Memorial Day 2007

Memorial Day in Phoenix ...

... Usually we wake in the morning to Ian playfully shouting "MAMA ... DADDY..." it gradually gets louder until one of us (usually Jon) goes in to get him. The door opens and you hear "hi" in a sing-song voice with a mouth full of pacifier. ha..ha... This being a holiday, I guess Ian thought he would sleep in. Of course, this morning we were on a schedule and needed to be out the door by 7:45a and Ian just couldn't be bothered...

First on the agenda ... a trip downtown to the Arizona Science Center. The Body Worlds exhibit had been in town and was wrapping up over the next few days. They'd actually been running 24 hrs/day for the last week. We tried to go another evening around 7pm - but when buying our tickets, we learned the next available time was 11:30pm. We opted to go this morning at 8:30. It was great. We had hoped to go when it was in Philly last year and even purchased tickets - unfortunately, we couldn't go due to an illness, so we were happy to go while it was here. As expected, it was rather busy. Ian had a grand old time listening to his own voice as he shouted randomly to hear the echo. (And what an echo it was.) He though it was hysterical. He was the only one. ha....ha.

After the exhibit, we took Ian to a few of the children's areas - he had a blast... Grandpa has a membership, so we'll be there often over the summer to beat the heat.

Just before leaving we stopped at the fountain outside - Ian discovered his reflection in the window and had fun chasing himself and being crazy. I tried to get a couple of shots.

After the science center, we headed to Peter Piper Pizza for the buffet before going home for a much needed and appreciated nap for all. Later, Jon took Ian to the pool for some traditional Memorial Day Splashing.

We wrapped up the holiday celebrations with a steak dinner, thanks to Jon's home cooking! It was a lovely, lovely day. We've really enjoyed having Jon home for a few days between rotations. It's been fun for all of us to get out and about enjoying new places.

Payson, AZ & The Blue Ridge Resevoir

One afternoon we decided to take a day trip up to the Payson area. We didn't actually hit the road until 1pm which worked out great for our napping boys. Considering it was Memorial Day Weekend, we were surprised to find such light traffic along the Beeline Highway. Of course after nearly two hours in the car, Campbell was ready to eat. So, we found the WalMart ... I fed Campbell and Jon took Ian inside so they could stretch their legs. While there, we discovered a SUPER deal on cereal. Turns out, our big souvenir from Payson was 10 boxes of Spiderman and Shrek cereal at 50 cents/box. I'm guessing we're either going to be really sick of cereal very soon or one of you may be getting a box of cereal for an upcoming special event. ha....ha.

We decided to journey up to the Blue Ridge Reservoir which is about 30 more miles up the highway. It was a beautiful place. Although, we were up on a hill, so we kept Ian buckled in a stroller for his safety and my sanity. We enjoyed some fried chicken, jello-o and of course, my favorite ... a slice o' Key Lime Cheesecake.

It was a beautiful place with wonderful weather - we only regretted not having our kayaks in tow and enjoying a leisurely paddle.

Hiking in Phoenix

My super fabulous hubby has this great tradition of taking Ian out for the morning on the weekends so I can catch up on sleep. Recently, the boys hit a nearby trail for a morning hike and Jon snapped some cute shots along the way.

Welcome ... Campbell Forrest Rusell

Campbell Forrest Russell

May 11, 2007

6lb 13 oz 20 in

OK ... so I was over ambitious to believe that I could get the blog updated within a week of Campbell's arrival ... on Friday, we celebrated Campbell's 4th week! Time flies.

I'd hoped to share a more detailed version of the event, but I guess we'll have to settle for bullet points. ha..ha...

3:3o pm ** We arrive at the Dr's office to give the baby a little "extra encouragement". (Due to Jon leaving for his exams in Philly, the doctor's schedule the following week and my need for IV antibiotics during labor ... we opted to induce a couple of weeks ahead of schedule. ) He broke my water and called hospital saying we were on our way.

3:45 pm-ish ** We leave the office and head to Scottsdale Shea, Check in and get settled in our room.

4:30 pm ** Contractions begin

6:30 pm ** The Epidural guy arrives and starts plunging that "joy juice" through the IV. Bliss

8:05 pm ** Campbell Forrest makes his debut

The birth was great - Jon was fabulous and I couldn't have done it without him. We had lots of company ... My Mom and Meredith were there (arriving at the hospital shortly after Jon and I) My Dad and Amy arrived just in time for the last "push" ... it was nice that they could be there.

Jon cuts the cord

Campbell after the big "inspection"

Dr Nelson shows off his latest accomplishment

Jon, Holly & the 'Bundle'

The Fam .... Ian came by the next morning to meet his bro