The earliest memories of attending Highland Games for Jessica was around the age of eight, when her grandfather took her to the Grandfather Mountain Highland Games. Jessica was amazed and a deep-seeded love for her heritage took root. Since then, she has worked on her family tree tracing it back to Daniel McKay (via Christian McKay) who came from Scotland in the late 1700's. His precise origins are still being investigated, but it is believed he hailed from the North Western Isles and had strong alliances with the MacDonalds of the same area. Stephen doesn't have a lot of background on his heritage as those records are displaced, however, it is a work in progress.
Stephen and Jessica Russell were married June 1, 1996, after being best friends for years. After they were married, Jessica introduced Stephen to the 'highland games scene' and he became as passionate about his heritage as Jessica was about her own. Together, they are sharing with their children the importance of heritage and history - Zachary Lachlan born in 2000, and EmmaLeigh Afton born in 2005. Zachary participates in Highland Wrestling events at the Games and he is taking drum and violin lessons currently. He is also a football enthusiast who hopes to one day play for the University of Florida. EmmaLeigh is a frilly tomboy who participated in Highland Wrestling at Grandfather Mountain this past year and won her age group (3-4 year olds). She'll quite proudly tell you she 'beat a boy and a girl' to bring home 1st place. Together, the Russell's have been hosting the Clan Mackay tent at various venues in North Carolina for more than five years now. Stephen is known for his BBQ and Jessica her hospitality at the games. Visiting with them is like being part of their family because they don't know a stranger!
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