San Francisco started out very exciting!  Russ and I drove down to Saltillo to spend the night and travel to Memphis together.  We were scheduled to leave Saltillo at 5:30 a.m.  So, I set my alarm for 4:30.  However, I failed to set it for "weekend" mode.  When Roan politely knocked on my door at 5:17, you can imagine my panic!  Russ and I got showered and dressed by 5:34!  Impressive!  Still, when you travel with 9 people...you are bound to get behind schedule.  Our flight left at 8:40.  So, by the time we got bags checked and went through security, we were running through the airport like we were on a sequel of Home Alone!  Stressed?  Not me!  I just grabbed a child's hand and ran!  I think we were the last ones on the plane, but we made it!

We arrived in San Francisco around 11:00 their time and rented our "bus" (12 passenger van).  We are stylin' with plenty of room for all!  I'm thinking Jimmy and Roan need one of these permanently.

Some of the back seat passengers...not sure where Leah and Sam's heads are!

After traveling, we ate lunch at McDonald's - where else would we go?  Ha!  It was great!  Then, we went to explore San Francisco.  Our first stop was Presidio, which was near the Golden Gate Bridge.  We walked through Presidio along the water, and walked through some very pretty trails until we got to the bridge.  The kids had a blast finding hidden trails and tunnels!  I loved looking at the beautiful scenery and flowers.

Leah and I enjoyed our first outing in San Francisco!

The Golden Gate Bridge from one of the trails we took

Notice the kids racing to find hideouts and hidden trails

Then, it was time to walk across the Golden Gate Bridge!  I was amazed at how enormous the cables and beams were...and how HIGH they are!  I reminded Jimmy that I was terrified of heights.  He decided that I certainly "must see this" at the base of the bridge.  I don't even remember what he showed me because I was so nervous about looking off the edge of the bridge!

Me, Leah, Clay, and Roan on the Golden Gate Bridge

Russ - the photographer

The little kids were tired of all that walking!

Leah was just plain exhausted!

After walking across the bridge, we headed over to Muir Beach for a few minutes.  We'll go back to some beaches, and I'll show you pictures and talk more about it then.  Heading back to Fisherman's Wharf for supper, we stopped for a photo op.  Russ has done a great job capturing the beauty!  :)

Golden Gate Bridge - an exact replica of one Russ found in his San Francisco book...I mean, a much better replica!

We ate supper at Boudin's Sourdough Factory.  Yummy!  Finally, we headed to the hotel for check-in and SLEEP!!!  What a great first day! 

I Left My Heart in San Francisco

Yes, I must tell you that Russ has been singing that song by Tony Bennett all week long! I've tried, but he has informed me that I must NOT sing it without the correct tune. So, I'll leave it to him! Haha! Why would he sing it? Well, because in just a few short days Russ and I will join Jimmy, Roan, and their children on a vacation to San Francisco! We are SO excited! Russ and Jimmy went for Russ's graduation from State. But, I have never been west of Utah.

Roan has been the planner...I think. And we have many things that we will try to see. On the agenda for the week, in no particular order, is Muir Woods, Lombard Street, Golden Gate Bride, Fisherman's Warf, Jelly Belly Factory, China Town, Alcatraz, and various beaches.

Our plan is to run three days during the vacation. We will run across the Golden Gate Bridge. How fun is that?!

I'm loving this reminder of Full House!

Now, don't you worry! Russ is taking his new computer! I will do my best to post throughout the week. I can't wait!

Gotta go pack now!

P.S. - My home will not be left empty. Family will be around throughout the week. My grandmother fell and hit her head last night. She is currently in ICU, and she is scheduled to have surgery tomorrow morning to drain some of the bleeding. Please pray for her!

Welcoming...

Toby Robbins

Tobias James Robbins was born Tuesday, May 26 at 2:53 pm by c-section! He weighed in at 7 lbs. 14 oz. and has an incredibly full head of dark hair!! He is completely adorable, and I am SO excited for Pat and Felicia. Mama and baby are doing well. I think Pat is still in shock over becoming a doctor and a dad all in one week! But, they all look great!

Congratulations Pat and Felicia! We love you and are praying for you both as you enter into this new adventure!

Tempt My Tummy Tuesday

It's that time again...time to tempt my tummy!! Yum yum! After such a fantastic food weekend, I am really NOT needing to put another thing into this tummy. But, if you insist...

One of the MANY desserts we had this weekend was from Jenny, Russ's sister. She always makes her special grape sherbet for Russ during the summers. Russ absolutely loves it, and I must admit that I like it too. So, here's a fun homemade ice cream recipe for your next summer get-together.

Jenny's Grape Sherbet

1 large grape juice (Welch's - the biggest one)
1 large can crushed pineapple in heavy syrup
2 cans Eagle brand milk
1 cup sugar

Mix together and start the ice cream maker! Enjoy!!

Good Food, Good Friends, Good Fellowship

This weekend, some of our good friends from college were in town. And after such a big weekend with TONS of leftover food (mostly desserts!), we decided to have Jimbo and Rachael over to our house for a cookout and dessert. Let's see...we had homemade grape sherbet, ice cream birthday cake, chocolate graduation cake, and leftover chocolate chip cookies from my end of school party. There's still some left! Someone, PLEASE come eat!!!

We had a great time catching up with Jimbo and Rachael. We always have so much fun when we're together, and tonight was no exception.

Russ and Jimbo checking out Russ's new laptop and iPhone

Jimbo, me, and Rachael just being silly!

We spent a lot of time finding funny clips on youtube, and the rest catching up on other friends. Rachael and Jimbo live in Memphis now, where Jimbo is in optometry school, so they also gave us free advice for our future move. Russ gave some free "doctor" advice and Jimbo some free "optometry" advice. That is only typical of our time together. Rachael and I spend a lot of that time rolling our eyes! Ha!

Thanks for coming over, Jimbo and Rachael! We miss you and love you! Hopefully, you'll still be around when we get to Memphis!

Is There a Doctor in the House?

I guess the answer is YES!! That's right. Russ is now officially Russ Johnson, M.D! I thought it would feel different, but I feel like the same girl that I have been through this whole med school thing. I'm not exactly feeling like "doctor wife" material. Haha! Well...enough about me! Obviously, Russ is SO excited to finally reach this point! He has worked so hard and we are all SO proud of him and all his accomplishments! I think Russ's graduation day couldn't have been more perfect! Thanks to all our family and friends who were able to share this day with us...and those who wanted to but couldn't! We love you so much, and YOU have helped Russ make it through! He couldn't have done it without you all supporting him and loving him through it all!

Graduation started at 10 AM yesterday morning. Of course, the side of me that takes after my mother just HAD to get a good seat! So, we left our house around 8:30. When we arrived there were many people who had the same idea, but we were able to get great seats about four or five rows up near the stage. Then, we sat and waited. Haha! Grace sat with me and asked, "How much longer?" Of course, I told her "five more minutes." She asked how long that was and I told her 300 seconds. So, we counted to 300. Then she asked if it was time NOW? I told her again that it would be "five more minutes." She just moaned and said, "I have to count to 300 AGAIN!?" Haha! She was so funny, and she was SO excited! She even brought her own little Fisher Price digital camera to take pictures of Uncle Russ.

When it was finally time to start, she pulled out her camera and said, "Where's Uncle Russ? I have to take his picture!" So, we took pictures together. Now remember, this was graduation for ALL of UMC. The School of Medicine was next to last. So, Grace had to be very patient...and she was! We kept busy though.

We played tic-tac-toe, drew pictures, wrote color words, wrote numbers...

Finally, it was time!

Russ being hooded by Dr. Woodward

Daddy even got a video shot with his camera. We were very glad because the Johnson's video camera decided not to work at the long coat ceremony.

We have laughed each time we watched this, after Russ pointed out he tripped on his way up the steps. Then, we all saw his sleeve get caught on the way down. Of course, we would never laugh about that during graduation! Not us! Haha!

Now, he is officially an M.D! How exciting!

The Mansel family

Russ's parents and us

Dr. and Mrs. Russ Johnson

The Smith crew...minus Dustin (he had summer school and a test)

Dr. Russ

Dr. and Mrs.

After graduation, we headed to Bonsai, a Japenese hibachi grill, for lunch. Grace would never let us forget it was also her birthday...double celebration! So, Russ ordered her a "birthday surprise." It was SO cute! We sang and she blew out her candle.

Grace and her fruity surprise from Bonsai

After lunch and a change of clothes, we all met back at our house for cake and gifts. Russ's mom made the cake - complete with an x-ray on it for radiology. Very nice! It tasted great too! My family gave Russ a cooler (for the organs - ha!) filled with a doctor's kit, Operation, band-aids, rubber gloves, alcohol wipes, a mask, etc. Of course, there was a VERY nice gift in the card too! Haha! It was SO cute!

Russ's first M.D. gift!

Dr. Russ and his goodies

The day was not over! Russ's family had another thing in mind. We all went to the Apple store for "Jeff to look at computers." Russ helped Jeff pick out a computer for "Will." He told Jeff the computer he would buy if it was him. Next thing you know, we are trying hard to get Russ to the front of the store to surprise him with HIS computer...the one he picked out! When I finally got him to the front of the store, the entire store applauded as Russ's parents presented him with his Macbook! It was great! Russ was completely shocked!

Woo hoo! "What is this!?" he asked.

But, it still wasn't over. Jenny and Jimmy and their families went in to get Russ an iPhone! Oh my! Can I please tell you how much I have listened to Russ whine about wanting an iPhone!? Constantly! I kept reminding him that he just got a brand new NICE camera, and I just didn't think an iPhone was in our budget. What a fabulous gift!

When his phone rang Russ said, "Excuse me. I need to take this call on my NEW iPhone!"

If Russ could have picked out two things that he wanted right now...these two would be it! Perfect gifts! He is SO happy! Yes, I fell asleep with the Macbook leaning on my back and the iPhone in his hand. It was very romantic!

One happy doctor!

We finished the night off with Whataburgers and ice cream cake for Grace's birthday. We went shopping at Target and she picked out some birthday gifts. She reminded us all day, "Now, when we go to Target...everyone will get me a birthday surprise!" Haha! You better not ever forget her birthday!

Happy Birthday Grace!

Thank you to everyone for making this day so special for Russ! We love you all so much!

Long Coat Ceremony

As my previous post noted, Russ finished his last day of medical school this week. Both our families came into town this weekend to celebrate with us. Thursday began the graduation festivities...the long coat ceremony. Or as Kristin said, "Oh! You'll be wearing one of those dorky looking long coats?" Ha! Yes. But, might I add...that coat has not come easy!

The long coat ceremony was held at the Marriot downtown, and it was very nice. The band was fabulous, and the food was great! This, in my opinion, was more meaningful than the actual graduation. This was the last meal Russ and his classmates would have together. How special to celebrate such an amazing time with your loved ones and the ones who have been WITH you through it all.

Russ's and my dad talking before the ceremony

Soon-to-be Dr. and Mrs. Russ

Russ and his proud parents

Although seeing Russ in his long coat was very exciting, the highlight of the night was this:

Neal and Kushboo are two of Russ's classmates. As Dr. Jones picked up her coat, he pulled out the "strange red box that no one else had." He asked if anyone knew anything about it. That's when Neal came up and proposed! How fun! The crowd went wild!

Now on to the real highlight! Russ received his long coat, and he looked very official...if I do say so myself.

Dr. Jones helping Russ with his new long coat

Look at him! Isn't he just too cute!

Dr. Russ

When all the students had received their long coats, they all stood to recite the Hippocratic Oath together, along with other doctors (many of which were family members).

Each medical student (there were 95) had a table with 10 seats. So, overall, there were nearly 1,000 people in attendance! It was amazing! Russ was so thankful to all of the friends and family who came to support him.

Joanie came with Dr. Thomas to represent Magnolia. Magnolia was the largest sponsor for this year's long coat ceremony. A huge thanks for representing!

His wife, of course!

Pat, Felicia, me, and Russ
Very scary to see these two in doctor coats! Especially the crazy "doctor wives!" We may seriously need lessons on acting like a mature grown-up. Nah! I think we'll just have to break the mold on the whole doctor wife thing!

Jenny and her "Little Bit" - she definitely yelled that out as Russ walked across to get his coat!

Lee, Kristin, me, and Russ

Me, Russ, Mama, and Daddy

We were so glad that Pops was able to come!

Dr. Russ and his parents

It was such a nice evening! And, after getting lost trying to find our car, we finally made it back home last night to rest up before the big day!