A couple of weeks ago we took a day trip to the Grand Canyon ... Can you believe we got there and didn't have our camera?? Unbelievable. But, we found a disposable and relived the "old days" where you couldn't see exactly what shot you got. Mystery is fun. LOL It was funny as Jon was taking some shots of Ian, some foreign tourists walked by and kept taking pictures of Ian. Of course, all Ian needs to see is a camera and he a total cheese ... whether he speaks your language or not. ha..ha... You can see Jon's been on "vacation" for a few days (I confess, I love the "scruffy" version of Jon, but eventually, I lose out to something like church, weddings, etc. LOL). We had a great time, it was nice to sneak away from the summer heat for the day.
We recently celebrated Ian's 2nd Birthday ... Saturday morning Ian helped make his cake. I handled the eggs, but Ian was a champ at adding the ingredients. He wasn't sure about the beaters, but warmed up to them eventually. Truth be told, I think his favorite part was getting to sit on top of the counter while he was helping. LOL. It was a weekend full of celebrations and Ian was showered with gifts from all his Grandparents, Aunts, Uncles and Cousins ... We all had a blast.
....is named Naline. She works at Kiddie Kandids in the Paradise Valley Mall ... and she has magical powers. ha..ha....
We decided we would get Ian's 2 year pics (his birthday was Sunday) and Campbell's 3 Month pics (which we celebrated on Saturday). Let's just say that at nearly all times, one or both of the boys were crying. Not whimpering ... hysterical crying. You wouldn't know it from these pictures. She picked Campbell up (so they could "connect") and spent 15 plus minutes bouncing and talking to him until he was smiling again. Of course each time she clicked, the smile faded, but the fact that we got anything at all is amazing. We started the process at 1:45 ... and left at 3:20. Mind you, the only waiting we did was for 10 min. while they printed the pictures. I couldn't believe how much time she took with them. She is a pro!
Last weekend we headed north to the White Mountains. It was nice to escape the heat of Phoenix for the cool pines - a beautiful woodsy contrast to the desert. We had lots of rain but no complaints - we needed it badly ... We had fun with Mimi and Grandpa Honk - exploring the surounding towns and enjoying time to relax. We made a stop at the HS Jon had taught at in Whiteriver - everyone was surprised and excited to see him after almost 4 years. (but I'm sure really surprised to see him walking in with kids! LOL) It was a great weekend!
A couple of weeks ago we made an impromptu drive up to Flagstaff. We saw on the morning news that there was a Celtic festival up north. Not needing to twist our arms to get out of the heat and considering the Russell Scottish heritage, it seemed the perfect way to spend the day. So, we quickly got our stuff together and loaded everyone in the car and after a quick trip to the storage unit to trade strollers, we were off.
The drive up was peaceful....The boys slept, Jon studied and I kept my eyes on the road and hands at "10 and 2" ha..ha... We got into town and it looked a it overcast - a nice change. We got everyone and everything our (there are always so many "things") Just as we got the boys buckled and were ready to walk to the festival, the rains came, at first just a sprinkle or two...and then it was a downpour. We quickly got everyone and everything back into the car and decided to wait out the rain. This might have been Ian's favorite part of the journey. He had a great time playing with Jon in the driver's seat. We couldn't believe how much rain - and how big the drops were....not to mention the pea size hail. YES! Can you believe it?? HAIL! The good news about the AZ rain is that you usually don't have to wait too long for it to pass. About 30 minutes later, we figured we were safe to walk to the park.
The festival was nice and were a lucky to have brought the jogger instead of the "everyday" stroller... lots of mud. ha..ha.. Many of the clans were represented - it was great. I was at the Welsh booth while Jon and Ian were talking to the McDonald Clan - hearing their history etc... turns out the Campbell Clan played a MAJOR part in the demise of the McDonald clan. Which turned out to be pretty funny when they asked what the boys' names were. Of Course "Ian" was a no brainer... but you should have seen the reaction when they heard the baby's name was Campbell. Surprised they didn't run us off with shotguns. Ha!
Eventually, it started to pour again, so we made a mad dash back to the car. We enjoyed eating yummy food, listening to the bagpipes and haunting the McDonald clan. LOL Brought back lots of fun memories from our wedding, kilts, bagpiper, et al. What a blast!
The other afternoon, I was standing in the kitchen when noticed Ian standing in front of Campbell in the swing ... his back was to me, and while Ian hasn't shown any aggression to the baby, my instinct was to hustle over and be sure all was OK.
I tip-toed behind him to find him trying to feed Campbell with the bottle ... so I grabbed the camera and tried to sneek a picture without him noticing. How sweet it was to see Ian want to help and Campbell to let him.
Well, we decided we were borderline negligent letting Ian cram his little body onto his tonka truck so we got him a Scuttle Bug... it's a great little scooter for toddlers that folds up nearly flat for super portability - so we can take it with us and save space in the house. Hooray! Jon took him out for a spin the other morning (yes, in his PJ's). I should add that this new addition didn't happen without a great deal of effort... LOL
Let me note that this is the last BLUE Scuttle bug in town - but there are plenty o'pink (apparently they're not big sellers) We'd seen these at Toy's R Us a few weeks back and last week I thought I'd see if they'd gotten anymore in stock. I didn't see them, so I asked about a shipment. The Customer Service guy said they should have 4 blue in stock and sent someone to search. After a thorough check of the store, they found none. They called 3 other stores who's inventory indicated "blue on hand" all came up zero - but he found one about 45 minutes away and they would hold it for me. Since Dad was home with Ian, I decided to go for it. I arrived at the desk only to find that in fact they only had them in PINK. After an exchange of words including one checker asking if it was for a boy or girl - duh ... and me explaining my extreme disappointment due to an extra 90 minutes of travel, driving in 113 degree temperatures, the price of gas and the fact that I was actually having to nurse Campbell at the Customer Service desk while having the conversation... the Russell's left the store with three free items and a crisp $20 bill to purchase the scooter at another Toys R Us who absolutely, positively had it in Blue. Considering the drive, Campbell's mood and my Dad entering his 3rd hour of babysitting, I decided to head home and go to the store later that night (Jon was working 12-12.) before heading out again, I called the store that had it on hold to double check. I apologized for being crazy, but asked the girl to open the box and check the color. Yep - it was PINK - ARG! Imagine the frustration - but, I was happy I hadn't made the drive. We called the last Toy's R Us in the Valley - in south Chandler. Yes, they had it...yes he opened the box and it was in fact blue - the last blue one in the store and he would hold it for me. So, I packed the boys in the car and we headed back into the adventure. When we arrived, The guy at the counter remembered my call and went to get the box. It was GONE. He panicked a bit since he'd already had to survive hearing my story. I panicked a bit because I'd just driven 40 minutes in the heat at 4pm and we were just about to head home during rush hour. Trust me, I was not going home empty handed. In the end we triumphed after a thorough employee had simply re shelved it. I can't believe we actually went to all that trouble, and we surely spent more that it's value in gas hunting it down. ha...ha.
This weekend, Aunt Amy came to Phoenix from Salt Lake with her boyfriend Ken. We spent lots of time at the pool seeking relief from the brutal Arizona heat. It's one of Ian's favorite past times, so we didn't complain. (Campbell on the other hand doesn't love the water as much, so we hung out at the edge...)
Last week Ian had fun helping Grandpa Honk water the garden - he loved the hose attachment. LOL I was concerned about him being out so long in the heat, but he managed to keep cool enough in the water and shade. He has fun with the water and shovel and bugs (I was not such a fan of the bugs and did a little freak out dance when I found them in his clothes later that night. We'd stripped him of the muddy clothes and left them outside while he came in for a bath. Let's just say that by the time I went out to get them, his jeans had already been claimed by a spider and beetle. ACK!)
Mom is sitting, breathing a sigh of relief ... enjoying the slience, albeit brief. LOL
One of the few times they were actually asleep at the same time. Ah, small miracles. ha...ha... The angle gives the impression that campbell is the largest 6 week old boy on the planet. LOL
We were at Mimi's house last week and Ian got a trike. The trike will stay out on the farm where's there's lots of space for Ian to ride. of course, this week they were getting irrigates, so everything was wet - however, indoor riding seemed to be a good way to start practicing. He's a little "iffy" with the peddling part - but loves being able to put his cars in the basket for transporting. It was fun to watch him figure this out.
Thought I'd add a few photos from the past week or so. No big stories to share, just some fun with the camera. All is well here in Phoenix. Albeit hotter than you-know-what! ha..ha... today was around 107. I took the boys to the library to see a Magic/Juggling show. Perhaps a bit over ambitious. LOL. Campbell was patient in the sling and Ian did well for the first half, but eventually he wanted to climb over the kids in front of him and get to the crazy performer. So,we decided we'd had enough. ha..ha.... He was cute though - laughing when the other kids laughed, raising his hand to volunteer when they did. He had no idea what was going on, but had a blast. :)
Campbell in the bath ... he didn't cry until we hit the hair... which oddly enough never bothers him when we just hold him under the sink to give him a quick wash. Go figure.
Someone's stinky!
Ian on the way to Church last Sunday ... he's just such a crack up!
He's giving up the "thumb's up" saying "COOL!"
Ian and cousin Charlie
Ian was in the living room while I was cleaning the kitchen. I looked over and there he was asleep, holding a Triscuit.
Our sister Ashley was in town from San Francisco this weekend. She and her husband Dan are expecting their first baby ... a BOY ... in August. (Selfishly speaking, we are pretty excited to be adding another boy cousin to the gang!)
Ashley came home to Phoenix for a visit and some wonderful friends hosted a baby shower for her. I wish I'd gotten some better photos, but if when I gather others, I'll post them. Ashley wears pregnancy well ... she looks great!
ashley opening gifts
Meredith looking fabulous as always!
Mary Lou & Ashley ... don't they look like they'd make great talk show hosts?
A fabulous spread of the best food!
I swear the cupcakes must have each had a 1/4 cup of the best buttercream frosting...the cookies were pure sugar bliss and it was the best curry chicken salad - So good that I'm going to add the recipe at some point.
last Saturday we had a fun visit from the Russell's who came up from Tucson. Jon's brother Ron, his wife Janet and their boys Marc & Stuart were up for the day and we had some fun at the playground, a yummy dinner (thanks to Jon's gourmet hands) and a trip to Mickey D's for dessert! It was a blast and the boys all had fun playing together.
This year's plans for a Mother's Day BBQ at Mom & Dale's were posponed due to Campbell's early arrival. (Of course, who would complain about the chance to celebrate Mother's Day by ringing home a new baby!)
So, we regrouped and gathered at Mom & Dale's last weekend. It was great ... Dale cooked up some mean steaks with all the trimmings. We celebrated 4 generations with Great Grandma Joyce, Mom, Me & Meredith and the boys. Great Gram was thrilled to be able to celebrate with her two great-grandsons!
Mimi comforts Ian who is startled by a scene from "Cars". (Mimi's a good snuggler! :>)
Which funny enough, is one of his favorite movies. ha..ha.
Great Grandma cuddles Campbell
Holly & Ian Cheese it up for the camera
Aunt Meredith takes a snooze with Campbell
Ride 'em Cowboy!
Ian and Cheerio the horse Say hello. Ian loves to visit Mimi & Grandpa "Honk" so he can visit all the animals, dig in the dirt, ride the tractor ... ... ...
I'm a mother to three energentic kiddos; a 7yo soccer phenom, a 5yo Picasso and a 2yo former micro-preemie, current micro-toddler who has no clue she's about 10lb under average but insists she's she can rumble with the best of them.
Our hero is a 6' soccer loving grass mowing, bike riding Family Practice PA. He keeps us entertained with his nutty sense of humor and wacky impressions.
New Phase, new focus and lots of color. Picasso joins Phenom at school this year; is seeing few doctors and gaining mroe independance by the day. I have gone back to work part time and our routine is changing. My last blog post to our family blog was two years ago and a not long after that blog faded, I stopped continuing Ainsley's preemie blog because her day to day care was the focus. So, now I think it's time to get back to blogging; high's, low's ... good, bad ... all the colors of the day.
