Emmalee Swimming!

BATHING BEAUTY!!!!!!!!!

Emmalee really enjoys swimming - Most nights when Nana picks her up she goes home and asks Papa Jim to take her swimming - Papa Jim is not allowed to get into the water for another 6 weeks (because of the Pacemaker). So Nana takes Emmalee swimming. The first set of pictures were taken a couple of weeks ago when Hunter and Sarah came over (before Papa Jim had his surgery - that is why he is in the pool). Emmalee loves to go swimming with her brother Bradley also! She lets him do a lot of things that she won't let me or anyone else do. Nana, Emmalee and Mommy - Swimming!Papa Jim swimming with EmmaleeNana holding BradleyBradley and EmmaleeEmmalee deciding wether or not to jump in the pool to Bradley!Hunter diving, jumping and attempting a front flip - He gets 3/4 of the way! Great job!Hunter and Bradley taking a break!Hunter Smilin for the camera!!!!One tired little girl!!

Today, Emmalee wanted to go swimming so she and I headed over to Papa Jim and Nana's and jumped in. Emmalee calls it going Night Night when I float on my back - She told me to go Night Night while she was standing on the step - She stepped forward into the water and went underwater - I sat up and picked her up and she asked me to do it again!! Below is some pictures of Emmalee before, during and after!!!

Emmalee and Mommy SwimmingEmmalee and Mommy getting ready to go underwaterEmmalee and Mommy UnderwaterEmmalee and Mommy still underwaterEmmalee and Mommy out of the water!!!!

We sure do like to swim! Emmalee is actually sitting at my feet asking me if we can go swimming right now - we have a monsoon storm blowing in so we won't be able to go tonight!

We love you all!

Jill and Family

Joshua is Driving!!!!

About 2 weeks ago Joshua passed his drivers license test!!! STAY OFF THE ROADS!!! He is actually a very good driver. Rob and Josh have been working hard to get the Buick running, they had to remove the transmission and have it pretty much re-built. As of TODAY!!! Josh has a car and is on the road! He drove it to work tonight for the first time! We are very Proud of him!!!!

I PEE PEE - Mommy

Okay - this is rather late because it happened about a month ago but I did not want to not share!!! Emmalee and I have a game we play when we are getting ready to go take a bath. We go into her bedroom and take all of her clothes off and then hurry into the bathroom - all the while I am telling Emmalee "Dont' Pee Pee on Mommy!" Now that she is talking she says it back to me..... A couple weeks ago, I took Emmalee in to get her ready for a bath and night, night and Nashoba (our dog) came into the room and starting running around in circles playing. Emmalee had to get down on the ground and play with Nashoba. I slowly took her clothes off while they were playing and yelled for Daddy to come see what was happening. Emmalee was down to her diaper and decided she was going to take it off by herself. After she took it off I said "No Pee Pee" Emmalee repeated "No Pee Pee" and continued to play with Nashoba - wish I had a camera then but of course I didn't and I did not want to miss the action. Out of the blue Emmalee looks at me and says "I PEE PEE MOMMY" and turns and heads to the bathroom. Daddy and I both jump up and run towards the bathroom - Emmalee changes directions and comes back into the room to chase Nashoba.... about 3 minutes later again Emmalee says "I PEE PEE MOMMY" and runs to the bathroom - Daddy and I again follow, Daddy opens the bathroom door and then the lid to Emmalee's potty. Emmalee proceeds to sit down on the potty and go PEE PEE!!!! We made a huge deal out of it and praised her!!!! I had to call Papa Jim and Nana and the next day I called Grandma Rosemary!!! I even took a picture of the potty!!!! YES! I am a PROUD MOMMY! Now she has only done it a couple times since but it is a start and I am still very proud of her! We have even had the I poo poo Mommy and missed the potty! The boys weren't to happy with that one, I did wash the carpets!!!

Love to you all!
Jill and family!

Emmalee Pictures!

As you may have noticed from the changes I have made to our Blog - Emmalee had her pictures taken. They all turned out beautiful and it was difficult to choose but here are the ones I chose. Emmalee handing me a ball!
My most favorite - Emmalee up close!!! Look at those eyelashes - no Daddy we can't cut them!
Emmalee loved the basket of flowers that the studio had! She wanted to pull all of the petals off the flowers like she does to Papa Jim's roses!
I could not resist this one! Emmalee showing us her nose!!! Isn't she adorable!!!! Yes I am a proud mommy!
and Emmalee standing! I just absolutely love this outfit! She is getting so big! I am sorry I have not updated the blog in awhile but I am going to be sharing a lot as I have time to get it posted!!!

Love to everyone,
Jill and Family

Paralympic Pictures

Earlier I told you about the US Paralympic Time trials that took place at ASU in Tempe. Here are some pictures that Sarah and I took of the event. Above is Eric Hightower - He will be competing in Bejing - he is a Arizona Native. Eric was born with Cerebral Palsy. I first met Eric out at Day on the Lake many years ago. Two more Arizona athletes supporting each other.

A blind gentleman participating in the Long Jump.

Wheelchair racers!
A Gentleman with a Below Knee Amputation - competing int he Long Jump.


This gentleman is has both legs amputated above the knee (AKA) and the gentleman behind him has one leg amputated below the knee. The gentleman with the AKA is the first known to compete in a timed trial. It was absolutely incredible to see him compete.

I hope you enjoy these pictures - these are some truly amazing people who have not allowed their disabilities to stop them!

Pictures for Nana's Birthday!

Happy Birthday Nana!!!!

Today is Nana's birthday!!!! We just wanted to say Happy Birthday Nana! You are an amazing person and I know Jodie and I are very lucky to have you as our Mother, we are also blessed for all the wonderful and valuable things you have taught us! Not only are you a wonderful Mother but you are an incredible "NANA" and I know all of your grandchildren think the world of you! You are also a terrific Mother-in-law!!!! We hope your birthday is as fantastic as you! May all your wished come true!

Happy Birthday to you!
Happy Birthday to you!
Happy Birthday dear NANA!!!
Happy Birthday to you!

We love you!!!
Love, Rob, Jill, Josh, Brad and Emmalee (and Jim)

Pictures to follow soon!