"Business Trip" to Seattle (from April)

In April Kelley went up to Seattle for a week to do some extra training for work. (No, he doesn't go on business trips very often). He had full day classes Monday thru Friday, so he left Easter Sunday in the evening to be up there for Monday's class. This was the first time he's been apart from the girls that long and it was rough.... maybe more for us than him since he was occupied all day, every day. Seoul constantly asked if she could "see dad on the computer" [Skype] and "I go on business trip now, too?" I survived with the girls (and thanks to my mom I didn't have to make dinners every day because she invited us over!)

Finally Friday rolls around... Seoul finally gets to join dad on his "business trip". He's a good sport because he was exhausted! The drive wasn't bad and we made good time. Once there, the first order of business (besides lots of hugs and kisses!) was swimming. Seoul got it stuck in her head she wanted to go swimming. So we got ready and headed down to the pool....

... but sad day. It wasn't open until May (which we later found out was May 30th, not May 1) - BOO! So, awesome parents that we are... we made a swimming pool in the bath tub. I know, even the girls knew this wasn't nearly as cool.

More hugs because that experience was quite the letdown.

Saturday we had quite the adventure going to Pikes Place Market. It was fun and busy! Seoul had a scary experience at the hotel when a lady's dog got up in her grill so every dog we saw she freaked out. And there were lots. The fresh flowers and produce were so enticing! Maybe the samples of apples and the fresh strawberries we bought made up for the dog experience... maybe...? The whole week Seoul had it in her mind to "catch a fish" for some reason so it was super fun for her to see the fish being thrown around in the Fish Market. Nice 2-year-old that she is, that fulfilled her dream. Glad it was easy this time!

Seoul wouldn't go near this penguin down by the water front. Fortunately I can put Sydney anywhere I want these days :) The weather was perfect today! The carousel was a hit, of course. Seoul discovered the carousel last year in Seaside and loved it!

 

We went to the aquarium and Seoul enjoyed watching the wall of fish. She wasn't a fan of the wave pool for some reason.

Such a fun family adventure! We missed Kelley while he was gone, and this was a fun way to reunite!

Home at last... the drives with the girls weren't bad, thank goodness! Sydney is stretching her legs  by practicing standing. The girls are showing off their new shirts. Seoul is practicing her photography skills. Good times!

Happy 5 Month Birthday!

We love our sweet Sydney Louise!!

Sorry the picture is so small. When I enlarged it, it became blurry.

Milestone! Sydney started rice cereal last week and quite enjoys it. She gets excited when she sees the bowl and spoon and cries when it's all gone. Seoul loves to feed her.

Daddy loves his Princess Peach!

Sydney was playing hide-and-seek with Seoul and chose this as her hiding spot (with a blanket over the top of the bed). She looks so little!

Disclaimer: the rest of the pictures were taken with our broken camera so I can't change the settings. The screen is broken so we can't see to aim or the resulting picture.

Our smiley girl. She gives them freely... except when she's mad, she will let you know! She giggles daily and the other night Seoul actually got her to have a "laughing fit" with her antics. We love the girls adore each other!

Enjoying the non-rainy weather while Seoul plays. She's pretty content to sit and observe.

Chillin' on the couch.

Milestone! On her "birthday" she rolled from front to back on her own. Intentionally.

Milestone! Sydney has cut her first tooth... didn't expect it to be the bottom left incisor (I think). She chews on everything she can get her hands on... and if there is nothing then her hands or my hands.

Sydney loves to stand - she likes to stand on the couch and look out the window at the trees moving in the wind. She can stand on her own for a bit. Sitting - she is doing well and can hold herself up for short intervals. Life is moving right along and she's growin' & learnin'! And she cries. Oh, does she cry! She is opinionated we have learned... maybe she has learned how to get attention over Seoul. Fortunately she does sleep, too. At night she sleeps a solid 8-10 hours, with random nights of waking once in the night for her binkie. Our hearts are full having her in our lives!

Love my Grandpa

Seven years ago today Grandpa Salway passed away. What an amazing man! I remember he was quick to smile and had a sense of humor, but yet didn't hesitate to reprimand us grandkids when needed. He loved music and had a beautiful voice. I remember he told me I had talent playing the piano because I could follow him well enough. He would sing and have me accompany him... slower, faster, softer, louder, etc. From what I know people thought very highly of him as a man with great morals as well as religious knowledge & conviction. From the first time he met Kelley he liked him... Grandpa told Kelley, "you have all your ducks in a row." Love you Grandpa!

Stylin' Grandpa!

Grandpa with his first wife, Grandma Eunice.

Grandpa with his second wife, Vellis (the Grandma I know).

Grandpa & Grandma with their kids at my Mom's missionary farewell party. [L-R starting at top: Hope, Iva, Derek, Ruth, Hal, Grandpa, Grandma.]

* Most pictures taken from Aunt Hope's album on Facebook *

Double Trouble

We love our girls! These days Seoul likes to ask (ALL the time), “What are you smiling (or laughing) about?” Her imagination is boundless – blankets and pillows become boats and the beach. She’s not into me rocking her before bed anymore, which makes me a little sad. Of course she is very opinionated and doesn’t hesitate to let us know what’s on her mind. Sydney is also very opinionated and doesn’t hesitate to let us know she needs something by crying. We think she has learned how to be heard over Seoul… by screaming so the whole neighborhood can hear! She is full of giggles and smiles and plays with her toys. She loves to blow bubbles and stick out her tongue for raspberries. Tummy time isn’t such a trial and she’s getting better at sitting up, although still needs support. When the girls are older and can gang up on us we are in trouble!

Sydney is so patient with Seoul loving on her… and lately Seoul asks to hold her often. It is so cute!

Seoul shows Sydney pictures and tells her who is in each picture. What a good big sister teaching her already!


When did Seoul turn into a little girl instead of toddler??

Hm… should I touch it or not?

Our drunk-on-milk big girl and oh-so-upset baby!

Classic Seoul picture face.

Sydney used to stare at her fist a lot… it’s now progressed to actually sucking on her thumb. Can you see how she’s lifting herself up on her feet… strong legs.

Family prayers. If only it were this pleasant every night.

Aunt Laurie & Uncle Jerry sent her this adorable purse… she loves it!

Why aren’t you picking me up, mom?

Seoul keeps Sydney company during tummy time…. and sometimes thinks it’s helpful to add weight to make her stronger.

Seoul’s new favorite activity is making “sticky balls” with play-doh. She ends up with piles of them.

This stink eye says, “enough tummy time mom!”

Sydney’s discovered her tongue. Seoul can’t smile any other way… and it’s adorable!

We love those jammies!

Sisters.

There’s that tongue again! Cutie pitootie!

Either Sydney thinks Seoul is funny looking or she loves her sister. Sydney loves to watch Seoul and loves to smile at her.

Seoul thinks it’s fun to remember (and try on) all the clothes she used to wear.

We love these girls and they are the best!