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.

Little H Photo Shoot

The talented and gracious Kacie of In the Moment Photography visited this past Friday to capture Harrison at one years old....and on this particular day, this little one year old happened to be in a rather fussy (and fortunately rare) state. Although fearing these photos may not reflect our son's typical day to day existence, we carried on with the photo shoot at a nearby park and found ourselves enjoying even the most outrageous outbursts from our little man. And the result: pure authentic brilliance! I'm including some of my favorites which truly capture the essence of the scene...a beautiful whirlwind of life's moments from elation to frustration to curiosity and joy.

Lava Lake Adventure

This past weekend we discovered a gem of a lake and campsite near Mt. Bachelor (Little Lava Lake) where we spent a few glorious days enjoying the Fall-like weather and campfires under the stars.

At the lake sits an old country store, renting small boats and pedaling worms and ice cream bars to camouflaged fisher people...and although we were missing our camo gear, we enthusiastically partook in the sport du jour. Harrison was rather excited about his boating adventure for the first few moments, however once he realized sitting in a boat with a life jacket around your face wasn't all that it was cracked up to be, he spent the rest of the time perfecting his unhappy look.

Happy boaters

Still somewhat amused

Very unhappy boater

Family at the lake - Harrison still reflecting on the afternoon boat adventure

The first evening of our campout was spent taking in a gorgeous smokey sunset with a bottle of wine, cheese and our favorite little man.

Our friends Drew and his son Holden joined us for a day of biking, hot dogs, s'mores and stories around the campfire. Here are the campers on a warm, sunny morning.

This trip was momentous in several ways: Harrison experienced his first deer up close and personal (of which he was rather uneasy about), and we tested the roll capabilities of the Chariot bike stroller while on a ride with Dad (all ended well and Harrison really seemed to enjoy his ride).

Oh Deer!