happy birthday Dad!

My dad (aka "the general") has led our family through thick and thin. His independence, optimism, and sense of adventure have shaped my world and the way I live. I love you Dad!

happy birthday Jamie!

Jamie (the baby above) is the fifth girl and the seventh child in our family. If she looks surprised in the photo, it may be due to the fact that she just became a part of our rather boisterous and attention-seeking family. Jamie is a tad more reserved (OK, OK, maybe it's more "sophisticated") than your average Harrison and is therefore less loud. But still waters run deep; she is an amazing designer and has worked in couture bridal for the the last few years. Now she works in jewelry retail and lives in our favorite city. Jamie likes music and I fondly recall the way she patiently explained the virtues of the current Britney Spears album to me when she was a teenager. She loves food (especially graham crackers) and has been happy to sample all the deliciousness Portland has to offer. We are so glad to have her here and will gladly feed her cheesesteaks as long as she stays. We love you Jamal!

happy birthday Lance!

Lance is the third boy and the ninth child in our family. He was born on my twelfth birthday, so we are "twins". At the time, I was not thrilled (to put it mildly). Let's face it, in a family of twelve you really only get one day that is all your own, and I wasn't happy with a sibling crowding my day. However, I soon learned that Lance is an amazing guy and I am now honored that he shares his day with me. Lance is a snappy dresser, which I fully realized when he visited us recently wearing Italian loafers and a button-down shirt that still looked crisply ironed after a 10-hour road trip. He is really into biking and just bought a touring bike. He's also into food and I call him for advice while cooking all the time. In high school he carried the recipe for German pancakes in his wallet so he could make them anywhere, at any time. It was so fun to hang out with Lance this summer, I hope he will bring his Burberry trenchcoat to Portland for the weather it deserves this fall. Love you Lancer-pancer (bellydancer)!

happy birthday Brooke!

Brooke is the eighth girl and the eleventh child in our family. She is (of course) fashionable and can walk in very high heels. She is also a new college student and just started classes last week! Brooke is one of the sweetest people I know. She was a server in high school and is constantly clearing plates and refilling drinks whenever she is at our house. She also offers to make me food all the time...at my own house! She is mellow yet funny, a delightful combination. We are sooooo lucky to have Brooke in our city! Love you, Brookie-cookie!