Sunday, March 28, 2010

Spring Break

We started our Spring Break with a trip to Palm Desert where we met Neenah (Grandma Pierce) and Bumpa (Grandpa Pierce). The weather was absolutely perfect and we had a great time just being with the family. Skip and Scott got some good golfing in while Neenah, Jalen, and mom enjoyed shopping (well, as much as Jalen would let us do). We went to the living desert at the perfect time of day, so we were able to see most of the animals being very active. We spent the latter part of the week just being at home - hanging out with friends, enjoying playdates with Jalen's buddies, trips to the park, baby music time at the library, and just lounging around together. Oh - it's so hard to go back to work after a long break!






We discovered how much Jalen loves to swim.

Joe-Cool in the pool.

Gotta love all the chub-a-lubs.



Smiles for Daddy.







Jalen and Mommy taking a morning swim.




A beautiful morning with breakfast on the patio.

Jalen and Daddy.



Once Jalen woke up he loved watching everything go by at the Living Desert.



You can't really tell from the picture, but there is a one-week old giraffe in the background, with his mother in the top right watching him closely.



Bumpa and Jalen at the Nelsons.





Jalen thought Bumpa was pretty funny.

Play Dates

When Jalen was first born, we met a wonderful group of moms and babies at the hospital's "Mommy and Me" groups. Since then, it's been great to watch all the babies play and grow up together. We are fortunate to have Joanna and her son Logan living just down the street, so we often get together for impromptu play dates after work. Here are a few pictures of Jalen's recent visits with friends.
Best Buds

They're like a heard of cattle coming in for their feeding.


Logan will carry around that ring in his mouth for hours - it's hillarious.


Jalen is 8 months in this picture and Logan is 10.5 months...reminds me of what a big boy we have.


Having a little chat.


We love playing together!



Ava, Jalen, Logan, Aspen, Colton, and Gina - most of the gang re-united.




The Leap Frog activity table is always the hit of every play date.

Sunday, March 7, 2010

8 Months Old

I can't believe our little guy is already 8 months old! He's moving around like crazy and getting so adventerous. We are loving this stage and having so much fun watching him explore!



Playing with bubbles

Rio and Jalen are becoming pals

Rio thinks it's time to play

How does he seem to find every little piece of dirt in the house?




Taking a break from the "long" walk down the hall.



Jalen and his buddy Aspen.


Taking center stage



Playing with his buddies Aspen and Connor.




Swinging at the park...one of Jalen's new favorite things

Monday, February 22, 2010

Fun at the Park

It was a beautiful weekend in Portland! We took advantage of the sunny weather by going to the park with our neighbors. Jalen had a great time with little Brookie and loved his first try on the swings.








Sunday, February 14, 2010

Happy Valentine's Day!

Boy how Valentine's day changes once you have children! It was shared with Jalen's baptism, which made for a very eventful day. Watching Ellie and Jalen play together was the best part!

A very HAPPY BIRTHDAY to Elliot Donaldson - she turned ONE-year-old today!

What a happy litte Valentine!



Trying to read with cousin Ellie.



Jalen excited to open up gifts.



Happy Valentine's Day!




Rise-and-Shine Ellie and Jalen :-)



JT wants to be just like Uncle Devin

Jalen's Baptism

We had a very special weekend with lots of family in town. Jalen was baptized today at Living Savior Lutheran Church. It was a perfect ceremony and Jalen did great - smiling, bouncing, and socializing throughout the service. We loved having so many family and friends being a part of his blessed day. Thank you to everyone who traveled so far and helped over the weekend!!

Celebrating Jalen-Todd's special day!

The Pierces

Jalen is so fortunate to have Derek and Amy Reinke as God Parents.


Jalen loves Amy!



"Ohhh - that was an inspirational service Pastor Brant."



Grandma "Neenah" and her brother Ron.



Jalen and Papa.


Sweet cousin Ellie on the go.


Jalen was releaved to have the warm cloth on his head after the cold water.

The Main Event


Jalen and Daddy


Auntie Annie, Cousin Ellie, Mommy, and Jalen