Morning Playtime

Jalen enjoys watching Mommy and Daddy get ready each morning while he plays on his mat. He's always so happy and full of smiles at this time, making it even harder to say good-bye each morning :-(

Pumpkin Patch and Weekend Activities

It was a beautiful Fall weekend here in Portland and we took advantage of it by joining some friends at the Sauvie Island Pumpkin Patch. It's always fun to get the babies together. They all put up with our picture-taking and seemed to enjoy their visit through the animal barn. We then met everyone for lunch and drinks at the Bridgeport Brewery.

I had Friday off this week (which was a good way to start my first week back to work). Jalen and I enjoyed our day together by going to story/music time at the library and attending Gymboree class. We were also able to spend some time with our friends/neighbors Chris and Catherine Walter this weekend, which was long over due.

Jalen was all smiles for Catherine this weekend.

Jalen kicking his legs and flailing his arms in excitement as Gymboree class started - he LOVES it!

The parachute is moving over his head - he enjoys the colors and playing the game of peek-a-boo.

Oh, his favorite...Gymbo!

PLU Hall of Fame Weekend

Uncle Devin was on one of four National Championship football teams that were inducted into the PLU (Pacific Lutheran University) Hall of Fame this weekend. So, we all went up to help celebrate and watch the game against Lewis & Clark College. PLU defeated LC 43 to 14 - GO LUTES!

Some of the highlights include hanging out with Uncle Devin and Aunt Annie, dinner on Friday night with Ed and Sarena Nau and their kids Anika and Eben, and dinner on Saturday night with some of Scott's friends from college, Karin and Tom, Marcus Womack and his daughter Mya (we missed Sarah who was performing in a choir that night), Carli and Bria (sorry if I misspelled the name), and Annie, Brian and their kids Grayson and Kennedy...it was a great weekend!

Jalen was so excited to see his cousin Ellie. It was so cute to see her try to hold his hand and stare at him all the way to dinner.

All ready for the game Dad!

TOUCH DOWN LUTES!


Jalen on his way to the game.


This kid LOVES football!! - like father, like son.


Jalen and Mommy with Auntie Annie and Cousin Ellie.

The Pierce clan enjoying the game.

Scott with his friend (former teammate) Ed Nau and their future Lutes (Jalen and Eben are sad they can't play football yet).

Half time ceremony.


After a long day Jalen was wiped out. He had the whole bed to himself.





Our neice was thouroughly entertained by Ed and Sarena's daughter, Anika. As you can see, we all enjoyed a great evening with friends.

Jalen with his buddies

Some of the moms that I've recently met get together a couple times a week for runs, walks, or just to hang out. Here's a shot of Jalen and his buddies taking a much needed break from shopping. Jalen loves his buddies Colton, Aspen, and Connor.

Smile boys!

Domino effect

Visit with Grandma & Grandpa Pierce

Grandma and Grandpa Pierce came to visit us this weekend. It was so nice to have them here...we really miss everyone in Boise and love to have the company. We met Scott for lunch on Friday, took Jalen to Gymboree class, then had a nice dinner with Steph and Corey that night. The boys went golfing on Saturday while Linda and I made our rounds of shopping. On Sunday we drove out to Bauman Farms, which is a beautiful farm with tons of fun kid activities and they had an amazing garden/nursery/produce section. Of course we couldn't go out that direction without hitting the Woodburn Outlets. Thank you Skip and Linda for all that you do for us!

Grandma Pierce and Baby J on Monday morning.

Grandpa and Jalen

Saying goodbye to Grandpa and Grandma.


I included a few pictures here of Jalen doing his new upper body moves. It's hilarious how he sticks his arms out like he's rockn' out. He's just discovered his hands this week, so when he moves them around he'll stop and stare at one for a minute.

Portland Zoo

Amy Reinke invited Jalen and I to join her and little Drew at the zoo on Thursday. Although Jalen can't see all the exhibits, it was fun to see him look around in the aquarium...he liked watching the fish and sea lions swim by him. Drew is really starting to be interested in the animals, so he was thrilled when he got out of his stroller to check out the zebras and elephants. The Portland Zoo just opened up the new African exhibit, which was just beautiful. Thanks Amy for a great afternoon!

Lion basking in the sun.

Do you see the excitement on Jalen's face?! Well, Mom was excited to see the new baby elephant.

Mommy and baby elephant - born a year ago this month.

Amy and Little D

The sea lions were huge and kept swimming right in front of us.

Jalen was fascinated by the colors and movements.

Mom and Jalen in the aquarium.

Wow - that's a cool fish!


Jalen with his buddy Drew.

Week 11

Here are some random pictures of Jalen out and about this week. He's 11 weeks old and still changing all the time. Jalen and Mommy spend our days walking with other moms, joining Gymboree groups, and playing at home. Believe it or not, these few things keep us very busy. Scott and I also met up with a group of other parents that we met at our pre-natal classes. It was fun to see them all again and see us all with our babies.

We love that swing!!!

Mommy and J hanging out after one of our morning walks.

Play time. Jalen is focusing on things more and starting to reach for them. (Check out that hair line...we call him our "Little Old Man").

Jalen loves Gymboree, especially with his buddies Aspen and Connor (although we can't see Connor in this picture).

Smiling for Daddy.

Jalen is holding his head up so much better now so we tried the Bumbo seat, which seems to help.

Mommy and Jalen at our pre-natal class reunion.

Mommies and Babies from pre-natal class.