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!