Curious George 2 year old Birthday Party

Can I even begin to tell you how excited I was for Henry's Birthday Party. Henry had no idea what was about to hit him....but boy did he have fun. We had a curious George Birthday party for Henry because he is our little monkey. He is constantly climbing, swinging, jumping, and moving objects to get to what he NEEDS!! All of the kids colored on the wall(construction paperwas covering the wall), made monkey mask, pinned the butterfly on George, ate pizza, salad, bannana splits, and cup cakes. But the best part of the evening was the inspired dance party that Audrey started with all of the kids....(Henry of course was the DJ...he takes after his father). They had a blast! Thank You Natalie Wilson for all of the ideas!

Sorry the pictures are a little blurry...I had the settings wrong on our camera!

Blurrr....

It seems that October and November have completely slipped by. I have had several people ask that I finally update..and are tired of seeing the same old stuff. So here goes.

The past several months I have had alot of time to really reflect on some heavy things. One item that I am constantly amazed at has to do with grief. When I hear the word death especially at a premature age my heart absolutely breaks. We have had several instances with family and friends recently where we have seen how people handle grief and stress in there lives. I have been absolutely amazed at the grace in which they have conducted themselves and been a comfort to those around them. Through them sharing stories it has made me realize more than ever to not be judgmental of people. We never know what is happening in there lives and how much there heart may be breaking.

I have also thought so much about how blessed I am. Thanksgiving is my favorite time of year. Every year I feel a little more irritated because I feel that it is getting lost in Christmas more and more. We need time to really reflect on our blessing...and not launch into the insane consumerism which retailers love this time of year.

Henry is getting so big. He will be TWO in just two weeks. I can't believe that we almost have a 2 year old. Troy and I cannot even express in words how much we love being with that boy. I feel like the luckiest girl in the world to be able to spend every day with him and see the world through his eyes. I think lately what has struck me is how much I see now through Henry. He is discovering new things every day that I take for granite. We have full conversations now...alot I don't understand. Henry's new obsessions are KISSING belly buttons, Rob's dog Petty (they are new best friends), and carrying around pictures of various family members. Today he spent all day kissing his Grandpa's and asking for them. It was funny!



Troy has been so incredibly busy. He continues to amaze me with all he does. He juggles so much and always has a smile on his face and is optimistic. Being married to Troy and the mother to Henry is such a HUGE blessing!

Happy Helper

So last week while I was on the phone with my brother Scott...I hear a soft crack....which I thought was outside...and then another. By the time I make it into the kitchen I find Henry in the refrigerator with an egg in his hand. He had deposited two eggs in the sink and one didn't quiet make it so it was laying on the rug.

It is amazing what they pick up at such a young age. He has seen me a dozen times crack eggs and throw them in the sink and now he wanted to give it a try for himself.

Where has September Gone??

It is official no more vacations for the Salo Family...at least nothing that requires flying. Every day is a vacation at our house...we party all day long!

Our month of September has been filled with one major party after another. Troy, Henry and I had the privilege of flying down to LA to attend Grandpa Salo's Surprise 80th Birthday Bash. It was quite the party and a real tribute to the amazing life that he has lead. Troy's Grandpa is one of those guys that everyone knows...and loves to talk to.

We have had more fun with him this past year! It was a football themed party so we all wore football jerseys (BYU, U of Utah, and USC colors) with the #80 on the back. Everyone had a football ticket to the event, and a football was presented to the Salo Football Hall of Fame of sorts. It was a great party. Ron was completely surprised and he had a great time. All of his kids did a fantastic job planning this event! Thanks for the fun!

We also were able to attend the blessing of our newest family member, Nathan Tyler Salo. He is such a darling little baby and is completely mellow and chill. We all had so much fun holding and loving on little Nathan. Savannah and Lucas also celebrated their 2nd Birthday that same day and had an Elmo EVERYTHING Birthday!!

During the rest of the week we spent a day at Newport Beach with Troy's cousins, a day at Disneyland, a Spoon show, and a taping of Jay Leno. The Beach was awesome and Henry ate it up...but unfortunately ended up a little red after a day in the sun.

Disneyland went much better than last time. Henry actually stayed awake!! He and Lucas had a ball taking in the rides but what they really enjoyed was the Aladdin Show. It was amazing to see two little guys so riveted with live theater - and we enjoyed the air conditioning. It was so hot! We also were able to go and see my brother play a show in Hollywood. He was on the Jay Leno show the next day so we were able to go and see a live taping in Burbank! It was a lot of fun! He did a great job...and he even sang!

After a week in southern California, Henry and I headed up to Santa Cruz to visit our good friends Melissa and Jason. We had a blast with their two girls and Henry loved Audrey. We took the kids to the Monterrey Aquarium and saw the great white shark they caught...it was pretty cool! I am always amazed at that Aquarium at how enormous the tanks are. I can't even imagine what it would take to keep them all up. We just have a 60 gallon salt water...and it is plenty of work to keep up.

We then went and spent several days with our friends Natalie and Jeremy. Henry hung out with their two boys and was indoctrinated in joy of body slams from Corbin. It was pretty funny...and I was amazed at how well Henry took it. He actually really liked Corbin and all the boy things that Corbin would do...such as picking up sticks! We took the kids to the Sacramento Zoo and went hot-tubing at Natalie's parents. We had a great trip.

Part of the trip to Northern California that was funny was talking about how life has changed in what we do now that we have kids. Troy and I have known our friends since college...and now we all have kids and instead of doing things we would enjoy...we end up at the park and the zoo! When people say life doesn't change when you have kids....don't believe them it does...and it is wonderful!

Henry and I made it home and are happy to be home! We have enjoyed our crazy summer but hope that next summer we will be home more. We need to enjoy the nice weather in Oregon while we can!

We honestly have way too many pictures...So I will have to post some on our family website...another day.

Some of Henry's favorite things...

My Headphones

My Binki's

My Bellybutton(love it!)







My very own FAN!!!

My Very Own Cheering Squad

No one ever told me that when you have a child you now have a new best friend and constant cheering squad. Which I love.....

Henry gives me constant Cheers.....
for reading him a book
changing a diaper
taking out the garbage
throwing a ball
giving him kisses
taking out the garbage

folding laundry

taking him on a walk

doing dishes

vacuuming

EVERYTHING!! It is so nice to constantly be appreciated. I had better eat it up now...because I know it will be a different story in 10 years!!

Henry Coming in for a kiss

Lessons Learned the hard way......

Last weekend was quiet a weekend for lessons.....

1. Never put your child in the car seat with the keys to the car in his hand. (Sure enough right as the door closed he hit the lock button...and 45 minutes later the police had him out of the car). This was after I had everything packed up in the car ready to head out of town for Seattle.

2. When you are on a road trip by yourself with a small child...never let them have food in the car. Because you will turn around and find a sea of raisins, pretzels, water, and Kix EVERYWHERE!! Thank goodness for leather and rubber mats.

All in all Henry and and I had a great weekend together. We stayed with my Mom's cousin and her family in Seattle and helped my brother and his girlfriend move into there new apartment.

Rob and his new apartment, Rob and Henry

No longer a baby....now a little boy

The other day Henry woke up from his nap early and just needed to be cuddled, which of course I was delight to do. Henry and I laid down on my bed and just cuddled like the good old days. Henry is the biggest cuddle bug...but as he has gotten bigger the more and more he is growing out of it to his mothers protest. As we are cuddling Henry falls back asleep and I start to drift off. I rest my head close to his and and don't smell my sweet baby smell...but a boy smell. The mix of running out side, grass, pool water, diaper, wrestling, dirt mixed, sweaty feet in sandles smell. When did this happen?




I guess that I will have to treasure bath time each night when I can give him the baby fresh scent that I so dearly love!

How do you know you have been on the road to much? When Security at the Airport recognizes you!

Sure enough this happened to Henry and I at the airport. I was so embarrassed. We were headed up to Northern Idaho for Troy's company's summer retreat, and as I handed the lady our identification at the MVP line she said..."Oh Hello again Mrs. Salo and Henry....Where are you headed off to this time?"

It seems that we have been gone for a majority of the summer. Our travels have been great, but it is so nice to be home. I think that Henry and I are finally falling back into our routine after being home for a week now.

After our first trip to Utah for the summer, we ended up heading back there just two weeks later because my Papa passed away. It was great to see so much family and to gather for this occasion. His passing was a relief to many for he was in such great pain with cancer. We were fortunate to have been with him just several weeks prior to his passing. He expressed how frustrated he was that he had to die this way. I pray that no one else in my family is ever affected with cancer...I never realized how much it can rob you. I will forever miss my Papa and the amazing man that he was and still is. He was a true gentleman in every sense of the word. But I am so grateful to know where he is and to have such strong faith.

Although our trip to Utah was a quick one we still found some time to have some fun...and enjoy being together as a family.

Several days before we arrived back in town our good friends Darrin and Alli arrived from Utah. They have just completed Chiropractic School in Houston and are now settling in Utah. They came to visit family and friends...and along the way Henry found a new girlfriend. They could not get enough kissing! Shall we now refer to Henry as Don Juan?

After arriving home from Utah, we headed out again to Idaho just 5 days later. Every summer Troy's company has a retreat in Sandpoint, Idaho. All of the families of the employees gather together for games, lake fun, and chilling out.

This has been a long standing tradition of Troy's company...but unfortunately Henry and I just joined the festivities the last two years. Since I no longer have a formal job...we are footloose and fancy free. Troy swam across Lake Pend Orielle again this year, Henry and I hiked (after staying up all night), we tubed around behind the boat, kayaked, and paddle boated. We had a relaxing time in Idaho but were anxious to get home.

We have now been home for a week and are enjoying every minute of it. Henry and I had several day of playing in the kiddie pool and both of us hanging out in our Ultimate Lounge Chairs in the back yard. We are taking in all the sun we can get while we can! And everything else has been on the back burner. We have just been sunning ourselves and playing all day long. Thank goodness we have had several overcast days so I am finally motivated to get some things done!

A Night in NYC

Click here to read an article about Spoon in the NY Times today.

Spoon on Letterman & #2 on iTunes

I am copying this from my brothers blog...because I have had several request for the video.

Ok, in case you missed it, here is Spoon playing their new hit song, The Underdog, on Letterman last night. My brother Rob is playing the bass in front of the brass section.Incidentally, Ga Ga Ga Ga Ga hit number 2 on iTunes!!!

0712sl
Uploaded by blamemdotcom

What is your Gaydar??

Something funny to share with you.


The other day Troy was finishing changing Henry and I walk in the room and find Troy studying Henry's hands and hair. I made the comment that Henry has Troy's Hands and feet. Troy replies "That's not what I am looking for...I am checking out if he will be gay" I about fell over with laughter. Troy had seen an interview with an author who is gay himself who has published a book all about the physical traits of gay men and lesbians. Apparently if you're a man and your index finger is longer than your ring finger then there is a high probability that you are gay. And if your hair swirls in a counter clockwise motion at your cowlick, then there is also a high probability that you are gay.


So last night we had a little BBQ with some guys that I used to work with and sure enough this subject comes up...and here are Troy, Adam and John all checking out their gayness....it was hilarious!!

As soon as we came home from Hawaii we were off to Utah for a week. Henry and I were able to visit family and spend some quality time with my grandparents. Henry especially enjoyed his time with his Nana while I was able to have two days away with my girlfriends. We were so happy to come home to Portland because Utah was so incredibly hot!!

Henry has had a hard time getting back on mainland time....so last night he woke up only 30 minutes after he went to bed and was ready to party and eat. I started walking down the stairs and went part way down turning back to check on Henry...and he is just standing there waiting for me. I encouraged him to come down and follow me...no luck. I then went back up stairs and was at about his eye level and reached out for him...he then took his left arm and pushed me so that I would turn around.....he then immediately jumped on my back...all he wanted was a piggy back ride down the stairs. It absolutely cracked me up. I sat at the top of the stairs just laughing with Henry hanging on my back. He is so funny!

Also on a side note. Last Sunday was Henry's 1st week in Nursery. We ended up leaving Sacrament a few minutes early and I let Henry run the halls. Instead of running the halls he ran straight into Nursery and started playing. He loved it. He did not last the entire time...but considering he is the 1st child....and kind of scared of other kids at times....he did great! And church was an entirely new experience for his Mom and Dad...we actually went to Sunday School!!! Let's hope next week he does just as well!

13 days in Hawaii

Yes it is true. The Salo family spent 13 days in Hawaii. We have so many pictures that I don't even know where to start.









We spent the 1st week with our good friends Geoff and Daryl Kimak. We had a blast staying with them. Daryl is an amazing cook and introduced Henry to many new foods....which he loved!! Geoff and Daryl were able to take a couple days off work to play with us so we checked out...Waimea Bay, Hanauma Bay, and Waimea Falls.


Henry even tried to eat some Sushi.....and his mother about had a heart attack...no raw fish for her baby








Pali Lookout...so windy







The second week we spent with Troy's family. We stayed up in Laie on the point in a beautiful new home. We all slept hard, played hard, and laughed hard. We had many late nights playing cards....the last night was especially hilarious playing hand and foot (boot) with Troy's Grandpa Ron. Needless to say Troy and Ron kicked our rear ends...and the commentary along the way was priceless.



Henry and Lucas had many days of matching outfits. They were so darling together. They played hard and crashed hard....















Henry and Lucas even got naked at Waimea Bay... can you tell which baby is from Oregon :)

Henry holding his 1st crab....

Henry had lots of fun cuddle time with Grandma and Grandpa!!

Henry running up to the temple... so excited!!

Henry (and the rest of us) had an absolute blast with cousin Lucas, Natalie, Grandma, Grandpa, Great Grandpa, Great Grandma, Geoff, and Daryl. We don't know what to do now that we are home and don't have anyone to go and play with all day long. We loved our time together.

We have survived 18 months!!

Both Troy, Henry and I have survived 18 months of parenthood....and I have to admit it has not been bad at all....you hear all those horror stories and I honestly cannot relate.

I cannot believe how quickly it has gone by. Today we took Henry to the Doctor for a check up and he weighed in at 21 lbs 11 oz which puts him in the 3rd percentile and he is 32 inches long which puts him in the 25th percentile for height. He has done so well considering that he started out at just 3 lbs 11 oz and 17 inches long. He is growing like a weed and is turning into one active little man. Every moment that we spend with Henry is truly a blessing. He has filled our home with so much joy and laughter. We are so blessed to have him with us.

My brother Scott used to always tell me how much all he wanted to do was hang with his kids...and how much his kids were his best buddies. I now totally understand what he was saying. Because all of our time with Henry is an absolute blast.

Little Boys and Bodily functions

I have now learned that a little boy and there obsession with bodily functions starts at 18 months. Henry has learned that sneezing, burping, coughing, and even farting is the most hilarious thing to do. Especially if you are stark naked right after a bath and doing this right on Mom's arm. I try so hard not to laugh at him...but it is just so funny to see his reaction right after he does his boy things. I can't believe how big Henry has gotten over the past several months. He is a walking, talking (if you can understand him) machine. He runs laps in our house and loves his Baby Signing Time. We love being the Mother & Father to our little boy! He brings us such happiness.

Here are a few classic Henry shots!

He loves his fish. He will take the step stool over the fish tank and stare at the fish for a good 5 -10 minutes...pretty good for an 18 month old.

He loves to ride on your shoulders...

Back in the Saddle

Several people have asked how the last several days of our Kansas trip lasted. And they were a breeze...just regular days with the kids. We had fun and hit up the park every day. My brothers Ryan & Rob came out and helped keep the older two entertained. They played tag with them and soccer. It was alot of fun! Scott and Traci had a ball in Hawaii......which was the objective!! Mission Accomplished!

Henry and I made it home and have been relaxing like crazy. It has been a busy and productive week but it has been fun being together again...just the two of us. But I have to say that both Henry and I miss the other kids! I wish we all lived closer so that he had cousins nearby to play with. When we put Henry in the car for the next several days after we had been home he would lean forward to look for Allison. It was really cute! He loved all of the kids.

Mom & Dad

There is a reason why families need both parents. Today is an excellent example. We had 8:30 church this morning. I had to drag all kids out of bed....literally. I told the older 3 that if they didn't get up that they would not get breakfast before church....We finally get them moving and loaded up in the van just as I go and get #1 baby out of bed and discover that she is full of something not so sweet...so hurry and change her put her in the car with all of her clothes...and go get #2 baby and put him in the car with his clothes to drop off at Nana and Grandpa's house so we can go to church in peace. Church was nice...but I fell asleep several times. We went and picked up the kids, came home and had lunch, put kids down to bed, I attempted to take a nap...but the phone kept ringing off the hook, I finally got up and put dinner in the oven. The house was roasting we have now hit a heat swell and we are sweltering! I thought we would be able to survive the heat because it cools down at night...and I felt that I would be made fun of because at home I turn the air on when it hits 78...and here in Kansas that is perfect...what do you need air for. I have become a wimp living in Oregon.

The 3 younger kids were all woken up by there curious cousin Ethan....which is extremely annoying because now I get to deal with 3 grumpy kids. They woke up with rosy red cheeks and I was roasting. I decided to load the kids up in the Van and take a drive and cool down....it also relaxed the kids. We came home had a busy dinner with Nana and Grandpa....cleaned up the kitchen, and then we have a major back up in the sink. I then tear apart the sink...my Dad walks in says he will take over. Tears out the other half....and major spillage all over him...it was hilarious! He then ends up taking a trip to Home Depot to purchase a snake...and that does not do the trick. So we are calling the plumber. The plumber just called me at 11:00 p.m. to let me know that he would not make it out tonight....you think??

I then make the rounds to make sure the kids are covered tonight...and step into my brand new lipstick. While I was thinking that the kids were asleep out little princess Sydney has been through my makeup. The tube is just right outside her room a total mess. I am still in awe of how she got in the room to get it...it had a lock on it!

Needless to say....tired whiney kids, heat, dress clothes, broken camera, waking up babies from naps, making dinner, plumbing issues, and stepping into lipstick has left me a little on edge. It has made me realize that more than anything you can't go at this parenting thing alone. When you feel like you are falling apart and can't be the rational parent at the moment your other half steps in. I am able to laugh at it all because I know that in 3 days this constant commotion will end for me, but it has made me wonder how other people do it alone.

Suck it up.....

These next post are for Scott and Traci who are in Hawaii...Enjoy your vacation...Here is what is happening at your house!

The past several days have been an absolute whirlwind. Henry and I flew into Kansas City and spent the weekend with my family and then my brother and sister in law left for Hawaii....and guess who is watching the 4 kids??? You guessed it...Henry and the favorite Aunt Sarah. We are only into this adventure two days and I am already aching....in several different ways. Physically from carrying two 1 1/2 year olds up and down stairs, out the door to the car, and up and down changing diapers. As well as from laughing so hard at what kids have to say. I have already had the privilege of being the Sweetie in playing house with Sydney and her saying to me in her sweet voice "I'm the Mommy" "Eat it all gone" "It's OK it will only be a minute" All things that I am sure that her own Mother says to her. Braeden then chimes in after lunch yesterday "Aunt Sarah would you like to have a party in a bag?" He then proceeds to pull out the box of chex party mix in the bag. It just made me fall over with laughter. Allison who is 1 1/2 is so full of kisses and hugs. She woke up this morning just full of loves and chatter. Ethan who is 7 is the 1st to make sure that the younger kids are taken care of. He had such a tender heart. And then my own little Henry is just trying to take it all in and is trying to figure out his position in this who group. He kept me up last night until 2 am because he needed some extra love and attention...which of course I was glad to give until at 2 am I realized I have 5 people who need me 100% tomorrow. The past two days have made me think about how in the scriptures we are often told to become childlike. These kids are so pure, trusting, tell you how it is and do everything with the best of intentions. They smile and give love freely. It has been a such a joy to be a part of.

On a side note. Last night I was saying goodnight to Troy and I let him know that Henry was wearing Allison's Hot pink PJ's and loves her shopping cart and baby doll. He was not a happy father! I wish I would of had my camera...both of them behind their shopping carts!

It is official...I live in Oregon

This past week was a busy week in several ways. We had our good friends come in town from Hawaii for the week, I had my birthday, and I also had to take my Oregon Driving Test. We had a ball with our friends Geoff and Daryl. We ran all around Portland, took them out of town to check out the beautiful scenery and even made it up to Timberline Lodge to make some snow angels. Henry was an absolute trooper with all of the places we dragged him. He also made some great new friends with his Uncle and Auntie. I have never seen him take to people like he did with Daryl and Geoff. He would of been happy to of gone home with them!

Not having an Oregon Drivers license has bothered Troy for years. Technically you have 30 days from the date that you move to Oregon to get everything switched over. After we lived here about a year Troy was pulled over with his California Drivers license...and was given two weeks to get a new license or face a rather hefty fine. So he promptly went and obtained a new license. And then he suggested every week for about a year for me to go and get my license...which I never did until he finally gave up and now 5 years later I finally have to get a new license because mine expired on my birthday. I don't know why but I hate test more than anything...and I did not want to spend my time reading through a DMV manual....so of course I left it until the last day to go and take the test. So on 8 a.m. on my birthday I am at the DMV taking my driving test. Why am I such a terrible procrastinator?

Tulip Festival

I just had to share a darling picture of Henry from the Tulip Festival. We headed down to check it out on Tuesday and had a blast....

It's just hair

I could not wait for Wednesday to come this week. I was heading off to have my hair cut. It has been so long and very unruly lately. I decided this time around that I would donate it to locks of love so I had to cut off between 10-12 inches....which I had plenty of. I was fine with having all of my hair cut off but I guess I was not quiet prepared for the outcome. We put it in pony tails....cut, colored, and then started cutting and shaping. By the time we were done I did not recognize myself. I still look in the mirror and think...who is that person. After my brief freak out period driving home...I was OK. (Any girl will know what I am talking about) But the funniest reaction I received from cutting off my hair was Henry's. I picked him up as he was grinning from ear to ear....He put his hands up to my hair and patted it...looked from side to side...and then just stared at me for a couple of minutes. And then moved on to the next toy. It was hilarious.

Easter Sunday

Yesterday was our 2nd Easter Sunday as a family. It was an absolute ball. Henry was a perfect little angel all day long. Troy and I are still puzzled as to why we have such an easy baby...but we aren't complaining either.

I enjoyed dressing Henry up for Easter this year. His father was not pleased with the outfit choice...but here are some pictures of Easter Sunday....

Henry's new weiner dog socks....Nana will get a kick out of those.

Hooray!! Home from Church!

Luck

Tonight we received a phone call from my bother in law Wyatt. He has been in school down at BYU Hawaii studying Biology with an emphasis in Marine Biology. He has struggled in school with some of his core classes but has persevered and will graduate in June. The entire Salo side of the family has decided to meet over in Hawaii for his graduation...it is a big deal....and we have all been excited about this for a long time. The entire family on the North Shore of Hawaii for a week! A rare thing. Wyatt has been applying for internships and trying to get a foot in the door....anywhere. He sent Troy his resume several weeks ago and he reworked it. Wyatt then sent it to Disney World for an Internship, had one interview, and now has a job that starts the day that the entire family is arriving for his graduation. He will miss his graduation and the week with the family. But the part that Troy and I are blown away with after searching for jobs for 5 months ourselves after graduation...is all it took for him was ONE resume draft, and ONE interview. We are thrilled for Wyatt and absolutely amazed by his luck!...Could he be Irish?

We are off to a start.

I can't tell you how many journals I have that only have two pages written in them. But now since having a baby I feel that I need to keep track of our life and the adventures that we have each week. My friend Heather mentioned to me that she uses her blog as a way of record keeping and now I feel inspired. This past year of being a mother has been amazing and I feel that I need to start keeping track of all the amazing things that Henry does each day. So here we go.....