I love Toy Story. I love the concept of Toy Story with its Velveteen Rabbit-esque anthropomorphications. Most of all I love Toy Story because Oliver loves Toy Story.

Oliver has loved Toy Story since he was about 18 months old. Holden had a few miscellaneous Toy Story themed toys about and Oliver claimed each one. Toy Story was the one movie that could calm Oliver down when things were rough.

As the years went by Oliver amassed quite a collection of Toy Story paraphernalia. He had all the basics, Buzz in assorted sizes, Woody in assorted sizes, along with the less coveted but still important Mr. Potato Head, Rex, Hamm, Jessie, the Prospector. Oliver slept in Buzz sheets with a Buzz blanket, wearing Buzz pajamas. He had Buzz underwear and Buzz bathing suits and towels. He went to sleep with his Buzz night light after reading his Buzz books. We listened to Woody's roundup on CD in the car.

One summer his interest seemed to wane. I was saddened at the thought of Buzz being in our lives less often. Buzz was a family member at this point.

Oliver decided he liked Curious George. For the first time received presents that were not Toy Story related. Within a few months he was done with Curious George.

Oliver reverted to bringing Toy Story characters with him on any adventure. Buzz, Woody and an Alien have been camping, they've been to Tahoe, they've been to Safari West. They've been on a plane, in cabs, in cars. The Alien went to the museum of Natural History in NYC and sat in a muddy wolf paw print in MA. Buzz has been swimming in pools and lakes. Woody has enjoyed Muir Woods.

We're back on Toy Story now and I couldn't be happier. I put new batteries in his Buzz action figures. Buzz talks once again. Oliver's face lit up when he pushed the buttons and Buzz worked again.
My face lit up too.
I hope Buzz stays with us for years to come.