Jaedyn's Portland Outing

Warning: Pic-heavy post!

What a great weekend. :-)

On Saturday, Ranae came over and she and I packed up Jaedyn and headed off to Portland. She's been wanting to show me the big Powell's Bookstore and Whole Foods there - they're within walking distance of each other, which is nice. I started out with Jaedyn in her stroller, but ended up going back and putting her in a front pack after I saw the narrow aisles and crowds of people. lol It would have taken forever to get around with her in a stroller.

We walked through Whole Foods first, but neither of us really needed anything (and I had a serious case of "I-can't-think-in-this-crowd" brain malfunction. ;-) Later after I was home I remember stuff I could have looked at, lol. As it was, we headed to the bookstore on foot. Wow, "big" doesn't even begin to describe it - it's so huge that you could get lost... it is made up of rooms that are separated by color and that's what they are called, "The Blue Room", "The Orange Room", etc. I went for the children's books first, of course. There was so much to look at and if I hadn't had Jaedyn with me I probably would have picked out a few, but it's too hard for me to think when I'm worrying about her being hungry or crying and disturbing other people. I think that's partially my problem, though - people aren't generally annoyed by babies, I don't think. Especially in the children's room. lol I really want to get Jaedyn one of those touch and feel books, though. I remember as a kid really liking those (I was very interactive, heh).

Anyway, we had a great time walking around Portland and checking out the stores and trying not to look at scary-looking people (sunglasses are good things to have, lol). We both got our cameras out and clicked away unashamedly, not afraid to look like tourists (even though we live here! lol).

Jaedyn did WONDERFUL in her front pack! She did get a little fussy if I stood too long in one place (hence the difficulty at the bookstore), but once we were moving around, she got distracted. Her eyes widened in wonder at the bright colors inside and outside and the noise, the people walking by (I don't know how many times people told me they loved her polka-dot leggings, lol), and just everything. Every once in awhile she'd lift her head and stare into my eyes, crooning and talking to me in that baby-jabber I just can't understand. But I think she was enjoying the whole experience and wanted me to know. :-)

On Sunday, John played guitar and sang for church! The parts I heard were great - I was in the nursery with Jaedyn part of the time but toward the end (of the worship) I stood in the back with Jaedyn and sang, hoping that she wouldn't start crying in between songs, lol. That place surely echoes... though everyone is so nice and not intense at all there. My desire to be invisible is slowly fading, partly because it's pretty much impossible when you have a baby, lol. They rarely are quiet when you want them to be. ;-) Anyway (wow, I got off topic there...), it was a great worship and so nice to be able to sing such great songs. I especially love Inside Out and Cannons by Phil Wickham. It's nice to be able to have a say when it comes to the songs we like!

Anyway, on to the pictures:

I do believe Jaedyn is feeling cozy in there :-)


My dorky smile and Jaedyn enjoying watching the people from safety



Coming out of Whole Foods... amazing possibilities for photography everywhere I look!


Does this bring anything to mind? Sur La Table' - that's it! I Love Lucy learning French! lol

Following Ranae through the crowded streets of Portland... I was fascinated with the trolley system (yes, I'm a small-town girl!)

These buildings are so picturesque...

One of the downsides to shopping in Portland is that you have to pay to park. I'll never get that. (No, we didn't get valet parking, lol)

I wish that's all I had to do...

Stopping for coffee at Whole Foods

A coffee action shot I'm quite proud of... (featuring Ranae's hand!)

Making our way through the busy streets...


Anyone see Mr. Tumnus around?

I was totally in my element... castle-like buildings and cobblestone streets! Okay, I had to use my imagination when it came to cobblestone streets... but who can complain when there are big old buildings like this everywhere?

Gorgeous sky

Possibly my favorite shot - the lights are enchanting

One last comment... if anyone wants to see more pictures of John, they're gonna have to figure out a way to convince him cameras are not evil. lol The man hates cameras, that's all there is to it!