The Russell 's

Christmas Day Sledding

2009-01-06T21:30:00.005-06:00

So...... as promised in my post below, here's some pics of our sledding fun out in my parents timber on Christmas Day. They had about a foot of snow on the ground. Katie, my brothers girlfriend from Alabama, had NEVER been sledding before. In fact, this was her first white Christmas ever.

Complete with Jason like jumpsuits (from the Halloween series), ski masks and a FLASK of whiskey, we took to the hills.

WHOOP!!!

Do we look hot? I didn't wear the cowboy hat out.

Katie....the "snow fairy princess" :)

Grandpa Hill

Landon was giggling very loudly at this time...

Christmas with Charli

2009-01-06T21:14:00.004-06:00

Our good friends Chad, Brenda and Charli were in town for a family Christmas so we were able to get the kids together for some food, gifts and swimming at the hotel. I've attached a CUTE video of Landon and Charli having a good time in the hotel room together. Notice how Landon copies Charli! Adorable kids!

Winter Update!!

2009-01-06T20:29:00.006-06:00

Hey my fellow Russell family stalkers!! :) Welcome back!

I am FINALLY updating as it's been just about two months! I need to get better at doing this. I had some awesome pictures from Thanksgiving and our family outing to the Christmas tree farm, however, due to my memory card being on the fritz, I've lost all of those pictures. I was so sad.

Christmas was great here! Santa was good to Landon and he really enjoyed leaving him cookies and milk by the fireplace on Christmas Eve. Santa left him a stocking full of goodies, a new semi-truck, a new "big boy" bike complete with training wheels and all sorts of toys. Brad and Katie flew in on Christmas morning from Alabama and Eric, Landon and I were lucky enough to be at the airport to greet them when they arrived. We all piled into the car and headed to my parents house to enjoy Christmas Day. What a great day it was! We had awesome food, presents, family time...oh and did I mention sledding in the woods complete with a flask of whiskey to keep us warm? Only at the Hill house would that happen. I will try to post a video of that, or at least a few pictures because the gear I sported was pretty hot. Friday we headed to Lincoln for the Russell family Christmas. We were able to catch up with some friends we haven't seen in a while and spend some relaxing time with family. I was able to do some shopping and get some extra (well needed) sleep too, so that was nice! Our Christmas was at Uncle Matt's house and the kids were all spoiled of course. New Years Eve was spent at home for us. This has been our tradition for quite some time now. I hope you all had a wonderful 2008 and CHEERS TO AN EVEN BETTER 2009!

Christmas at Uncle Matt's

Landon and his cousin Adam

Watchin the boys play video games

Brad and Katie....home for Christmas!

Chase and Landon played trains for hours!!

Grandma and Grandpa Hill's tree

Does he look happy?

Christmas morning....his new bike!

Our tree, Christmas Eve

YUMMY!

All bundled up for a cold day outside!

ALMOST forgot....

2008-11-06T20:40:00.002-06:00

I thought I had posted about our trip to Omaha, and I haven't! We went to Omaha and spent time with Chad, Brenda and Charli (friends from NE). We took the kids to the pumpkin patch and an indoor waterpark hotel, which they loved! We had a great time and it was a great trip!! Last year we did the Omaha Zoo and so we plan to keep this a yearly tradition! Here are a few pictures....Enjoy!!

Landon and I

Miss Charli!!! Looks so innocent :)

Daddy and Landon

Eric/Landon & Chad/Charli on their ride

Slacker...

2008-11-06T20:22:00.004-06:00

That's all I can say. It's been over a month since I last updated so I am slacking big time. No excuses really, just been lazy!

All is going well. We had a great time carving our pumpkin for Halloween and went trick or treating with Chase and Skyler in Madrid on beggars night. It was Landon's first time and he really enjoyed it!! I wanted to post some pictures of Landon in his new Husker outfit that Brenda, Chad and Charli bought for him.....he looks so cute in it! He and his Daddy really are two peas in a pod. Landon looks more and more like Eric everyday.

We're excited to FINALLY be getting the new carpet for the house I've been wanting for a few years now. It took us a while to just buckle down and go pick it out but we did. It should be installed in a few weeks....yeah!!

While I can't believe it's November, I am anxious for the Holiday season. I'll be celebrating my 30th birthday next week (yuck)! I love the cooler weather, crisp air and the leaves on the ground. I don't, however, look forward to the snow that I hear could be showing itself for the first time TONIGHT! Better be just a "dusting" like they say!

Tigger and Mom

Carving the pumpkin

Love to be here every morning.....

More of the pumpkin...

Stuffing his face...HUSKER POWER! :)

Thanks for the outfit Brenda! We love it!!

GREAT weekend!

2008-09-28T16:43:00.005-05:00

What a weekend! I had my friend Reesha's birthday party Friday night and Saturday we went to my parents to see some family visiting from Texas. My cousin Kelly is a pilot and so he flew the family up in his plane. Eric, Kelly and I went up for a plane ride yesterday and had a ton of fun! I got to sit up front with Kelly at the controls--head set and all! We flew over my parents house a bit, over the Des Moines River then over to Ames to see the ISU football stadium.

Landon loved seeing the plane! I almost took him up--but wasn't sure how he'd react so left him on the ground with my sister. Maybe next time????

Enjoy the pictures!

SO big!

The girls celebrating Reesha's birthday

Skyler and Landon checkin out the plane

Skyler and Chase

Ready for the flight!

My parents house at birds eye view

ISU football staduim

My cousin Kelly (pilot) and me (co-pilot)!
Scary, I know!

Ready for Fall!

2008-09-20T20:56:00.003-05:00

I can't believe another summer is ending! Football season is here and the leaves are falling!

Wanted to post a few recent pics from late Summer, and also a few from our trip to St Louis a few weekends ago. Eric had to go to Columbia and St Louis for work so we left Landon with Grandma and Grandpa Hill and had a weekend alone....it was great! It was also our first weekend we were BOTH away from Landon together.....he is TWO! I think it was long overdue.

We have some fun things coming up we're looking forward to. We're heading to Omaha soon for a weekend to meet up with Chad, Brenda and Charli at CoCo Keys hotel with the indoor water park. We're also planning to hit up a pumpkin patch while out there so I know the kids are going to have a ball. Also coming up is the ISU vs Nebraska game!! GO CYCLONES!! (hey, I do this blog....not Eric) We'll have a day of tailgating for that while we ship off Landon again.

All is going well and Landon is a ton of fun these days. A pistol at times, but fun. He's very stubborn and independent, but he's two!!!!

Cardinals vs. Marlins game

On the Budweiser Tour-they give you free beer!

My sister....aKa Aunt Traci

Summer night at Aunt Traci's house chillin

LONG overdue!

2008-08-24T20:59:00.004-05:00

I just want to post some recent pics. I am slacking big time. Landon is becoming quite the little man and talks and talks and talks! He's a joy! He recently spent some time at the Lincoln, NE zoo with his cousins Devon and Owen and his Grandma and Grandpa Russell. He loves playing outside and his new passion......TRAINS! He loves trains! He's especially into Thomas the Train. Well, I will stop rambling. Enjoy the pics!

Lincoln Zoo

At the lake

Hard at work!

ICE CREAM TIME!

Ah, look at those eyes.....

Playing trains w/cousin Chase

Finally updating!

2008-06-19T20:07:00.000-05:00

Happy Summer, well almost! Saturday marks the official start of Summer and we can't wait! Landon LOVES being outside and if he could, would eat, sleep and live outside I think. He would rather be outside than eat dinner, which for those who know him is odd! He's really enjoying mowing with Dad, and helping out around the house. He is Mr. Helpful! He's growing like a weed and will be turning 2 in a few weeks (July 3rd to be exact)!!!! Where did my baby go? Now I have this kid who runs around the house entertaining me!!

We have had lots of things going on lately and last weekend we took him to Grimes Funtastic days where he rode the carousel TWICE and went down the big slide with Dad, FOUR TIMES! He loved it! This weekend, Uncle Brad and Katie are back, so pool time and a family and friend BBQ will be taking place.

Next weekend, we're so excited to be heading to Columbus, NE to see a dear friend of mine Brenda, her husband Chad and daughter Charli. We're going for a visit and to participate in the Relay for Life in which little Charli is going to be honored!! We could not be more excited to go see them and take part in this fun MEANINGFUL event. I think Brenda and I plan to hit the water park with the kiddo's too--so fun times ahead! I will take pictures!

Well, enough babbling. Enjoy the pics!!

Awwww

Helping Dad mow

Is that Dad's Husker hat??? GROSS!

Sitting on Grandpa's front porch with Grandpa
and cousin Skyler on Father's Day

Coolin off in the sprinkler!

For Brenda!!!!

2008-05-05T19:56:00.001-05:00

I've been a slacker! Today is my friend Brenda's Birthday and I forgot! I promised her I'd post some new pictures tonight to make up for it so these are for you Brenda!!!!! I can't believe I've gone over a month without updating.......sorry to ya'll! My brother has even been giving me grief about it.

Landon is doing great! Talking a ton, trying to work on the alphabet and numbers and his favorite things to do are play outside and read books. He's now ready for a big by bed too (since he can get out of his crib) so we're working on his NEW big boy bedroom! We just bought paint and have been working on the decor. Once we get started, I'll take some pics.

For now, enjoy these few!!!! HAPPY SPRING!!!!!!!!!

Eating at the table, no more highchair.

HI!

He loves playing in the sink and with water.

Also, loves to read and be read to!

YO! Brad! You like my Bama shirt???

LONG over-due

2008-03-24T20:36:00.000-05:00

It's been a long time since I've posted, so not going to waste much time talking! Everyone is doing really well and Landon is growing so fast. He's Mr. Independent to say the least. He's saying so many fun things and has figured out that throwing fits puts him in the "naughty chair". Tonight alone, he was there 4 times. But, he's at that age! Wants to do...see...touch....it all! He's an absolute blast to be around and we can't believe that he's turning 2 in only a few short months.

Enjoy the pictures! HAPPY SPRING!!

Mommy and me....

FUNNY faces!

Sexy baby!!

Love to help clean :)

We have 5 Russell boys at one table....beware!

Brushing my teeth....nice hat Dad!

Skyler's 3rd Birthday Party

2008-02-04T19:36:00.000-06:00

Hi! I wanted to post a few pictures from Skyler's Birthday party yesterday. She's 3 already! My sister did a Wizard of Oz theme (my whole famliy loves that movie) and the cake was BY FAR the hit of the party! I've attached a picture below for you to see. Landon had a great time playing (and trying to keep up) with all the kiddos.

After the Birthday party, we all took a quick nap before heading to a friends house to watch the Superbowl. We kept him up late and he did great!

Enjoy the pictures...........

Glenda-the GOOD witch cake (with poppy cupcakes)

The B-day Princess and her ruby red slippers!

Why does he always seem so thrilled???

Blowing out her 3 candles!!

Some new pics!!

2008-02-02T19:53:00.000-06:00

GREETINGS!!!! I am WAY behind in posting pics! It's been busy around here. Landon is doing GREAT and is really chatting it up. He has lots to say and his vocabulary is growing each day. He's cutting more teeth but has been so healthy so far this winter. All is well here, I will just get to the pics.

SORRY SOME ARE FROM CHRISTMAS!! I am that far behind :) I will post more soon.

What did Santa bring??

Enjoying my new couch, hat, cup and doodle pro!

18 month picture

My truck and hat from Grandma and Grandpa Russell!

LOTS of catching up to do.....

2007-12-24T21:55:00.000-06:00

We have been MIA for a while now and need to get some more pics up! I have some of getting the Christmas tree up, Landon's new toy room and what Santa brought this evening when he stopped by the house!!!

Eric and I have been working to get one of the basement rooms converted from a storage room, into a toy room for Landon to enjoy. We went with a colorful green theme (as you can see) and are quite convinced this room will be a hit when Landon see's it tomorrow morning. We worked on this after Landon went to bed for the last month or so.

Putting up the Christmas tree was a lot of fun. Landon is VERY helpful so he really wanted to be a part of that. I also included a few pictures from Christmas at Grandma and Grandpa Hill's house where he received his first Tonka truck from Uncle Brad. He really enjoyes pushing that around the house.

Well, Santa as already come and gone....the stockings are full and the gifts are wrapped. We're very blessed this Holiday season with health, happiness, family, friends, love, etc. The list is endless really. 2007 has been a great year and Landon has been so much fun.

Happy Holiday's everyone and here's to a PROSPEROUS New Year in 2008!!!!!

Getting the tree decorated!

Unwrapping my first Tonka truck...

It's so big, he can ride in it!

New toy room-lots of fun to put together.

More of toy room.

What a peaceful sight........

Santa came, SANTA CAME!!!!!

New Pictures!!

2007-11-11T19:58:00.000-06:00

Grandpa took me for a ride!

I am SO big!

Look at my blue eyes :)

Daddy and I at the "Snack Shack" party

Our pumpkins....

Playing in the leaves at Grandma/Grandpa Hill's

With Mommy

On the garden tractor with Grandpa

Hi all-
Just wanted to post some new pictures of the little man. We had some company this weekend. Matt, Owen and Devon came from Lincoln for the weekend and we went to the ISU/Colorado game up in Ames. Landon went to Grandma and Grandpa Hill's house for the day. We had a nice weekend and hope you all did too!!!

Happy Halloween!

2007-10-29T20:49:00.000-05:00

Well, we finally carved our pumpkins. One "normal" one and one Nebraska Husker one for Eric. BRENDA-I bet you'll like that one too!! We went to the pumpkin patch a few weeks ago, and Landon had a blast. He rode in the wagon and picked out a few. Although we're not taking him trick-or-treating this year, we are going to hand out candy to the neighborhood kids when they stop by. I think Landon will love all of the fun costumes!!! Next year when he's a little older, we'll dress up.

I love this time of the year. Fires....hot apple cider (spiked of course).......leaves falling......crisp cool mornings!!

I also added a picture of Landon playing around the house. He's getting more and more daring.......standing on things, climbing, etc. Our eyes are peeled in his direction 24/7.

Hope everyone is doing well!! Happy Halloween!!!

*some pics are a little out of order*

I am SO daring!

Here are our works of art!

Helping Dad.....

At the pumpkin patch

It was a gorgeous day!

With Daddy.......

He did NOT want to sit!!

Lions and Tigers and Bears...............

2007-10-10T08:10:00.000-05:00

They play so well together :)

Running the halls in our pajamas!

Another picture??

Family photo

Group shot! Chad, Brenda, Charli, Me, Eric and Landon!

Landon wearing his new hat. Charli liked it too!

Charli had enough. She was spent!!

Well, last weekend we had a great trip to the Omaha Zoo. We met up with Chad, Brenda and Charli (link to her page to the right for more pics) and just had a blast. This was a very special and important trip. Special in that it was the FIRST time for Charli and Landon to meet and play, the first time for Eric to meet Brenda and Chad and Charli (and vise versa). It was important because Brenda and I have been trying to plan a meeting for quite a while so we were pumped!!

The kids played so well together. Of course, Brenda was more prepared than I was so she had brought lots and lots of toys and the kids did a great job playing and sharing for the most part. It was so fun watching them interact with each other. We even let them run the halls at the hotel and they really enjoyed that.

The zoo was great and the kids really liked it. We saw all kinds of animals and it was a nice (WARM) day. Hope everyone is doing well!

Happy Beginning of FALL 2007

2007-10-01T19:22:00.000-05:00

Landon has a new hobby, it's called climbing! He loves to climb on anything and everything that he can. He is so busy!! Mom and Dad are trying to keep up, but it's hard! Not a lot is new except he has been working on those molars for quite a while. I can't complain though because he really has been handling the teething really well. Lots of drool though!!!! We are SO excited because we're heading to Omaha, NE this weekend to meet Chad, Brenda and Charli at the zoo!
We have a hotel room booked with a pool for the kids and we're making a night of it. I'll be sure to post some fun pictures from that!

Hope all is well with everyone. Happy Fall! Can't believe Christmas is right around the corner!

Enjoy the pictures!

Climbing! Now what?

Walking AND drinking at the same time!

Those eyes.................

I am THIRSTY!

GO BEARS!

2007-09-09T16:05:00.000-05:00

Hi Mom!

I can finally walk in my new shoes!

What you lookin' at?

Heading outside with Dad

Hi Everyone! Two posts in one day? Mom must be bored! Today is the NFL season kickoff and I supported my team, THE BEARS, in my new outfit! Wanted to show it off.

GO BEARS!!

It's been a while!!!!

2007-09-09T08:19:00.000-05:00

Look at those BLUE eyes!

This is what happens when Mom
leaves the room for a second!!!!!

My first carousel ride!

Hi!

It's been a while since I have posted any updated pictures on this site. Brenda has been all over me lately to get this updated and I have meant to do so but the days have gotten away from me. Summer is almost over, I am so sad! But, I am ready for football season. GO CYCLONES!! and GO BEARS!!!! I have a few really cute FUN outfits for Landon to wear this football season to support our favorite teams. I will be sure to get some pictures posted and on here as well.

Landon is officially walking! He's now into everything and is moving pretty fast! He can go up and down the stairs too, which he just thinks is pretty cool. Yesterday, he went to his first parade with Grandma and Grandpa Hill while Mom and Dad slept in and had a blast!

Here are a few recent pictures for you to see. I'll be posting more again soon, I promise Brenda!

The lazy dayz of summer

2007-07-23T21:53:00.000-05:00

Well, the verdict is in. Landon loves the sun and the water as much as I do. Thank goodness because if not, we'd have some issues to address. These are some pics from Grandma and Grandpa Hill's house recently. The top one is Landon and Eric actually asleep together in the hammock...it was so cute to see them resting together. Landon will float for a long time in the pool without making a peep. I think he finds it as relaxing as I do.

Iowa State Fair is just around the corner! Once that hits, the lazy days of summer will be over. I hope that everyone's summer is going good!!!! Hope to see ya'll soon.

Love,
Courtney

My 1 Year Old Pictures

2007-07-03T19:34:00.000-05:00

Landon had his 1 year pictures taken last week and they turned out GREAT! I've attached a few for you all to see. Have a safe and Happy 4th of July!!!

HAPPY 1st BIRTHDAY LANDON!!!!

2007-07-03T19:19:00.000-05:00

My cake---it got cut before we took a picture!

My cousin Devon and I.

Grandma Hill, Mom and Great Grandma Sheely

Some of the patrons......

My two Grandpa's watching us play.

My own personal cake!

Not sure what to think.....

Oh come on Mom!

Kisses from Grandma Hill

Playing with Skyler, my cousin.

Well, it's official. I am 1! Today is my birthday and Mom and Dad took me out for some Mexican food. I enjoyed some of Dad's taco and some of Mom's rice. Went to daycare like normal since Mom and Dad had to work and took cupcakes to all the kids there. I had a great day too!

My Birthday party was on Saturday, June 30th. My Grandparents all came (Hills and Russells) and my Aunt Traci, Uncle Lee, Great Aunt Cyndi and Bob, Uncle Matt, Uncle Brad, Chase and Skyler too! It was a gorgeous day for a BBQ. My cake wasn't very good. I wasn't at all interested in it.

All in all, I'd have to say this first year has been great and that I have the coolest parents ever. I a HUGE growing boy. My Dr. appt is on Thursday so we'll see how much I weigh at that time.
It's been a GREAT YEAR!!

My FIRST haircut

2007-06-25T19:02:00.000-05:00

Just getting started!

What is this lady doing to me??

I am so cute!

Do I LOOK like I am having fun?

ALMOST DONE!!!

Landon had his first haircut last Saturday. He did really well considering he doesn't like being held against his will very much these days. He looks so much older and SO dang handsome too!
Enjoy the pics.

Who falls asleep in a pool??

2007-06-23T21:42:00.000-05:00

I DO! And I am proud of it!

Went up to Grandma and Grandpa Hills pool for Father's Day weekend and I got in their pool for the first time ever (outside of Mom's belly of course). I had not napped, so when I got in the pool, I was pretty tired. Probably after about 10-15 minutes, this is what happened.......I literally fell asleep in the floaty...mom, dad, grandpa, my aunt traci, etc. all thought it was the funniest thing! Hey, what can I say.....I was relaxed :)

My CHARLI T-Shirt!

2007-06-04T21:07:00.000-05:00

Hi Everyone!

Well, it's been a while since we've last posted on the blog, so here we are! Things have been crazy lately with Mom and Dad BOTH sick with strep throat and then to top it off, I get sick with a fever for about 5 days. Ugh. Everyone is on the mends now.

These pictures are of me in my Charli t-shirt! The back says "A helpful hand for Charli Ann". Charli is my friend in Nebraska who has been diagnosed with Neuroblastoma cancer and Mom got me this shirt not only to support Charli, but to spread awareness to this disease that a lot of people are not familiar with. Charli is now undergoing chemo therapy and is doing quite well!

If you want to read more about this special little girl, please view the link on my page (to the right called "Charli"). She's my age....so Mom says one day we could date :)

Say a prayer for Charli Ann!

Today I swam...

2007-05-19T15:54:00.000-05:00

I loved it!!! Mom didn't add much water to the pool ...she didn't want me to drown, she gets too nervous. She used to lifeguard........but I am just extra special I guess :) I hope everyone had a nice weekend the weather here was gorgeous.

Links to home video!!! A MUST see!

2007-05-13T19:42:00.000-05:00

Trying to Walk! Check out my video:
http://www.onetruemedia.com/shared?p=2b83ef3cd1ab7e7d484e3f&skin_id=0&utm_source=otm&utm_medium=text_url

Having a blast in the kitchen!
http://www.onetruemedia.com/shared?p=2b83d3a942091d05b2b139&skin_id=0&utm_source=otm&utm_medium=text_url

Happy Mothers Day!!!

2007-05-13T18:41:00.000-05:00

Chillin in my new chair :)

Mom is helping me out here..but I am having fun!

Two of a kind right here.........

Just rollin' around in the grass!

This was at the lake today. What a gorgeous day!

Happy Mothers Day to everyone! Today, we went to the lake and had some nice relaxing family time by the water. Landon really enjoyed it! He is starting to have more and more "tricks" that constantly amaze Eric and I. One day, he sits pretty still and the next, he's off walking on his own with the walker! I have some video of it, I hope I can find a way to get it on here. He's also very mobile...and into everything! Eric and I are getting our exercise, that's for sure. I am off to Baltimore, MD for work on Tuesday so it's going to be some Russell male bonding time here....they will be fine and have fun together as always. I will miss Landon (and Eric too, I suppose) like the dickens. Hope everyone is doing great and tune in to the site again soon as I hope to have some recent videos up and running!!!

T-R-O-U-B-L-E!!!

2007-05-02T22:05:00.000-05:00

WOW, I am just learning so much each day! Two days ago, I had no idea what stairs were and now it's the most fascinating thing in the house! My toys are no longer of interest. I mainly enjoy doors, drawers, handles and stairs! I'm sure my first tumble is right around the corner.

I am SO worn out!

2007-04-21T10:44:00.000-05:00

Mom took me on a walk, and this is how I ended up. Aren't I cute (especially when I am sleeping)?

Happy Easter 2007!!!!!

2007-04-08T19:36:00.000-05:00

Can you believe it? The Easter Bunny TWICE to see me! We had breakfast at home and then after my nap headed to Grandpa and Grandma Hill's house for lunch. We had a nice time and lunch was really good! As you can see from the pictures, getting group shots did NOT come easy, but it was worth trying. I hope you all had a great Easter!!! Love to you all.

Some Recent Pictures...

2007-03-27T20:39:00.000-05:00

The Day of my Ear Surgery

2007-03-27T20:33:00.000-05:00

On March 9th, Landon had tubes put in both ears. It's been a blessing so far and it's amazing how he seems as though he's feeling better and hearing better already. He constantly faught ear infections and medication wouldn't even touch the infection so we were advised to go with the tubes. Everything went smoothly and Landon was a little out of sorts that day, but came through with flying colors. After we got home from the hospital, the door bell rang and there stood a man with a balloon and the cutest stuffed frog I had ever seen. As you can tell from the pictures, it was a hit with Landon and made him smile! Thanks to Brenda and Charli (our dear friends in Columbus, NE) for sending this to him.

I love this.

2007-03-12T19:18:00.000-05:00

A baby asked God, "They tell me you are sending me to earth tomorrow, but how am I going to live there being so small and helpless?" God said, "Your angel will be waiting for you and will take care of you."

The child further inquired, "But tell me, here in heaven I don't have to do anything but sing and smile to be happy." God said, "Your angel will sing for you and will also smile for you. And you will feel your angel's love and be very happy."

Again the child asked, "And how am I going to be able to understand when people talk to Me if I don't know the language?" God said, "Your angel will tell you the most beautiful and sweet words you will ever hear, and with much patience and care, your angel will teach you to understand."

"And what am I going to do when I want to talk to you?" God said, "Your angel will place your hands together and will teach you how to pray."

"Who will protect me?" God said, "Your angel will defend you even if it means risking its life." At that moment there was much peace in Heaven, but voices from Earth could be heard and the child hurriedly asked,

"God, if I am To leave now, please tell me my angel's name." God said, "You will simply call her, "Mom."

This shirt says it all (or so Daddy says).....

2007-03-07T19:58:00.000-06:00

GO BEARS!!!!!!!!!!

Rub a dub DUB!!!!!!! I am in the tub!

2007-03-07T19:55:00.000-06:00

As you can see, I love my bath time! I can barely wait to get in and start splashing around!! Mom loves the way I smell after a bath (even though it doesn't stick around long). Dad and I play a lot with these cool bath toys I have too-and I love splashing Daddy!!!!

Where did my pants go?

2007-02-26T20:23:00.000-06:00

As you can see, I am missing my pants in this picture but had them on in the other one. Well, Dad attempted to change my diaper and I have became quite the escape artist! I can get away!!
It's my new game....to escape when they try and change me. I just laugh at them :) I have nice thighs though!!!!

Snow Bunny! The Ice and Snow storm-Feb 2007

2007-02-26T20:21:00.000-06:00

A few more pictures of me!

2007-02-18T17:53:00.000-06:00

Hi Everyone!

Just a few pictures of me to share. This is me in my highchair eating lunch yesterday-I am such a big boy! The other picture Mom took of me in the car...you can see me in my mirror!! We were on our way to Grandma and Grandpa Hill's house to help move my Great Grandma Sheely out of her apartment and into her new condo. This picture is only moments before Mom put us into the ditch! The roads were bad, and Mom wasn't paying attention. Ugh. Hope everyone is doing well!!!! When is Spring coming? I am ready for rides in my wagon that Santa brought me.

On my way to daycare!

2007-02-18T17:32:00.000-06:00

This is me. Landon T Russell all ready to go in the morning. Mom and Dad drop me off at daycare and make me wear these silly hats. Hey, at least my pants are cool!!

Thanks Brenda!!!!

2007-02-18T17:23:00.000-06:00

Here's my new shirt! Brenda and Charli from Nebraska sent me this--I look so handsome in it too!! Thank you so much Charli!!!! I know someday when we're older, you'll probably be my girlfriend....hehe :)

It's been a while!

2007-02-06T19:43:00.000-06:00

WOW, things have been busy! Sorry I haven't posted any recent pics....As you can see, I've been working on my standing ability. You can also tell from the picture that Mom forgot to put my bib on and I was quite "soaked" from my drool. I drool a lot, but STILL no teeth! I'll keep working on them though. For those of you that know, I am still fighting ear infection after ear infection. I'll be seeing an ENT Dr. here in a few weeks to get a good look at them. I'll keep you posted. Hope to see you all soon and if you come visit, please bring some warm weather with you!

6 Month Pictures

2007-01-11T21:12:00.000-06:00

Here's a few of my 6 month pictures!!!!

Why am I so cute???

2007-01-11T21:10:00.000-06:00

Does ANYONE know how I got so cute??????

Christmas in Illinois

2007-01-11T21:05:00.000-06:00

Hi everyone,
Well last weekend we went to Illinois to spend time with Grandpa Hill's side of the family for Christmas. We met up with lots of Cousins, Aunts and Uncles at a hotel for food, conversation, drinks and FUN! I got some cool new toys and some new clothes (which I needed). On Sunday we went to the cemetary before heading back to Iowa. That sure meant a lot to my Mom to stop out there. I attached a few pictures to share. We had a great time and can't wait to see them all again very soon!

Happy New Year!

2007-01-01T19:05:00.000-06:00

Well everyone, Happy 2007! I will be 6 months on Wednesday and continue to surprise my Mom and Dad on a daily basis. I've been rolling over, laughing like a mad man and eating them out of house and home! Just last week, I had a really bad ear infection that made me pretty crabby...but it hurt! At the Dr., I weighed just under 22 lbs! My cousin Skyler is 26 lbs and she's almost 2! Dad thinks I am bound to be a linebacker for the Chicago Bears. We'll see. Daycare is going great. I really like my teachers Annie and Anna. They made me a really cool camoflauge blanket for Christmas. I also received lots of toys and clothes that I really needed (note my weight above)! Well, hope you like these pictures. One is of me opening presents at Grandma and Grandpa Hill's house, the other two are just me having fun at home. HAPPY NEW YEAR!!!!

Happy Holidays!!

2006-12-12T20:20:00.000-06:00

Well, it's that time of the year and it's almost my FIRST Christmas! I can hardly wait! Although, Mom put me in this crazy hat and took my picture.....check it out!!! On January 3rd, I'll be turning 6 months. I continue to grow and do new things each day to amaze Mom and Dad. Check back after Christmas to see what I scored from my family....hope they got me cool stuff!! HEHE.

I hope you all have a safe and happy Holiday season.

Some very old pants.....

2006-12-03T20:06:00.000-06:00

Hi everyone. I wanted to show off my pants. These are VERY special pants because they once belonged to my Great Grandpa Hill when he was a baby. They are dated 1917! Can you believe they fit me? Mom was happy to see me in them so we wanted to share. After all, I am named after Grandpa Amel (Thomas) Hill!
Love to you all!

A weekend of FIRSTS!!!!

2006-12-03T20:02:00.000-06:00

Hi everyone!
This weekend, I rolled over for the first time! At first, I wasn't quite sure about what had happened but wow, it was pretty fun! I also met Santa Saturday morning for the first time! That was fun. I sat on his lap and had my picture taken with him.....he was at the church so it was less crowded than the mall. Also, I had my first overnight stay with Grandpa and Grandma Hill. We had a lot of fun and I kept them guessing as to WHEN I might want to fall asleep :)
We had a nice time and they fed me well. Great Grandma Sheely was also there staying with them for the weekend so we hung out too.

Hope ya'll had a nice weekend!

My first trip to Nebraska

2006-11-27T19:53:00.000-06:00

Is this Husker Red Grandpa? Just went on my first road trip to Lincoln to see Grandpa and Grandma Russell. I also met my cousins Owen and Devon for the first time along with Aunt Jenni and Uncle Logan. This is a picture of me and my Uncle Matt. He's cool although he's a Notre Dame fan and not a Husker or Cyclone. I can tell he's going to be teaching me lots of stuff as I get older. I did good on the ride out to NE, but the ride home is another story. Just to drive Mom nuts I decided I'd cry for about 2 hours. I didn't want anything, just felt like crying. I think I was just tired from the weekend but it was awesome meeting some of my family for the first time. Looking forward to Christmas with them!

Thanksgiving 2006

2006-11-27T19:45:00.000-06:00

WOW, what a day! We ate, slept and watched football. It was nice spending the day with my Mom and Dad. As you can see above, I ate some sweet potatoes but let's be honest, they were not very good. The other pictures are Me on Grandpa Hill's lap (he likes to hold me like this), me and my Aunt Traci and me and Mom before our hike in the woods. Mom looks tired doesn't she?

Me.......NOW!

2006-11-27T19:39:00.000-06:00

Well, this is what I do now. I have so much fun at daycare during the day that I refuse to sleep. When I get home, I pretty much crash instantly. The picture above is Mom holding me and trying to wake me up to take a bath and get ready for bed. As you can see, I wasn't having it.

The picture above that is my new trick. I like to hold my OWN bottle. I'm almost 5 months old people, it's time. Don't mind my Mom's cleavage in that picture, she shows it off too much :).

Hi everyone!

2006-11-13T10:10:00.000-06:00

Well, over the weekend I got to meet my Aunt Kristy and Aunt Judy for the first time. Boy, they are some crazy people! Spent a lot of time at the hospital over the weekend visiting Great Grandpa Red, as the call him, as he's sick and not getting any better. Mom went out over the weekend to celebrate her birthday so I stayed home and hung out with Dad. We watched LOTS of football. Did anyone catch the Bears game last night! WooHoo! Have a great week everyone.

My 4 Month appointment was today

2006-11-03T20:35:00.000-06:00

Today, I had my 4 month check-up (I am actually 4 months today too). Here are my stats:
25 1/4 inches long and 18 lbs 1 ounce. HOLY MOLY! Remember, I was 20 inches long at birth at 9 lbs 6 oz which means I've nearly doubled my birth weight! My Dr. said that I was a "brut". I think she's right. I also found out that I have a double ear infection. DOUBLE WHAMMY! I'm now taking an antibiotic for the next 10 days to clear that up. Still fighting a cough but all in all, I am still pretty happy!!!! Mom and Dad are grateful for that too. Take care everyone! Check back soon for some new pictures of me too!!

Love,
Landon

HAPPY HALLOWEEN EVERYONE!

2006-10-29T18:23:00.000-06:00

HAPPY HALLOWEEN! It's my first time celebrating Halloween so mom made me wear these funny looking pajamas. I go on Friday November 3rd to the pediatrician to see how much I've grown! It's my 4 month check-up. I am ABOUT ready to roll over. I'm almost there but holding out to make Mom and Dad wait in suspense of this big milestone. I'll let you know when it happens though. Stay tuned ya'll!!!!!

Iam learning to do SO much.....

2006-10-22T11:05:00.000-05:00

Meet Johnny. Johnny Jumparoo that is. I had so much fun in this yesterday that I didn't want to be taken out of it. Even though the Cyclones got a whoopin yesterday, I still wore my shirt.

I love my Exersaucer!

2006-10-21T12:32:00.000-05:00

Hi Everyone! I got this cool new exersaucer from my Aunt Traci.....I love it! I am working on reaching all the fun toys around me and my feet can touch the ground so I am ready to start jumping!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Now we're more up to date

2006-10-19T16:38:00.000-05:00

Now we're getting to more recent pictures. Landon definitely has his Dad's big smile and gorgeous eyes. The only thing I can tell he's inherited from me (besides the wacky tummy) is the ability to be a good talker. Yup, he likes to talk and always has lots to say!

More Pictures.

2006-10-19T16:24:00.000-05:00

Some Random Pictures from these last few months

2006-10-19T16:16:00.000-05:00

Since I just began this blog, I have some catching up to do. I am just going to post some pictures and get this thing current. You can see how much he's grown!!!

Life with Landon is so much fun. Eric and I face new challenges each day but he makes parenting so worth it.

2006-10-19T16:12:00.000-05:00

A very proud Dad holds his new son!!

The Day he was born...

2006-10-19T13:06:00.000-05:00

From the beginning.............Landon Thomas Russell was born into our lives on July 3, 2006 at 6:39PM at Iowa Methodist Medical Center, Des Moines, IA. He weighed 9lbs 6oz and was 20 inches long. Landon was born via c-section by my OB Dr. Stephanie Morgan. What a day that was!!! This was by far the best day of my life (but I wouldn't have said that at the time).

Welcome to our site dedicated to Landon!

2006-10-19T12:00:00.000-05:00

Welcome! This will be a work in progress but I hope to use this as our little place to house pictures of Landon for family and friends from a far to visit and see how he's growing. I plan to post pictures and updates on him.

As of today, Landon is 16 weeks old. His 4 month Dr. appt is coming up the first week of November and I look forward to seeing his growth. I bet he weighs 16-17lbs already. He's quite the eater. Right now, I am home with him as he's sick with some sort of bug. Darn daycare!

Please stop by and visit anytime! I'll do my best to keep this updated!

Take Care-
Courtney