So the Russell's have finally joined our friends and family in the wacky, wild, world of blogs ... Considering we missed our opportunity for a Christmas, New Year’s or even an Easter letter, now seems to be the "better late than never" time to start. Hopefully we'll stay a bit more connected.
What can I say, the Christmas season was beyond busy between school finals for Jon, travel to Arizona for all, and prepping for a speedy move. That being said, we have failed to catch up with many friends and family members as of late. Sooooo … this “short” update will fall under one of the following categories for most of you.
1.) “Blah, blah. Heard that … seen that … tell us something we don’t know.”
2.) “What? The Russell’s aren't in Philadelphia anymore? That explains a lot.”
3.) “You’re kidding!! The Russell’s have been in Arizona for a month and haven’t bothered to call us yet? Losers!”
In January, we received the assignments for Jon’s final two clinical rotations in preparation to complete his Physician Assistant Program at Drexel Univ. in Philadelphia. We feverishly began to pack ourselves up to head back to Arizona so Jon could be ready to start Feb. 17th. He’s currently working for a Family Practice and will complete his activity there at the end of May. In June he’ll begin his last rotation in Emergency Med. at the Indian Health Services Hospital, also in Phoenix. Then it’s back to Philadelphia for Graduation in August. It’s hard to believe how quickly the past two years have flown by. (Although, Jon may disagree. ha…ha.) We were lucky to have so many good friends helping with the move. From “adopting” Ian, to packing and loading the truck, we were very, very blessed!!
Ian and I flew back to Arizona and Jon drove out in the car. He was able to stop in Rolla, Missouri on the way and spend a couple of days with his parents which he really enjoyed. They've built a great homestead up on the hill surrounded by tons of trees and a couple of ponds on what seems like endless acreage. He also took a side trip to find his grandparents old home in Indiana.
Meanwhile, Ian and I enjoyed spending time with my family here in Phoenix while we anxiously waited for Jon to arrive. Philadelphia had been hit by some crazy cold weather just as we were packing up and moving out, so the sunshine and warmth was wonderful. Our things arrived a week or so behind and with the help of more friends and family, (and the awesome ABF driver) we loaded things into the apartment and storage unit. It was funny to see Ian’s excitement when he noticed his old cozy caterpillar seat come through the door – we put it in the bedroom out of the way and he promptly went in to sit down and get reacquainted with his old “friend”. We found him just sitting in it “chillin’’.
What can I say, the Christmas season was beyond busy between school finals for Jon, travel to Arizona for all, and prepping for a speedy move. That being said, we have failed to catch up with many friends and family members as of late. Sooooo … this “short” update will fall under one of the following categories for most of you.
1.) “Blah, blah. Heard that … seen that … tell us something we don’t know.”
2.) “What? The Russell’s aren't in Philadelphia anymore? That explains a lot.”
3.) “You’re kidding!! The Russell’s have been in Arizona for a month and haven’t bothered to call us yet? Losers!”
In January, we received the assignments for Jon’s final two clinical rotations in preparation to complete his Physician Assistant Program at Drexel Univ. in Philadelphia. We feverishly began to pack ourselves up to head back to Arizona so Jon could be ready to start Feb. 17th. He’s currently working for a Family Practice and will complete his activity there at the end of May. In June he’ll begin his last rotation in Emergency Med. at the Indian Health Services Hospital, also in Phoenix. Then it’s back to Philadelphia for Graduation in August. It’s hard to believe how quickly the past two years have flown by. (Although, Jon may disagree. ha…ha.) We were lucky to have so many good friends helping with the move. From “adopting” Ian, to packing and loading the truck, we were very, very blessed!!
Ian and I flew back to Arizona and Jon drove out in the car. He was able to stop in Rolla, Missouri on the way and spend a couple of days with his parents which he really enjoyed. They've built a great homestead up on the hill surrounded by tons of trees and a couple of ponds on what seems like endless acreage. He also took a side trip to find his grandparents old home in Indiana.
Meanwhile, Ian and I enjoyed spending time with my family here in Phoenix while we anxiously waited for Jon to arrive. Philadelphia had been hit by some crazy cold weather just as we were packing up and moving out, so the sunshine and warmth was wonderful. Our things arrived a week or so behind and with the help of more friends and family, (and the awesome ABF driver) we loaded things into the apartment and storage unit. It was funny to see Ian’s excitement when he noticed his old cozy caterpillar seat come through the door – we put it in the bedroom out of the way and he promptly went in to sit down and get reacquainted with his old “friend”. We found him just sitting in it “chillin’’.
It's been a busy couple of months, getting settled and reacquainted with the Valley. We've had some exciting adventures and fun visiting with family. Jon's brother Ron and his family came up to Phoenix one weekend, and we stopped in to see them while travelling through Tucson on a quick jaunt through Southern AZ a couple of weeks ago. It's been nice to have lots of babysitters available with Aunt Meredith and 4 of 6 Grandparents nearby. Jon and I left Ian overnight while we explored Bisbee, AZ - a fun old mining town about 2 hours south of Tucson. It was nice to sneak off and spend some time together. Ian had fun with Meredith for the day then overnight with my Mom. He hardly noticed we were gone.
Ian's kept us busy - he's as active as any kid I know. He loves to build with blocks - color - and watch the Wiggles. Typical toddler stuff. He gets so excited when he sees someone standing near the DVD player... his little legs go crazy dancing and squealing "Wiggles" ... it's funny. We took him to see the Wiggles show in March - At first he was a bit overwhelmed by everything - but before long, he was dancing in the aisle. Jon's in heaven because he's good with a ball. Unfortunately, we've yet to help him understand that it's only OK to throw the BALL ... blocks, cups, books, etc are NOT balls and should not be pelted across the room at people. He has unusual strength and aim for a little guy. Ha...ha...
Pregnancy is going well ... "Little Boy Two" is expected to make his debut in about 6 weeks. (Of course, he's due while Jon's scheduled to be back in Philly for exams and lectures, but we'll keep our fingers crossed that Jon gets back to Phoenix in time. What can I say, we're suckers for drama and adventure. Ha...ha...ha.
Meanwhile, here are some various photos of our first few weeks back in Phoenix
Ian (19 Months) with his cousin Canyon Alldredge (22 months) - he was visiting from Salt Lake 
What do you think Canyon... Ian's shoes are a little stinky?? LOL
Finger painting with Ian ... An adventure all its own! 
Fun in the Arizona Sunshine
Ian loves being in the pool
A pregnant Holly ... I'd say "very pregnant", but that belly has actually grown in the last month. LOL
1 comment:
Holly you look great!
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