38 Weeks and Counting

We continue to count down the days until Baby Boy Fisher arrives---due Oct. 1st.

 Lately, I have been busy canning and freezing peaches as well as making salsa.  Madelyn is prepping to become a big sister.  She takes good care of her baby and has found an innovative way to give the baby a bath.

 Todd stays busy with men and women's soccer as well as volleyball games, in addition to his calling in the Young Men's organization.  Every work day, Madelyn and I stand at the door and waved Todd off to work.

"Bye Daddy, have a great day at work!"

First Ever UVU Mens Soccer Game

To take part in history, Debbie, Madelyn, and I attended UVU's first ever mens soccer game.  It was really fun to have Debbie in town and she even bought Madelyn a little UVU shirt to wear to the games.

 We made it extra fun by bringing freshly baked cookies and popcorn to snack on.  President Dieter Uchtdorf did the first kick of the game to commemorate the beginning of mens soccer.

 

 We saw several goals and lots of cheering to keep the game entertaining.

 Todd stopped by to grab a cookie and say "hi".  He had quite the time at work preparing for this big event.  I don't think his phone stopped ringing all day.  

Dallin Comes Out to BYU

What a remarkable thing to have my first nephew go to college! I had a wonderful time when Debbie and Dallin flew out to prep Dallin for BYU.  

 Madelyn and I helped them dorm shop as well as move into his new place.  Once Dallin was settled, we enjoyed Debbie while visiting Grams and Gordon several times, going on walks, and chatting.

Maddie Jane's 2nd Birthday

The weekend before Madelyn's birthday, we had a joint birthday party with Jill and Madelyn.  Their birthdays are two days apart so it was fun to have Madelyn celebrate birthday time with her grandma. 

 On Madelyn's birthday breakfast, we put a candle in her pancake and sang.

Then we took a walk on the trail and fed the ducks.

 

After dinner, we went to the park, another one of Madelyn's favorite activities. 

  Then after bathtime, we had her open presents.  She loved getting a new box of colors and a book, Baby Dear  (I received the same book when I turned two.  I was getting a baby brother two months later, just like Maddie is.)

South Padre Island Vacation and Reunion

In July, we flew into Houston and spent several days with Russ' family.  Maddie loved having so many fun cousins to play with.  Todd, David, McKay, and I were able to attend a Houston baseball game.  Each day, another one of my siblings arrived as we started gathering for the Shurtz Reunion.  Then on Monday, we took a little road trip with Suzanne to South Padre Island.  This reunion included my parents, siblings, and their children.  It was wonderful to all be together.  A real special time for us.   

 Madelyn loved having Carly and Daphne staying in the same beach house.

 Todd was the host for our Family Feud game.

 On Wednesday, we did traditional reunion activities, like "Let's Make a Deal". 

 One morning, we enjoyed swimming at the pool with Mom and Mike's family.

 We also enjoyed swimming at the beach several days.  Todd did some wave riding.  

 I loved the beauty of the beach!

 Madelyn's first reaction of the beach and water was one of "not that thrilled".  Todd took her straight in the water and I think she wasn't quite ready for it.  I know she was tried because only after a short time of being at the beach that morning, she was out cold.  Her second experience was much more enjoyable.  

 We had a sand castle building competition and thought ours turned out very impressive.

 Wednesday morning, the men went on a bay fishing trip.

  Todd said that they caught numerous fish but nothing really large.

I loved having all my siblings together and having the cousins play together.  Madelyn had lots of adopted mommies play and take good care of her.

Summertime Fun

This summer, Maddie Jane loves to play with rocks as well as pick our blackberries, peppers, and flowers. 

 Todd surprised me by bring this beautiful flower pot home.  He is so sweet!

 We picked apricots and realized we had an apricot thief in our home.  Madelyn would reach up, grab an apricot off the counter and go hide eating it.  This happened all day until we finished juicing them.  

 We enjoyed cooling off in the pool with Daddy.

Madelyn is learning how to ride her toys better.

 Probably her favorite activity is going to the park.  She always says, "Yay!" when I bring up that we are going.  She loves the swings and going down the slides.

She walks around the house singing her ABCs, and counting 1-10.  Lately, she has learned what each letter says, by singing, "The A says 'ahh', the A says 'ahh', every letter makes a sound, the A says 'ahh.'" [even though the part "every letter makes a sound", doesn't quite sound like that yet]  Her favorite songs are Popcorn Popping on the Apricot Tree and Book of Mormon Stories.

Woodbadge Training Scout Camp

Todd and Roger attended Camp Bartlett in Idaho for Woodbadge Scout Training.

They were busy in their groups---Todd, an owl and Roger, a beaver.  Leadership and scouting skills were the main things they reviewed.  Also, they did flag ceremonies, scouting cheers, and songs.

 During their down time, they went shooting and threw tomahawks. 

 Todd enjoyed his group, the Owl patrol.

 Even though Roger was in a different patrol, Todd was able to eat with Roger and do some of the training together.

 Their tents and campsite at Camp Bartlett

 Camp Bartlett