New to this and updates...

Hello Everyone! I figured this would be an easy way to keep our loved ones up to date on what's happening in our lives. So, here it is, My first real blog.
Russ returned from Georgia on May 31st after 4.5 long months of training for his new job. He's really enjoying what he's doing now and it will be a great stepping stone for a career after the army.
As a surprise to Russ I lost 32 lbs while he was gone and as of now I've lost 36! I also cut 12 inches off my hair while he was gone so he came home to a brand new woman! All the changes feel great and it's been an awesome way to start my 30's!
Ansley is growing like a weed and is getting more and more personality every day. I can't believe my little baby will be 2 and a half in august. Where does the time go?? She's is also very attached to her Daddy and was pretty clingy to him for the first few days of him being home. Russ is so happy to be back with what he calls "his girls".
I joined a gym back in January and have made some wonderful friends there. So, after almost 3 years here I finally have a fun group of girlfriends that I know I can call if I need them. Having them along with a wonderful church family is really making Olympia feel more and more like home.
Speaking of church. I officially became a member of Lacey Presbyterian Church in May. It's really a good feeling to have a "family" here. Especially with Russ gone so much.
Russ is currently training for his upcoming deployment to Iraq in the fall. We are trying to just enjoy the summer we have together and not dwell on him leaving again. In August my parents will be flying down for 2 weeks to visit and take care of Ansley for us while Russ and I take a much needed vacation to Las Vegas. We will be there for 5 days/4 nights and have some fun things planned. We are going to see Wayne Brady (from "Who's line") and on another day we are renewing our vows! We feel like with all the separation and the upcoming deployment what better time to refresh and remember what we vowed.
I think that is all our news for now and everyone should be caught up! :) I'll try to remember to keep this page going and I'll work on making it a fun place for our friends and family to catch up with us!
Love you all!