2011 New Brunswick Russells

Another year goes by and we all get a little older. It has been a great year for us as we enjoy the times we spend as a family. Early in the year, on January 7^th, BJ and Jason celebrated their 16^th wedding anniversary. My, has time gone by fast! The kids enjoyed the winter at our place, going sledding and making snowmen. A huge ice blockage on our roof fell and destroyed part of our back step!

                On February 6^th, Spencer turned 4 years old! He is so excited to head off to school.  He can’t wait to take the bus with his older siblings.

                At Church, Jason was released as a councilor to our Bishop. He then spent the summer in the Young Men’s program with Jarom, our eldest son. Now he teaches an early morning (6:40 am) seminary class at the Church to the high school members every day.  BJ was assisting the Sunday School teacher on Sundays, was called as a Primary teacher and is now a councilor in the Primary (children) organization.

                In the spring, the children had more swimming lessons at the Hampton pool. This year, we got a Family Summer Pass so we all could swim there whenever we wanted. We sure used it! Grandma came to visit during March Break and Daddy took Jarom to Ontario to visit his family. In Ontario, Jason rented a truck and loaded a lot of his parents stuff to bring to our place as they were downsizing to an apartment. It was great to see Adam, Dallin, as well as Sarah and her family there as well.

                In the summer, Avery turned 7 on July 28^th and Colorado turned 13 on July 30^th. We also went camping at a local provincial park with friends of ours. We had a lot of fun swimming in the tidal waters, going hiking, eating S’mores, and all the other fun camping stuff you do.

This summer, we also got our new wood stove. We are now prepared for the winter! We bought some wood on kijiji and we also got some from our good friends, the Brideaus. Since winter has started again, we really enjoy its warmth. (And it should cut down on our oil bill, too!)

                In young men’s, Jarom went on a Pioneer trek in Maine for four days. He tented and pushed a hand cart for miles. BJ went to meet him when they finished the trek. Everyone was dressed for the time period.

                This past fall, Isaac turned 10 on September 16 and Samuel turned 3 on the 18^th.  We had a good crop from our garden. We had lots of pumpkins, potatoes, beans, peas, tomatoes and squash. Grandma and Grandpa Cambridge visited us for Thanksgiving and we had a small celebration for Grandpa’s 80^th birthday at our house. Hallowe’en was fun as we all dressed up for parties and of course trick or treating!

                Jarom had his birthday on Dec 1^st and turned 15.  Gosh next year he’ll be getting his license.   We now look forward to Christmas and another New Year. We wish you all the best as we live our lives out here in the beautiful New Brunswick!

Love

Jason, BJ, Jarom, Colorado, Isaac, Avery, Spencer and Samuel.