18 month photo shoot

Our little boy is now 18 months old and with that I almost feel like I can't call him a baby anymore! He will always be my baby though right? Now that I am a SAHM I am trying to learn some new skills and got this great camera for an early Christmas present from Jeff and my parents surprised me with Photoshop for my birthday. Then Jeff's parents gave me money to buy a tripod for my birthday as well. It has been really fun learning to use everything and I feel like this was a much more successful photo shoot with Harrison then other attempts. I had a good time playing with Photoshop to add some enhancements to the pictures.

I hope you enjoy as much as we enjoy the many faces of Harrison at 18 months old!

A Visit to DC (an d a lot of pictures)

Jeff and I are coming up on our 5 year anniversary this August and we decided that we wanted to go on a trip for our anniversary. My vote was to go on a cruise to Mexico or the Caribbean. Jeff wanted to go to DC. He won and because of the Cherry Blossom festival, we moved our trip up to spring so that we could see all of that. Well, the anniversary trip was quickly forgotten and we ended up going to DC and visiting with family. It was a great time (and I think I will just push for another attempt to celebrate our anniversary when it gets closer!)

So, I headed to DC almost a week before Jeff. I had the time and wanted to spend some time with my sister. We have my sister, Jeff's oldest sister and her family and Jeff's brother and his family all out there. Jeff only had 5 days and so I went before him.
When I got into town, my sister said the cherry blossoms were almost gone so we went out to the Jefferson Memorial and tidal basin the day after I got there. Harrison had to be held the whole time because the tidal basin looks like a large bath tub I guess. We did try to get him on a bench for a few pictures but that didn't last long.
This is what was on the cherry trees. I was really bummed that I missed the blossoms but we still had a great time. If you look close, there are still little flower blossoms.
We went with my sister Deana and her friend Janelle. Harrison was a ham for the camera as usual.
It was cold and windy but we still had fun walking around.
When the weekend hit, we decided to go to the park and fly a kite. Too bad we forgot the string but the kite still looked good.
So Harrison decided to play a little catch with Aunt Deana instead.
Deana's iPod is mistaken for a phone and he loves to make it light up and then hold it up to his ear.
I love this face. He has snacks in his mouth and is playing with an iPod. He thinks he is being really funny!
While there, Harrison hit his 18 month mark and I tried to get some pictures. None of these are really photo session good but they capture my little explorer. He found something he wanted to show me.
Looking at the flowers.
There was a small ant on the bench. He watched it and tried to catch it.
Picking more flowers or leaves I guess.
Living close to DC, you see a lot of helicopters. Harrison was always hearing them and stopping to watch them fly by.
Later that day we met up with Jeff's sister, Keva and her kids. Harrison doesn't see his cousins often and loved his older cousin. He isn't usually much of a hugger but loved sharing his hugs with his cousins. (Although later he was giving tons of fist bumps!)
On Tuesday (4/13) we planned a trip to the zoo with my sister. It was raining but I really wanted to go, so we spent a lot of time in the various houses. First was the small mammal house.
Harrison loved watching all the animals and the meerkats seemed to really like him too.
The gorilla house was a big hit. The gorilla's came close to Harrison. At one point, a gorilla was right up at the window and Harrison went running over. They were eye to eye and just stared at each other. It probably lasted about 30 seconds before either of them moved. It was really interesting to watch. Almost like they were able to communicate in some strange way.
This was the gorilla who shared a moment with Harrison. Neither one showed any fear. It was so cool!
The swimming turtles are always a hit. The reptile house was a lot of fun for Harrison as well. Lots of the snakes and animals who camouflaged well, were missed by Harrison but he still spotted more animals then I though.
Watching the tortoise get closer.
On our way out it had stopped raining and we managed to get a picture. I think my favorite thing about DC is that almost everything is free. Even the Zoo. It is wonderful when you know that he isn't going to get a whole lot out of it, but you still want your child to have the experiences.
On Wednesday, we saw our cousins again and got to go over and play at their house!

On Thursday, Jeff was there and we decided to make that our day to get to all the monuments and things we wanted to see. The White House was a little out of the way so we were able to see it from the Washington Monument and captured our photo from there.
It was our first time at the WWII monument. Such a cool place and we loved looking at all the different parts.
The Lincoln Monument in the background next to the reflection pool.
Riding the Metro. I felt like a pro by the end of the week. We took it just about everywhere.
We took a tour of the Capital Building with our Brother in Law, Brad who works for a senator there. It was an amazing tour and really interesting. We learned a lot but didn't get any pictures because we already felt like we were sticking out from all the suits we were surrounded by. We did see some famous political faces and it was a lot of fun. On our way out, we got this picture of the Library of Congress. I would have loved to go inside but didn't think Harrison would enjoy it or let me enjoy it.
After lunch we made it to the Museum of Natural History. It was really neat and again...Free! Harrison slept through the first half so we actually got to enjoy the displays. You can see him with his hat over his face asleep while Jeff poses with a giraffe.
and an ancient turtle.
I love hippos. They are my favorite animal and Jeff always thinks that is so weird. They are not sweet, cuddly or kind. I don't know why I like them but I do think they are cute, so I had to get my picture with one.
Of course we had to see the Dinosaurs. And that is about when Harrison woke up.
We let him out and he was totally fasinated. He wanted to see everything and touch it, but we kept him back.
There is another dinosaur!
The Hope Diamond. So cool but I can't imagine ever wearing something that big!
Once outside, Harrison just wanted to chase pigeans. We ended up not going to any of the other museums but just running for a while outside.
Then we met up with Deana and headed out to the Lincoln memorial. I think that is one of my favorites. Maybe it is the Illinois girl in me or maybe Lincoln was really a great man, but whatever it was, I love this place.
Deana had to catch Harrison at the top. He did climb most of the steps himself.
Stealing Daddy's sunglasses while he was reading the sign. Harrison thinks he is being funny and Jeff doesn't even seem to notice.
Our family looks so small next to this.
Again with my sister. Harrison had to be in every picture or else, he was running away!
Trying to get down the stairs faster then everyone else, but I caught him...
and he wasn't very happy about it!
On the steps of the Lincoln with the Washington in the background. I love this picture!
And this one too.
On Friday we went to Jeff's sister's house and stayed with their family for the rest of our trip. Harrison is so entertained by older kids. He really loved his cousins and they loved making him laugh!
More then half of the Ward cousins together. Three of the six families but more then half of the cousins.


Entertaining the crowd.
We spent Sunday afternoon at the park after a nice time at church and some fun games. The kids loved it and it would be their last chance before we left in the morning.

Vroom, Vroom!
A game of chicken.
Aunt Keva pushing Harrison on the swing.
My cute nephew sliding down the pole. Such a priceless face! I think Harrison could be his brother!
Pressing up against the glass.
Adoring each other. They make great buddies.


A little pick up game in the field.
Harrison even holds his own in a wrestling match.
Sliding and safe!
Heading back in the strollers.
When we first got there, Harrison needed to be driven on the power wheels and by the end he could drive himself. While, he could make it drive but did not steer at all. It was funny to watch and he loved the freedom.
We had the most amazing time visiting with our family and enjoying the sights of DC. I wonder when we will take another trip like this and can't wait for another opportunity! We really wish we lived closer to our family and trips like these make it hard but we really enjoy our time when we do get to be with family!

Love you all and miss you guys all ready!