That shot was taken in Bonanza, Oregon, circa 1979 and I still remember it quite well.
It was the year our mom bought us red and white terry cloth running-shorts for our first ever track meet.
And the year I found out those little knocked-knees could outrun Miss Zimmerman's entire first grade class...including all the stinky boys.
My sister and I spend the last eight days together and we worked out for seven of those days (at a kick-boxing boot-camp nonetheless).
In the past, it was unheard of for us Russell Girls to spend quality-time together that involved exercising, but it looks like the times, they are a changin'.
The knocked-knees and the fact that I look like a runt standing next to my sister?...Those things are here to stay.
And if you're reading this Josh Downs...I look good in tube-socks, huh?
What a memory and picture to go along with it. Congrats on getting all of that exercise in--you are an inspiration to me.
Posted by: Theresa S. | January 16, 2012 at 12:04 PM
Annie looks just like you! And you and your sister's socks are the same length, which I find hilarious! You need some of those for your runs now!
Posted by: Kelli | January 16, 2012 at 01:15 PM
OMG!!! I thought that was little Miss Annie!
Good for you exercising while visiting with family. Things DO change....
Julie
Posted by: Julie | January 16, 2012 at 02:57 PM
well, now we know that Annie looks just like her mom when she was a little girl!
Posted by: Kim S. | January 16, 2012 at 03:08 PM
You hate your legs, why? So cute!!! And you still stand like that, btw. So adorable!!!
Posted by: kat-in-texas | January 16, 2012 at 03:15 PM
Miss Annie is you from Head to Toe!! Genetics are amazing:) And great for you getting all that kick-boxing in. You must have loved it!
Posted by: Patricia Ellis | January 16, 2012 at 05:08 PM
You girls were "rockin" the socks....Glad that you are keeping in such good shape so that when J. gets home, you can give him a run for the money! Love seeing how much Annie looks like her mommy.
Posted by: janel | January 16, 2012 at 06:23 PM
Yeah, Valentine you look wonderful in tube-socks!
Posted by: Josh | January 16, 2012 at 06:24 PM
I thought that was Annie!
Posted by: Judy | January 16, 2012 at 07:17 PM
I "see" annie in that picture..and so cute, the response from Josh..and no I do not read all of the comments...just saw the "Valentine"..so cute!!!
Posted by: stephanie | January 17, 2012 at 05:45 AM
I instantly saw Annie, from the swoop in the hair to the cute smile! Josh's comment is adorable and I love your...if you are reading this Josh Downs...my cousin and his wife both just got back from Afghanistan and Iraq respectively..they have two lil boys and both my cousin and his wife were gone a little over year..I got to see a glimpse of their reunion and I can't wait to see you and Josh and your family reunite in the physical sense. You already are united as one in spirit! So proud of you for working out..I so need to get there.
Posted by: Shannon Laux | January 17, 2012 at 06:47 AM
Oh my goodness...you look just like Annie!!! Gotta love the good ol' pictures!
Posted by: Tracy | January 17, 2012 at 04:14 PM
you look like Annie here!!! try letting Annie wear socks like that!
Posted by: Jona Panesa | January 17, 2012 at 06:14 PM
I love that there really is a place called Bonanza.
Posted by: Domenico | January 17, 2012 at 08:31 PM
oh Annie!
love it!
Posted by: Angel | January 18, 2012 at 06:04 PM
Um, you look like Annie in tube socks. LOL.
Posted by: Lori Craig | January 18, 2012 at 07:18 PM
And me too, you sure that isn't Annie ;) Love the tube socks!
Posted by: Nancy Wyatt | January 20, 2012 at 04:23 PM
Perhaps those kick-boxing boot-camp days are the fondest of all memories you got.
Posted by: Kickboxing Classes in Johnston | March 08, 2012 at 06:45 AM