The Russo's

On Saturday, Hudson ran his first race at the zoo. He did a half mile fun run and then there was a 5k following it. He has been into exercising lately and was excited about doing it.  Josh ran along with him  Lined up and getting ready to start. Leilynn and Emerie ran also, but you can't see them. Jamie took this while they were running   We could only see the start and finish of the race. That is Luke, Hudson, Josh and Jamie on the left side.  He did very well! He ran the entire time, but did stop to look at the zebras for a second. Josh told him to keep going and he did. We are so proud of him!! All the kids that ran got a zoo keeper hat  They had food and drinks for everyone and some animals to pet. Gianna even touched the turtle! We watched the end of the 5k run  Gianna was clapping for the runners. She was very good and stayed in the stroller until the race was over. ...

We had a luau for Gianna's birthday party. It was an indoor luau because it's still hot outside, but then it rained so it worked out well. We had a hawaiian inspired menu of pork tenderloin, veggie kabobs, citrus salad, meatballs with pineapple, fruit and Hawaiian sweet rolls. The kid's played in the "balloon lagoon" and had a good time. It was fun for the babies and the older ones. Then, they did the limbo which was so funny to watch. Gianna would dance to the music and stand right in the way. Leilynn was the only one who could really do it, but Hudson and Emerie tried. The older kids made an edible lei necklace out of fruit loops and butter cookies    She had a lot of helpers to open presents   Hudson said he wanted to get her a pink dress for her present and I think she liked it :)   She got a cozy coupe car, princess sofa, shopping cart, some small toys, cute clothes and money. It was a nice variet...

Gianna turned one on Saturday. Her first year has flown by so fast! She has lost that baby feel and is turning into a busy toddler. After she started walking, the walking became running. She hops from thing to thing and is really getting into stuff. She is not laid back like when she was younger, but that's okay :)  -watches some tv and likes Dora and Blues Clues - dances to music  - "helping" mom with the laundry  - finding new hiding spots and places to play - says hey  - likes her baby dolls and hugs them and pats their back - waves bye bye - plays peek a boo  - learning to play on the Iphone already  - had her first popsicle and liked it  - likes to growl a lot - still a good eater, mostly table food now - loves going outside and gets upset when she can't go  - follows Hudson around and wants to do whatever he is doing -play pretty well together  - a fun shopping...