Alex: Sleep-eating.

This one's for you, Papa.

Family Photo Time

Enjoy.

Happy Alex

Who needs a laugh?

The Pierce Family Picnic- Year two

Earlier this month we had the second annual Pierce Family Picnic. I am sorry that I didn't get photos of everyone. But don't we look great? Especially Grandma Pierce, who we are so blessed to have. I just hope that I look that good at *nearly* 92!

Alex's First Haircut

Well, Alex finally had his first haircut in May. I think that I waited so long, because I didn't want him to lose those long, loopy baby curls. I was afraid that he'd look too old. I guess I wanted to keep my baby a baby.
Finally, after a bottle of de-tangler and many tears later, I cried uncle, and Alex got a haircut. We'll, really, he got them all cut.
Because he can talk, I'll add the dialogue for you.

"Wow, this isn't so bad. I like being in this high chair. Ohhh, a cape! Cool"


"Wait, What?? What is going on here? Nobody said anything about spraying water. What is she doing??"


"Oh, okay, this isn't so bad. Maybe I'll get one of those head massages. Can somebody please turn the TV to ESPN?"


"That's right, I look good. Curls are intact. Where's my lollipop?"


Oh, and Gabe got a haircut, too.

Swim Lessons, Take 3

Gabe first solo swim lessons. I can't tell you how wonderful, and hard it was not to be getting in the water with him. Trusting a teenager with your first born is crazy, right? But I am a pretty good swimmer, I figure if I kept my eye on him, I could get to him in time!
The truth is, although they make you start at 'Catfish 1,' Gabe was pretty much bored after the first lesson and kept wandering off looking for adventure (thank you Hawaii). And since he can float on his front and back, willingly dunks his head under water, we are ready for 'Catfish 2'!

I shall name this post 'March 9th'

...Because that was Alex's birthday, and I never got around to posting pics from that day. Here are a few of the pics we took on his actual Birthday. Truly though, he was more impressed with the candle than the cake. He's more of an ice cream boy.



In comparison, here is a photo of Gabe's first Birthday.

Maui #5- TSUNAMI!!!*

(*warning)

There's nothing like spending your last beautiful day in Maui on the top of a hill for 7 hours looking at the ocean, waiting for something to happen.
We were woken up at 5:30 AM by Lauren's mom, which although was not fun, was better than being woken up by the Tsunami alarms that started at 6 AM. After packing up all the food/clothes/diapers we could fit in the rental car, we headed to the local airport, located on the closest hill to our hotel. At first, Gabe though it was a great adventure, Dora-style (Where are we going? Tallest Mountain! Where are we going? Tallest Mountain!) But the fun did wear off after about the first 4 hours.
By the way, Hawaiians sure know how to throw a Tsunami Party. I saw more than one van packed to the roof with what I though were their household belongings, only to see them unpack: Portable BBQs, chairs, umbrellas, stereos, and several coolers full of meat and beer. Apparently, I was listening to the wrong news broadcast. Here are some photos of the mayhem.




PS- there was no tsunami.
PPS- I should have packed less diapers and more (some) Rum.

Maui #4- Maui Ocean Center

Travis and I took the boys to the local Aquarium and had a great time, even if it was slightly under-whelming (think Sea World prices meets Oregon Coast Aquarium attractions).
But Hey, a February Day in Maui beats one in Oregon!

Maui #3- Chillaxin' in Lahina

This vacation is where Gabe officially learned his newest word: Chillaxin' ( FYI- Chillin' + Relaxin' = Chillaxin').
He can even conjugate it correctly as in "Gabe, it's time for bed," "Mom, I just want to sit here and chillax with you." Awesome.
Here are some photos of our chillaxin' day.

Maui #2- Beach Bums

One of the first things we did after arriving was to hit the ocean. Although, I packed very cute, bright, and fun swim trunks, Gabe wanted nothing to do with them. He'd wear them for about 5 minutes, them insisted on taking them off as soon as they got "wet." Here are a selection of photos, from a selection of beaches, without a stitch of clothing (save the hat).

Maui #1- Heading out & Checking in

For those of you who didn't know, Gabe, Alex and I spent the last week in February in Maui with Mom, Travis, Ryan & Lauren. Unfortunately, Chris wasn't able to join us, but at least he got a nice break relaxing at home. Here are the boys on the plane, getting ready to take off.



During the course of this flight & day, I was vomited on, peed on, and pooped on (yes, the trifecta!), so you'll forgive me if there are no pictures of our arrival. However, Travis did take this one, as I wasn't in the mood for pictures. As soon as we arrived at the condo, Travis and I were checking in a speaking to the other residents. When we turned around, this is what we saw.
(Yes, that is the sidewalk right in front of the rental car. Tired?)

Here are some photos of the view from our beautiful Lanai, which was just a few feet from the ocean (depending on the tide).



Gabe, exploring some of the "locals"


Alex, enjoying a little snack on our Lanai.


And learning to climb. (Funny how I think to grab the camera first, then rescue him- With Gabe, it used to be the other way around)