Camping and Columbus with Grandpa and Grandma

Over the Fourth weekend we went camping at Deer Creek State Park. Harrison loves camping because he gets to be outside 24 hours a day. We, the parents, aren't too sure. It's a lot of work to keep an eye on our little adventurer and putting him to sleep in a tent isn't exactly easy either. Thankfully this time we had grandma and grandpa with us. We went fishing and this pesky fish kept messing with our bait. So we brought the pros in. Grandma promptly caught the fish for us and gave Harrison his first upclose with a fish.

We also went to the Columbus Zoo. It is fabulous, if you are ever nearby, we would highly recommend it. We didn't get through it all but we loved the manatees, the orangutans, and Harrison really loved the birds. It seems silly but that's what he loved the most.
Harrison got to ride the carousel with grandpa and grandma - I think they

all really liked it!

This one's for Opa --

Opa loves getting pictures of his kids and grandkids smelling the flowers.

Well this is a replica of the stinkiest flower in the world! The real

version wasn't blooming but Harrison liked the plastic version just the same!

Watching the geese -- probably Harrison's favorite part of the zoo

and something we could just as easily do at home, but whatever, he loved it!

This orangutan was AMAZING! It came down and sat right by the glass.

It would make faces and play peek-a-boo with Harrison. It was the

coolest thing I have ever experienced at zoo. Harrison just shrieked and laughed.

It was really incredible to see the two actually interacting with each other.

Harrison with the alligators.

Then it was time to go home. We certainly were tired after a long day at the zoo.

But we had to stop at an old familar place for some dinner.

It was Harrison's first time and he loved it as much as his mom, dad, Uncle Nick, and nuclear

family does.

It was a great trip to Ohio.

Happy 1st Birthday!

Even though we've been terribly busy at work, we can't skip over the single most important day, thus far, of Harrison's life. His first birthday was a wonderful event! I've always loved birthdays; and you think back when you were a kid and nothing was better than your birthday. Well being a parent on your child's birthday IS better. The day Harrison was born was so monumental in my own life, I wanted to celebrate with everyone we knew. So we did.
We had a big party on Saturday celebrating with our family and friends. Jill Osmon, my best friend from college, came down for the weekend and met Harrison for the first time. Needless to say, we put Jill to work for the party - she was a fabulous help! She also taught Harrison to give kisses, which he does all the time now. Thanks Jill for both!!! Grandma and Grandpa came down from Akron and my family was almost all there. We were bummed Aunt La and Aunt Stephanie couldn't be there but we understood they wanted to be.
So here are a few highlights -- both Brian and I were too busy entertaining and soaking it all in we didn't get too many pictures but our friends did. Once we get more we will be sure to fill everyone in on the party's festivities and the who's who list of guests!

Harrison with his red wagon from Grandma and his dog from Kate

Cake!!!!