Football Season

Football season is in full force at the Pierce household. It starts when the sun rises on Saturday morning and continues until...well, it's never ending. We met up with the Reinkes to watch the local rival teams of Tigard High School vs Tualatin High School. The boys had a blast playing togeter and watching all the action.

What a Big Boy!!

What happen to our little baby - he's growing up SO fast!!! Jalen just amazes us every day with all that he is learning and taking in! We now understand why people refer to young children as little "sponges." He's also becoming VERY independent and wanting to try everything. Jalen can point out a number of things if you ask him, such as dog, duck, boat, fish, eyes, nose, ears, etc. and understands simple instructions. What a fun age!! Here are several pictures over the last few weeks of Jalen being more independent and wanting to help around the house.

Jalen loves helping mommy water the plants (by himself of course). Even when the water is not on, he'll put the spout in the flowers for a moment, move on to the next plant, hold it for awhile like he's watering, then move on to the next one.

Stopping to pick the petals off.

Jalen found a screw driver in the garage and decided to help Daddy fix the lawn mower.


Trying his hand at eating sushi with chopsticks.

Perfecting his skills on his own food.

Daddy had to cut down a tree in the backyard. Once again, Jalen was so pleased to be of assistance.

Jalen's idea of helping - giving Rio the sticks out of the wheel barrow. These two are best buds!

"Here you go Daddy - I'll get the next load for you."

Jalen and his buddy at a friend's BBQ. He loves eating with silverware now.

Such a good eater! (notice his ankles are crossed...he always does this when he's eating).

Jalen and his best bud Rio...he never has a snack without sharing :-)

Jalen helping mommy unpack (does throwing clothes on the floor and sitting in the suitcase count as helping?)

Jalen LOVES feeding Rio each morning and evening!!! He's since perfected the skill of pouring the food and no longer gets it everywhere.

Lake Trillium

We decided to explore some new trails near Mt. Hood and discovered a nice loop around Trillium Lake. It was just right for Jalen and Rio and was so beautiful. It was a great start to our Labor Day weekend.

Who's walking who?

Poor Jalen was wiped out!

On The Road Again

We made another trip to Idaho and had a great time visiting family and friends. We were happy to help celebrate the weddings of Jen King to Mark Rice and Kate Van Ravenhorst to Tom Henwood. Congratulations to both couples!! Jalen and Mommy took advantage of our week in Idaho to visit friends we hadn't seen for some time. One of my close college friends, Marni and her little Ella Jane drove down from Coeur d'Alene to meet us in McCall for a few days. We enjoyed hanging out on the beach, morning walks, trips to town, and just catching up! Back in Boise, Jalen and I had a great time meeting up with Stephanie and Elliot at Monkey Bizness, which is an indoor play gym. We were quite amused with the gigantic slide, which sends you flying down and barelling into the padded barrier. Needless to say you have to put all pride aside, as there is nothing graceful about it. Elliot kept saying "more," "more slide." We also got the chance to spend some extra time with Kaye and her boy, Will. He's such a happy boy!!! At a pre-wedding brunch it was fun to see other college friends and their little ones...it's amazing how quickly they all change!

What a great night! Despite a vicious storm taking out the electricity at Kate's reception...the party went on!! (Katie, Kaye, Kate, Adrienne, and Janai).

Congratulations Mr. and Mrs. Henwood! (Kappas doing our traditional "Oh Pat" song in the dark...that's a first).

Brunch with the Kappas (Me with Jalen, Adrienne, Kaye, Cami, Kate (the bride), Heather with her girls Grace and Lauren, Alissa, and Janai with her boy Cain).

Jalen helping Papa get packed for his week-long bike trip through northern Idaho.

Jalen LOVES playing with his big cousin Ayden, who always makes him smile. He kept insisting Ayden hold his "fuzzy" which is Jalen's most prized possession he never lets others have.

Playing in the pool with Bumpa at Hillcrest.

"This way Bumpa!"

Taking a minute to get use to the water.

Jalen and Elliot at Monkey Bizness. They took turns letting each other in and playing peek-a-boo through the window - too cute!

"Let's see how loud I can scream!"

Jalen and Elliot

Handsome little Will

Ella, Marni, Jalen, and Mommy on the McCall beach. Ella loved eating the sand, while Jalen enjoyed throwing and dumping it :-)

Marni and Ella

Ella and Jalen helping each other with the puzzle.

"I'm just going to sit right here and play with your toe." Funny how babies interact - I love it!

Annie and Katie

Jalen and Mommy

"Uhh...You're a little crazy Uncle DP...what's so funny?"

Daddy and Jalen (now he thinks Uncle Devin is funny).

Annie and Devin

Jalen and Ellie at Rafiki (indoor play area in Boise)


Hi Ellie!

More summer time fun

Jalen and I continue to enjoy our time just hanging out and enjoying the lazy summer. We've been going to story time at the library, more visits to the zoo, enjoying play dates with other kiddos, walks/runs, frequent visits to the park, watching daddy play softball, and riding around on his new favorite tricycle. Here are a few pictures from the past week.

He's ready and lovin' it!

Off we go.

He made it all around the block and didn't want to stop.

Test drive

Our little "rag-muffin"



Jalen gets a kick out of watching all the players.

Cheering the team on.

Jalen hanging with the big guys.






Making his way into the dug-out.



"Look what I found Mom!"