Joys of swimming

John came home today only to be pushed in the pool by our beloved Austin! The umbrella had flown into the pool from the wind and as John leaned over to get it Austin snuck behind and pushed him in. Thank goodness John had already removed him walled and electronic gizmos. Austin was so proud! Kodiak is also enjoying the pool. He jumps in whenever he get a chance and swims around like a pro. And yes...that is Justin in his tighty whiteys. God forbid they actually take time out to put on their swim suits!!

And then there was grass...

Well well well!! Life is good in the Fueller house. Our pool is done and we are swimming daily, the grass is in so we actually see green outside, the rocks are in so there is no more mud and dust and the kids only have 3 days left of school. Yeah. We are so enjoying our backyard. John and I sat out in the swing after the kids went to bed last night and marveled at the finished product. We still need to plant trees and shrubs but it is too hot now so we will wait until the fall or maybe even next spring. Depends on if we can find a money tree (haha). Again...we must say we are blessed beyond compare. Now you can come visit, even in the summer, and enjoy our oasis in the desert!

Baby Dedication

Jilliann had her baby dedication at church on Sunday (May 20th). She was the perfect pretty princess. We are so thankful for her and all the joy she brings. I couldnt have made a more perfect baby. The boys love her and she loves them right back. She is even saying "turtle" at Austin. So cute. It was funny to watch her walk around in the big flowing dress...she reminded me of ET when he was dressed as a ghost for Halloween. She looks too little to be walking. Anyway, we thank GOD every day for the blessings he has given us.

Mother's Day

Happy Mother's Day!! I woke to a frenzy of little boys wanting to give me cards and gifts. Justin and Christian both made things at school that were so cute. The little boys and Jilliann (and John) got me a Tiffany & Co bracelet. I was very excited. Johnny and Andrew got me my favorite perfume. I also got a ton of cards from all of them.

I had my grandparents and my Mom and George over for lunch after church. I am so bless to be able to spend time with my 90 year old grandparents every week. We took a picture of 4 generations of women. I am SO SO SO thankful to be able to take this picture. I will treasure it always.

Happy Mother's Day to all the Mother's out there. Hope your day was fabulous.

Swimming Fun

Our pool is done and heating up enough for us to go in it. The boys are in it every day and love it. Jilliann enjoys splashing in her floater and Christian continues to have no fear of anything. MeMe and PaPa came for a visit and brought all the boys "Croc" shoes. Christian couldn't wait to wear them in the pool so he stripped to just his Scooby Doo underwear and jumped right in. Gotta love being 4!

Another Lesson Learned

The picture isn't very clear but here is the story. Apparently when you live in Arizona you must be aware of the fact that the ground gets hot. Not just hot but scalding hot. Jilliann and I were at Christian's preschool Mother's Day show. When it was over we went outside to the play ground. It is covered with shade things and is made with squishy stuff that is soft to land on and doesn't get as hot as cement. Jilliann was playing with all the "big" kids (with no shoes on of course!) and went under the play bridge to the other side of the jungle gym. I didn't know the other side was NOT covered so the squishy stuff is exposed to full sun. As soon as she stepped on it she screamed that scream when you KNOW something is wrong. I ran over and her poor little skin had already been seared to the ground. I ended up going to the ER and getting pain medication and some cream. Her blisters were HUGE but today (Sunday) they popped. I have them bandaged up and she is walking on them. Poor baby. I feel so bad but realize it is life. Lesson learned...shoes are required in Arizona summers!

A visit with Brandi and Corey

Corey, John and Brandi







Brandi and Corey



Brandi and Nick


Corey and the CRAB!

John went to DC for a business trip and was able to get away for the weekend and go see Brandi (18) and Corey (will be 16 on May 21). John even got to meet Brandi's boyfriend Nick. According to John he is a great guy and is very nice to Brandi.

John giving Nick the "DAD" look!

Half swim

The kids are so thrilled to have the pool filling with water. They could not resist trying it out already. It is only in the 60's so it isnt really pool season but they were excited. They started with just dipping their toes but Johnny threw Justin and Christian in and splashed Austin. I am not sure which one was having more fun. I am sure we broke all kinds of rules about not getting in till it is full but whatever. After 3 months of waiting they deserved to test it out.

Completion of the Pool

WHOOO!! The pool is finally done! They came and put the interior pebble tech inside on Saturday and today (Monday) they acid washed it and stuck our hose in there to fill it. It will take about 2 full days to fill the pool. We are so excited. The pictures of the safety fence are for all the grandparents who are freaked out about us having a pool. We have a key lock and a combo lock on the gate so no matter how crafty they are they cant get in. I suppose they could jump it but they wouldnt risk the backlash from me!!!

Backyard Issues

While we are frustrated beyond belief that nothing much has happened with our pool in the last 5 weeks we decided to work on the other side. John rented a ditch witch to dig trenches so he could lay the drip and sprinkler systems. We got that all done and are awaiting sod. I have looked into hiring someone to lay it and bring in the 6 tons of rock we need too. I am tired of manual labor!! Jilliann stayed inside to help out with the laundry! Such a helper.

Wild Animal Park

We took a trip to the Wild Animal Park a few weeks ago. I went with the kids during Spring Break. We got to see lots of animal up close and the kids had a great time. We even stayed around for feeding time and watched lions and tigers devour horse heads. EWWWWW

Happy Easter from all the Fuellers!!

Have you seen a camel??

Andrew gets asked all the time if he has seen any camels so he finally took some pictures of them. It took him a few shots to get close to one. They arent very friendly. We miss him so much but we are SO proud of him. He has grown up into such a great man and is serving his country with great pride. Please keep him in your prayers.

More birthday pictures

Jilliann had a great time opening all her presents. I dont think she quite knew what to do with it all. Christian and Justin enjoyed a few of her toys too and even willingly watched the "My Little Pony" movie she got from Johnny. She got lots of clothes (from Mommy) and 2 new dolls. MeMe and PaPa sent her a drum full of noise makers...eveyone wanted to know if they hate us. LOL We dont mind as noise in this house is typical. Thanks for all the presents and well wishes.

My baby is ONE!!

March brings lots of birthdays. Justin turned 8, Brandi turned 18 and Jilliann turned one. I cannot believe how fast this year has gone. I am so blessed to finally have my little girl. She is more joy then I can ever say. Watching her grow and learn every day is a pleasure beyond compare. Her brothers love her more then I had hoped and she loves them right back. Her birthday was fun but bittersweet. Wish I could keep her little a while longer but God has his own time table. Darn!