Hysterectomy

Striking a quick pose before getting hooked up to iv's and monitors. I had a Total Laparoscopic Hysterectomy (left the ovaries). So glad to be done dealing with low iron issues and blood work!

Recovery.  I was ready to leave about 5 hours after my surgery. Gratefully everything went well.

Look what was waiting for me by the front door when I got home, a sweet package from Danica.  "I'm so glad we have a girl!" I told David.  She had decorated it so sweet- Careful, this box is full of love! and written a card.  My sweet sister Christine sent me a surprise package of peanut butter m&m's.  My parents sent a beautiful bouquet of flowers.  Dave has taken such good care of me and enabled me to rest.  We've had meals brought in for several days.  I'm so grateful for the many kind people who have made this easier on me and my family! 

Beautiful flowers from my parents.   

Welcoming Teddy Bear; Danica's Turns 10

Danica got a hamster for her birthday. She is thrilled beyond measure! We found one on Craigslist for only $25 that came with everything we need. Here is little Teddy Bear:

Danica has been so cute with her. She is glad to have another girl in the house. She puts her in an exercise ball and let's her roam around her room. She wrote up a schedule for the hamster which I thought was darling: 
8:47 eat a treat 
8:49 run on wheel 
8:51 chew toys and burrowing time
8:54 nap time

Shurtz and Fuller Reunions

Friday was the Shurtz Reunion, followed with the Fuller reunion that evening.  The younger cousins put on a play.  The kids really liked launching water balloons and trying to catch them with towels.

The little ones did bubbles. 

We also did Lets Make a Deal, a Shurtz grandchild favorite.   

Uncle Russ was playing with big cash.  He had a $20 going on his tray, but also a dirty diaper.   He's good at keeping the stakes high for the older kids! 

Aunt Catherine put together a trivia game, with a question about each person in the family.   We had a highly competitive game between the Cougars and Cosmo.  Grandma kept bringing out goodies and snacks.

Uncle Gerry was the score keeper.

I am so grateful for these amazing parents.  I couldn't have asked for any better.   

Here's our family in our new cougar shirts.

Drew got in a soccer game at the Fuller Reunion, so it was a successful evening.  The adults took on the kids and gave them a good run for their money.  Mom set out the last of grandma Fuller's things for everyone to go through.  I got a couple of antique books, a metal tray from the 1800's that my great grandmother Barbara Annie played with, and grandma's perfume,

Russell's family was leaving for Seattle to catch a flight to Anchorage.  The girls got one last picture together. 

Danica had to travel home on her birthday.  On the morning of her birthday, she opened a birthday card that had a coupon for "One Hampster", which is just what she wanted.  She was excited to get home and pick out her first furry pet.

The VIP Tour at the Family History Library

 We had a few hours between the luncheon and reception, so Dad took us on a tour of the Family History Library to show us what he and mom do on their mission.

We went to their office and he showed us the missionaries in their zone, how it's organized, etc.   

Devin tried out grandpa's chair and gave it his approval. 

Here's what they call the help window, where patrons come with questions.  It was fun to see all the places we've been hearing about in their letters.

Dad showed us the microfiche and explained what it is to the children.  All of us had just participated in a world wide indexing event, so we could explain to Danica that the indexing she did helped make records like these searchable online. 

Then we got to use "dusty."  The books and microfiche have to be dusted regularly.  Everyone got a turn to help.

We met quite a few missionaries that Dad and Mom serve with.  Each had high praise for my wonderful parents.  We saw the back rooms where the books are prepared for scanning and digitizing.  We saw the missionaries working on the inventory of 400,000 books.  A lot of good work is happening there.

Suzanne's Wedding

Suzanne and Steve Clark were married on July 21, 2016, and what a special day it was!  They made such a handsome couple.  We love Steve already; he is a wonderful addition to the family.  All the Shurtz's were able to be there except for Rebecca, whose doctor didn't give her permission to travel since baby Caroline is due next month.

Suzanne has been such a special aunt to these nieces and nephews!  Christine, Catherine, and me with our only daughters.

Drew requested to babysit Maddie and Ethan.  He really bonded with them when he spent time with in Utah for EFY.  The waiting room at the Salt Lake temple was packed with Shurtz grandchildren.

We had a nice luncheon at the Lion House.  The Clark's invited all the nieces and nephews, which was a real treat!  Devin took a quick nap while we waited for the bride and groom to finish pictures.  He was worn out from a busy day with the Klein's, playing at a water park and taking a three mile hike.

The reception that evening was held at a lovely older style ward building. What a memorable day!