Groupon ... Groupon ... Groupon ...

http://www.groupon.com/r/uu670

Have you heard of "GROUPON"??? (think Group + Coupon)

I signed up for this website about a month ago ... It's great. Check it out .... it's in several cities and every day there's a new geat deal and often they are discounted 50% or greater. spas, restaurants, kayaking excursions, go carts, you name it. So take a peak at the website and get the scoop. I think it great and wanted to pass it along.

Always fun when big brother teaches little brother new tricks. ha..ha.

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San Diego ... Labor Day '09

So .... I've spent way too much time updating this afternoon and don't have time to go into the nitty gritty details of this adventure. But hey, all anyone really wants to see the pictures, right? So I'll break down the bullet points.

• We Went to San Diego
• Had a Blast
• Came Home

. . . . enjoy the pictures! :)

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Sedona Adventures

Last month, we decided to head north and enjoy the cooler temperatures. So, we packed the everyone, including the dog, in the van and headed north without a plan. Tends to be our way ... but typically makes for an exciting adventure!

We arrived in Sedona mid afternoon and our first stop was a beautiful "scenic view" spot. Tons of great photos to share. Then off to town. We stopped at the outlets on the outskirts. Most probably do, but by this time, Campbell had already dirtied 2 t-shirts to the point they couldn't be seen in public. ha.ha... So, the Gap outlet called out to us. We picked up a handful of clothes for the boys, got everyone presentable again and headed into town. While at the outlets, we saw a flier for the Trout Farm. Sounded good so off we went.

We were the only ones there by the time we arrived - it was near closing time. We were a little unsure if we wanted to do it, since we discovered if you catch one (and trust me, you will) you can't throw it back. Well, you can, but it'll cost ya 20 bucks. But, we figured we had a cooler with us, and could pack it in ice and see what happens. Turns out we did indeed catch a fish. Paid the guy a dollar to clean it and a couple dollars to pack it in ice and then made out way back to town. We saw that there was a place in town where you can take the fish you catch and they'll cook them for $6. We we found it, Heartline Cafe. Jon went to check it out came back and said now, not a place for us. It was a small boutique type place with nice linens and fancy dishes. LOL Knowing the boys were at the end of their "ropes" and how we were dressed, we thought we'd pass. Jon was going to ask if they just wanted the fish, but came back with a changed mind and we headed in to eat. It's a small place and the first couple was leaving and the other party of 3 was dining outside. We'd though to eat out front, but there was a bee that continued to taught Ian, so we moved indoors. We were actually the only people in the small place while we were there. The staff was so nice and Ian was so thrilled that he was going to eat the fish he'd caught. While we were seated, the bus-boy came with silverware and Ian put his little hand on his and said "I caught a fish!" The guy smiled. I'm not sure he spoke English, but he understood that Ian was excited about something good. ha..ha... Before long, our meals arrived and HOLY COW! You should see this fish! They offered trout on the menu and turns out that's how they prepared the fish we brought. for $6 I expected our fish to be cooked and laid on a plate - but when you see the pictures, you'll see how beautiful it was. Both boys enjoyed the fish and overall it was a super fun dinner. Even now, when I ask what everyone wants for dinner, Ian will occasionally say "Let's go catcha fish!" It was a highlight for sure!

That night we headed up to Flagstaff and got a room. Got a good sleep, ate a good breakfast and then headed to the fair. Only to discover that the fair started that night. So we wandered the fair "set up" for a while and watch the youth bring in their 4-H animals. After that, we grabbed lunch and headed down the mountain to Slide Rock. It was mid-week, so we could actually park in the parking lot. If you've been in the summer or on weekends, you know it's tough to find a place to park. It was a great time. Jon too the boys to the water and played for awhile. Dogs aren't allowed near the water, so Ziggy and I hit the trail and wandered for a while and found a place where we could watch the boys have some fun.

After Slide Rock - we headed back down to the Valley, making our way through Cottonwood, Jerome and Prescott Valley, where we stopped for pizza. Back down toward Phoenix. We stopped at Dad & Mary Lou's for the night to visit with plans to get back home the next day. The next day we decided to take an impromptu trip to San Diego for the long weekend, so after our Friday activities with the fam, Jon and I came home, got packed, got the dog off to the neighbors for the weekend and then early Saturday morning we headed back to Dad's where the boys had spent the night. Saturday morning, we piled into the Tahoe with Dad, Mary Lou and Aunt Meredith and headed to San Diego to spend the weekend with Ashley, Dan & cousin Calvin. Those pictures will come shortly, until then, enjoy these fun photos from northern AZ

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Happy 4th Birthday Ian

Well, it's been at least 6 weeks, so it's really about time I posted some pictures from Ian's big birthday celebration.

Ian turned 4 on Aug. 15th. That night we headed out for our weekly dinner at McDonald's. Yep, that's right...it's a weekly venture, and typically on Wednesday. Our McD's boasts $1.50 Happy Meals Mon-Wed. so, we figure if we're going to have a night out with the kids, it's should be a cheap one. ha..ha... Anyway, I think I brought cookies or something lame, but it was really just our "family" night with a small celebration - I brought one gift with us and then we opened his big gift at home. We arrived and Jon said something about his friends being there - when I told him no friends, he thought I was a seriously lame Mom. "Really: McDonald's for your birthday dinner and no friends?" Yes, loser move, I admit. But, the Carpenters saved the day - Jimmy showed up with his two boys while Laura was at a school meeting so we had a small "party". BUT, in my defense, we were having his actual Birthday Party the following Saturday and I didn't think it was that cool to invite folks to join us for dinner one day and then another party later. Whatever. So ... We enjoyed dinner, came home and Ian then received his Smart Cycle. I found this at the consignment shop back in March and stored it at Dad's for a while then in the spare room. Not an easy thing to hide, to say the least, but it's been a big hit and both boys love it.

The following Saturday we had family and friends over. A nice bonus was his cousins from Wisconsin were in town, so we were able to celebrate with this as well. As always, lots of presents ... lots of fun .... and too much food! He had wanted a "rocket" birthday aka Little Einsteins. Months ago, he and Jon had been out and about and found this great rocket toy on sale. Jon bought it then and put it in the closet. That poor kid tried for months to find his way to the top of the closet shelf - climbing on whatever he could find, but we stuck to our guns and this was going to be a birthday gift. Thus, his need for a "rocket" party was born. For the record, it did turn out to be a pretty cool toy. ha..ha... He was pretty excited about that cake ... a Costco masterpiece with a an edible topper that I found on eBay - they're great, an edible photocopy that you lay right on top of the cake. Technology is great!

Here are some photos from the day - too many to list separately, so once again, I tip my hat to the Smilebox folks for a quick photo summary. :)

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Blue Ridge Reservoire, July 2009

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We finally did it ... pulled the kayaks down from the ceiling in the garage, loaded (and I mean loaded) the van and headed up to the Blue Ridge Reservoir, about 40 mi. north of Payson along the Rim. What a great weekend. We met our friends from the Valley, Joy & Ty and their daughter Gabby who'd been up in the Show Low area visiting family. Luckily, they arrived much earlier than we, therefore able to secure a campsite. Which, by the way, was fabulous. Would definitely head back! facilities were clean, (and by clean, I mean smelled good too. LOL) We arrived late Friday night, just in time to set up our camp, get the boys to bed and visit for a few minutes.

Saturday morning - we were up early (of course. I mean, Campbell doesn't sleep past sunrise at home. put the kid in a tent and I'm lucky he slept as late as he did, which turned out to be somewhere between 5/5:30. ) Ty threw together a great breakfast and it was great to just hang out and enjoy the cool morning air while someone else made it happen. ha..ha... We ate, and just enjoyed the morning before hading down to the reservoir. It felt like the morning had passed, but it really wasn't much passed 8:30. We piled everyone back into the cars and made the trek to the launch site. Jon and Ian took one and Ty and Gabby the other. Joy, Campbell and I wished them a bon voyage and made tracks back to the campsite. Eventually Campbell went to sleep ...and I did too. I'm sure the gentle rocking of the hammock we were in was a big help there. It was great. Joy and I chatted, but really just enjoyed reading and resting. Isn't it great when you can hang with friends and it's cool just to be there - not having to entertain each other"? It was great. They gang managed to make it back to camp for lunch and we spent the rest of the day doing whatever it is you do when you're camping. LOL Out camping buddies headed back to Phoenix that night, but we stayed behind, enjoying another evening under the stars. Of course, this particular evening, the boys were excited to test their skills at roasting marshmallows. An interesting event to watch as you're trying to keep your 2 & 3 yr old clear of the fire. LOL The boys went to bed and Jon and I just enjoyed the quiet of the campfire ... the stars ... the night breeze. It was a great evening.

We all rose early with Campbell (and by WE, I mean us and anyone within earshot) We packed the van, cleaned the site and prepared to make out way. Turned on the van. Oh, wait, that's where it all went sour. Yeah. Dead battery. But, luckily the guy in a neighboring site had a battery in his camper we used to charge ours. (Yes, instead of jumping with his own car, he carries an actual spare car battery. Apparently he got burned one time. But, give him credit for not ditching the idea of being helpful altogether. We were quite thankful he was there and willing. Then again, he may have gotten wise to the fact that it was Campbell who woke the world that morning and perhaps just wanted to ensure would have a restful night. ha..ha.)

Too many photos ... I'm not going to caption them all, but if you know us, you know the players ... and the three you don't know are Joy, Ty and Gabby.

CHEEEEEEESE ....

Well, Ian's been potty trained for a while now ... Campbell is just starting to take an interest ... but in the interim, we've found good use for all the pull-ups in the house. I guess living in Oregon really improved our tendency to reduce, re-use, recycle.... well, not re-use, that would be gross ... But you get the gist. ;)

Sleeping under the Stars

Last weekend Jon decided to put up the tent ... the evening weather has been great and he wanted to sleep outside before it gets much hotter. So Friday evening we got home from wherever we'd been and he started putting the tent up in the yard. You KNOW Ian was crazy with excitement! The tent was ready, sleeping bags in place and they were ready to go. Of course Jon wanted to hang inside a bit longer before hittin' the hay ... Ian was so patiend and eventually crashed out on the floor. We picked him up and put him to bed in the tent. (Poor kid missed the fun part) BUT, he woke the next morning wide-eyed next to his Daddy ... so excited that he had slept in the tent!

Ready to go ...

Jon's was equally excited for a night outdoors

Ian and Daddy still sleeping the next morning...unfortunatly Campbell decided us "indoor sleepers" needed to be up at dawn. Go figure. LOL

Ian Showing Campbell around the tent ... it was pretty funny

Happy Birthday, Campbell

Wow ... 2 years have quickly flown by. As I sit here this morning on the back porch, Ian's running through the sprinkler thing and Campbell is steering clear of it... every now and then he tells Ian to turn it off. He's not a fan of the random water spray, I suppose... They're so fun - and really do enjoy playing together, or apart but near each other. Campbell is such an independent little person - happy to do his own thing or hang with the crowd. He is so easy going it's almost scary ...

Two years ago, Jon and I headed to Dr Nelson's office for IV antibiotics in preparation for an induction that afternoon. (I was Strep B and since Ian delivered so quickly, it was anticipated that Campbell wouldn't give us the needed 4 hr labor for the IV...) once that was done, Jon and I had lunch wandered the mall ... waited for the call from our fabulous OBGYN. Finally we headed to the office - Meredith brought a lemon meringue pie and met us in the waiting room (My last official pregnancy craving) and there sat the 3 of us, eating the pie straight from the tin in a crowded waiting room. About 3:30, we went back, broke my water and off to the hospital we went. Mom and Meredith were there ... and just in time for the last "push" Dad and Amy arrived... It was great to have everyone there as our little Campbell Forrest joined our family.

Jump head two years ... It's funny when we joke about having 8 address in 5 years ... but funnier when I realized that Campbell had shared 4 of them by the time he was 16 months. He's two and although I'm sure much of it is because he so competitive to keep up with older brother Ian, Jon and I are constantly amazed by him. His vocabulary is amazing - he knows all his letters by sight and their sounds. It's crazy. he loves to sing and I love to hear him sing "Jesus Wants Me for a Sun BEAT! We celebrated his Birthday on Saturday and later that night, he was playing with a truck singing "Happy Birthday". Now this wouldn't normally surprise me, he sings all the time, but Happy Birthday isn't a song we sing around the house so I was surprised that he would remember the song without prompting after we'd sung it to him earlier that afternoon. He makes me smile when I call everyone for dinner asking "Who wants to eat??" Here comes Campbell to the top of the stairs ... "I DO, I DO!!" And he does... He's a healthy little eater who Jon loving refers to as "Baby Phat". ha..ha... He's such a great little boy and it's so fun to see him playing with Ian - They are becoming such good little friends now. I'm sure that won't always be the case, but I love to hear Campbell call for Ian and it's wonderful to see Ian try to teach Campbell new things. Life is good and we are so blessed to have these little boys!

Campbell (6 mo) Ian (2 yrs)

Campbell (1 yr) cousin Cal (9mo)

Campbell (18 Mo)

Campbell Today !

We love you, Campbell!

Springtime Excitement ....

Our latest family photo ... CHEEEEEEEEESE

Yes, strange, I know ... who takes a family pic at the hospital?? ha..ha...

Well, if you hadn't heard ... we (specifically Jonathan) have had an interesting month. it started several weeks ago in February with some lower leg pain. It was recommended that he see a physical therapist for some possible tendon issues, which he did. The PT discovered some deep muscle spasms that he target during a few sessions. Turns out, however, that pain worsened and began to travel slowly over the course of a couple of weeks. Long story short, after some swelling and some minor chest pain, he finally went in on a Wednesday afternoon for an ultra sound to rule out a blood clot.

Well, crap. The whole "rule out" plan was foiled when they discovered a large blood clot. (completely unrelated to the muscle spasms.) So we left the radiology center and headed directly to Mercy Gilbert Hospital where they did a Chest CT and discovered bilateral pulmonary embolisms (more clots on either side of his lungs) Thus, Jon spent the next 5 days in the hospital connected to a Heparin IV. He was released on Monday, only to return two days later, Wednesday afternoon (an ugly pattern forming). Another clot in the same leg meant he would once again be admitted. That night they inserted a filter to trap any other leg clots and prevent them from moving to the lungs, heart, brain ... he was released the following week. (side note about insurance companies... he actually had to stay an extra day while they sorted out coverage of meds...they covered in the hospital but didn't want to cover at home. what?? So, it took a lot of intervention of many folks to get that sorted out.)

If you know Jon, you know that he just isn't a sedentary guy, so all of this sitting around doing nothing .... not being able to breath fresh air was NOT his idea of a good time. He was told that he will need to lay low for several weeks.

So, after nearly two weeks in the hospital, he was glad to be home and we were happy to have him back. We felt so lucky to have been back in AZ where we could lean on family to help with the boys. We stayed at my mom's house and the boys were lucky to be able to spend LOTS of quality time with Mimi, Honk, Papa & Grandma A and Aunt Mer while I was with Jon at the hospital. We really, REALLY thank them for all of their help.

He's been home for about two weeks now ... with limited activity. Again, a total buzz kill for out outdoor guy. After a follow with is Hematologist (who, coincidentally, turned out to be my Mom's Oncologist ... small world) he was given the green light to head back to work part time next week and then full time the following week. we're hopeful that things will go smoothly for him. He's been anxious to get back to work...especially as we run into his patients at the grocery store or WalMart. the other day, in fact, he ran into a couple who were so happy to see him up and around. apparently they'd seen him earlier the day he first went to the hospital and then somehow heard that he'd later been airlifted to the hospital. (No heli ride for him... lol)

Jon talking to his folks on the phone while Campbell entertains himself on the stroller


Man, this kid can have fun anywhere! ha..ha..

Poor Ian, had fallen asleep on the way to visit Daddy and wanted to rest a little longer on the "guest bed" in Daddy's room

**** UPDATE 5.15.09 ****

OK, this is how back-up I am on the blog ... It's been 10 weeks since this all began.

He was diagnosed with Factor Five Leiden which is basically something in his blood that won't break down clots. 20% of the population are "factor 5" but only 10% of them will ever get a blood clot. We still don't konw why Jon got the clot in the first place, but the challenge has been breaking them down. We joked about making t-shirts saying "Staying Alive with Factor Five" ... (not really all that funny, I know ....)

Jon was FINALLY able to return to work this week on a Part Time basis, hopefully working his way back to FT shortly. (He did return in March for a 1/2 day but it was too soon and the leg reacted badly. "It's an angry clot!" according to Dr Schtivelband. But Thankfully the leg has been cooperating and he's not having the pain/swelling he had been experiencing. He's spent the last two months entertaining himself with daily (now twice daily) abdomen injections ... and sporting a very secy black thigh-high (aka compression stocking) fun, fun, fun...but it's working. They plan to remove the filter at the end of May. It's been a sticky and sometimes scary experience but we're thankful he's been blessed with improved health and is finally released to return back to work. Thanks to everyone for your fasting and prayers, it has been such a strength and meant so much!


XOXO

Mah Sweet Boys

Ian & Campbell one week after church ... man they were in the from the garage and out the backdoor in a flash. These little boys just love having a big grassy yard and can't stand to be away from their sandbox for any length of time. ha..ha...

This picture just makes me smile ...

St Anthony's Monastery

Several months ago, Jon came across St Anthony's Monastery, just outside of Florence. He's had the opportunity to meet Monk's from the Monastery at the office and one day took a drive down to see their gardens after meeting them and learning about it. A few weeks ago, after a kickball game, Jon drove us down to check it out. One of the kids had fallen asleep, so we didn't get out, but we did get a few pictures. Tonight while posting these photos, I looked up their website and enjoyed reading a bit about the monastery, how it was started, etc. I was also relieved to think back at our decision not to leave the car and walk the grounds. We were clearly out of dress code and may have found ourselves making serious gaffe. We plan to go again, and thankfully, I am a bit more educated on what to expect and what to wear! :)

The grounds are beautiful and it's interesting to learn that they have labored there for just over 10 years and truly created "Something out of Nothing". Hopefully we'll soon have more to share

Kickin' it in Florence ...

We've arrived. The Russell's have officially entered the world of kids sports.

This spring Ian joined the local Kickball League for 3-6 yr olds. 6 weeks of games and some weeks they were "double-headers" a tall order for teams made up mostly of 3-4 yr olds. ha...ha. The first week their team had two games and it was not unusual to find the kids leaving the dugout to find familiar faces on the bleachers. At one point there was a group of 4-5 running a circle around the pitchers mound.

The season is now over, but here are some of my fav pictures of this little adventure.

Ian claiming home plate after running the bases. Go, Ian, Go!!

taking a much needed breather after a double header

Lined up for their turn to kick

Running the bases

Ian with his good friend Nikki focused solely on their defence ... yeah, right. I guess they figure if kickball doesn't work out they're headed for "So You Think You Can Dance".

Happy Birthday, PBS

The last weekend in January, the local PBS station, housed on ASU campus, hosted a birthday party for the station. They had special guests, Grover and Elmo along with various activities for the kids ... face painting, story telling, crafts, cake (which by the way was crazy good) and a tour of the set. "Tour" makes it sound rigid, really, the set was wide open and they kids could play and get to know various areas of a TV Set, camera, teleprompters, etc... We went with our friends, the Scilley's. The Dad's stayed home while the Mom's headed to Tempe for the day and had a blast playing at the station. It was a great time and the kids really had fun. We look forward to next year's party for sure!

Ian, Campbell, Nicole and Caden sitting at the news desk

Ian with Grover and Elmo (as if you didn't know...)

Ian and Nikki

Ian and Nikki trying their skills on camera. Ian loved that they guy set it up so they could talk to each other on the headsets while they were working the cameras. Seriously, I LOVE this picture!

Pre-School

Ian started pre-school in January ... hoooraaayy for everyone! It's an afternoon session, which is great for me ... he's in that post nap phase so it keeps him busy in the afternoon. I've pushed Campbell's nap time to coincide with Ian's school and now I get 2.5 hours to catch up on projects, or whatever... it's lovely. There are only 4 kids in the afternoon session and the best part is that it's just around the corner. It's seriously a win-win. He's an active all-boy kinda kid, so this whole learning to sit - learn - focus is probably more of a challenge, but as his teachers say ... that's the point of pre-school. (I'm sure that's just what they say to make the mom of said type of boy feel better. LOL)

First day photos...

And our celebratory cake that we make after school on the 1st day to celebrate. Ian is funny, he insists on it being "a-b-d-D" never just a simple a-b-c ...

Sunbeam

January 2009 meant that along with about a billion other 3 year olds Ian became a Sunbeam. Wow, they just keep getting bigger.... Campbell hasn't been happy about Ian joining the ranks of the "bigger kids", shedding a few tears when we drop him off in the primary room. I find this curious since they weren't even in the same nursery class last year, but what can you do. I guess it's not that he misses him, but rather he might behaving more fun. LOL There are 21 Sunbeams in the ward ... 3 Sunbeam classes. Must be a record. (Boy am I glad I'm still in RS LOL)