for a picture, she would parrot, "Smile, smile."
Sam was appointed Head of Security & Crowd Control for the event.
Jordyn with the push car
Lauren ALWAYS gives a HUGE smile when asked!
Phil, Peter, & Brandon playing catch; Jenna playing soccer; Sam monitoring the situation
Sam maintained surveillance from his lawn chair; he was ready to swing into action at a moment's notice!
Jenna playing with a caterpillar
Liam's caterpillar
Olivia trying on my sunglasses
All 9 Great-Grandchildren Gathered Together for Great Grandma Bos
Gathering Under the Tree
Tears were streaming while we tried to take these photos under the tree. Olivia was DONE with having group photos!
Olivia was not too keen about the slide.
Ashley Bos, Lauren & Elaine
The whole group
Elaine at the top of the slide
My tired, silly girl relaxing with her Daddy
Ava Philip (4) & Jenna driving the Jeep power wheels
Yes, Lauren is riding as a hood ornament on the Jeep! I guess she didn't want to be left out of all the fun.
Elaine & Liam Harlan
Lauren, Ava & Jenna
Olivia lounging on Daddy's lap; I think she was getting tired because lying like this is definitely not typical.
Liesl Philip (almost 13mo.) holding the play house fort down
Phil, the Patriarch of the Harlan Clan 
Phil: "This is how I keep them in line."
Rachel reading to Lauren & Sam; Olivia reading her own book
