Thanksgiving Adventures

The Arctic Explorer

It's a rainy day in San Diego and I'm taking the opportunity to finally update our blog after the whirlwind of the past two months preparing for our move.

Here are photos highlighting our wonderful week-long getaway to Bend over Thanksgiving. We were fortunate to have both sides of the family join in the merriment of the holidays!

The weather was sunny and frigid which proved to be rather conducive for both outside and inside adventures. Harrison enjoyed his romps in the snow, marveling at the temperature and texture of the fluffy white stuff at our doorstep.

Snow dance

Enjoying a warm fire at Ten Barrel Brewery

Harrison and his friend Tyne spending quality time together with the watchful Max

Gorgeous ice crystals on the windshield...baby it's cold outside

Andy and Brody enjoying one of our Thanksgiving activities decorating Christmas ornaments

Diaper change with Gigi

Playing with citrus

Nana busy at work

Gramps and Harrison checking out the park from a cozy, warm house

Piano time

A gorgeous day for a hike along the Deschutes River

I love winter

Holding up a very heavy rock

Tree Huggers

Family shot - thanks for the backside Blue

Harrison, Blue and Max looking for early signs of Santa

Family time in the snow

Oregon Wine Country Adventure

This past weekend we were graced with a visit from our friends Catherine and Jeremy from Reno, and with this brought an opportunity to spend a gorgeous Fall day in Oregon wine country. We visited four different wineries, from large upscale producers to a small winery run by a retired NASA physicist. It was perhaps one of the most beautiful days I have spent in the area, as the vineyards were aglow in bright yellows and oranges. Harrison enjoyed checking out each winery, and spent much time toddling around old wine barrels and taking in beautiful territorial views.




Catherine and Jeremy imbibing.

The group soaking in a sun break and enjoying a picnic lunch on the terrace of Boedecker Cellars.

Halloween

We were so excited to spend Halloween with our little gnome and friends at the Halloween celebration in Hood River. This is a wonderful community gathering where the main street is closed to allow for monsters and goblins to roam freely and trick or treat throughout the main streeet shops that stay open late for the event. We parked it at John and Jenn's shop, the Kayak Shed, and enjoyed watching costumed little ones frolic about.

Although Harrison loved his gnome outfit, he was rather spooked at Andy's beard and didn't quite understand how or why his world suddenly grew to include colorful unicorns, monsters, and Batman.


Checking out the costumes on main street

I love kayaks

The gnome family...Harrison wore this expression throughout the evening.

The Quintessential Pumpkin Patch Experience

One of my favorite times of year, Fall beckons us to recognize the ephemeral quality of time and to savor the crisp mornings and brilliant colors afforded by the harvest season. To honor this special time of year, Andy, Harrison and I set out to join the masses one gorgeous Saturday afternoon at a pumpkin patch on Sauvie's Island. Although originally turned off by the droves of families tromping around what looked like a quiet, simple farm much of the year, we were soon drawn into the magic of the celebration with the smell of roasted corn and caramel apples wafting through the fields of orange and yellow gems.



Before hitting the fields in search for the perfect pumpkin, we fueled up on delicious German sausages and organic wheat beer while enjoying watching all of nature's creatures frolic in the fields.

Harrison loved checking out the farm animals, crawling through the fields, and inspecting each pumpkin for perfection. Much pointing was involved in the quest, and thanks to Harrison's excellent eye and direction, we finally settled on one orange and green beauty which now happily sits at our doorstep.

Over there,

around that cornstalk,

perhaps up in the air,

down the hill,

and over several spoiled pumpkins,

sat the most beautiful, perfect pumpkin of them all!

Harrison's First Birthday

Happy Birthday Harrison! Our little guy started his birthday off the way nature intended....nakedness followed by a warm bath. This moment of calm was soon to be replaced by a breakfast gathering of my family, where delicious pancakes, fresh applesauce and a raucous "happy birthday" were served up in true Reed fashion (loud, off-key singing and multiple conversations happening simultaneously). Harrison stayed up a bit past his nap time to blearily enjoy a pancake designed just for the birthday boy.

Harrison enjoyed opening gifts, including a long time favorite wood Beagle from Grandad which carried the birthday boy throughout the house with the help of uncle Scott. Not only did Scott provide much merriment on the occasion, but given a recent surfing accident, presented little H with a great learning opportunity: Surfing will be strictly prohibited as it is much too dangerous for little and big people alike (see second photo).

After a brief nap, the birthday celebration continued at the zoo, where the family observed amazing creatures from Africa to Asia to the Pacific Northwest. Harrison was intrigued not only by the animals within the exhibits, but also by the fascinating beasts who could be seen showcasing some equally interesting behaviors and rituals.

Checking out sea otters and turtles.

I love goats!

Soaking in the midday sun in the African Safari.

Underwater.
A real, much larger version of Sophie.

Fortunately for Harrison, his big day also happened to fall on a Duck football game, so we took the opportunity to show our school spirit and attempted a family photo in our gear. Harrison however was much too excited about his new set of blocks to pay much attention to anything else, let alone sit still for a photo.

The birthday weekend continued on Sunday with a gathering of friends and family. We spent much of the day prepping for the event. By the time the first birthday cupcake was presented, this one year old was so ready for bedtime.  

Dad in his birthday apron.

Cupcake time.

Going for it.

 First bite.