One box = lots of fun

Who needs all the toys? One simple box means 20 minutes of sheer enjoyment for a little 10 month old. Love how they do the same things over and over and never get sick of it. Get on the box, drop the drink. Get off the box, pick up the drink, get back on the box. Haha. So funny to quietly watch. Luke's definitely starting to be more aware and copying things others do. His latest thing is putting things in a bucket, then taking them out. Putting them in, taking them out. I love it, get a kick out of it everytime.

He is walking!

Luke is officially walking. and Dancing. Pretty darn cute. Good job little buddy!

Sarah Hays Shurtz

One of my dearest friends passed away 3 days ago. She fought the fight of her life and is now at peace on the other side. We miss her so much but feel comfort in knowing we will be with her again. I am so grateful for the knowledge of the Plan of Salvation, eternal families, and the peace that knowledge brings. Sarah, you are the most beautiful person, inside and out. We love you forever.

Sarah Hays Shurtz (June 7, 1981 ~ Nov. 1, 2011)

June 7, 1981 ~ Nov. 1, 2011

Sarah Hays Shurtz, age 30, passed away Tuesday, November 1, 2011 from her 16-month battle with cancer through which she courageously and gracefully fought to the end. Sarah, an Oregon native, was born June 7, 1981 in Grants Pass, Oregon to Lewis Hays and Donna McKenna Dotson.

Sarah was an avid runner who qualified for the Boston Marathon in 2007. She loved the outdoors, and enjoyed hiking, camping, competing in triathlons and various other races. Everyone who knew Sarah was captivated by her beautiful smile and laughter. She was a genuine friend to those who knew her. Her love for family and friends was apparent to all.

Sarah, a registered sonographer, loved working in the medical profession as she had a tremendous gift to love and serve those around her.

She met her husband Dan Shurtz in Salt Lake City in 2006. They were married in the Mt. Timpanogos LDS Temple on September 18, 2010. Sarah and Dan enjoyed an active outdoor lifestyle appreciating the beautiful simplicity of life with "Sam", their dog and loyal travel companion.

She is survived by her loving husband Daniel Ray Shurtz; her parents Lewis Hays and Donna (Buster) Dotson; her siblings Jamie (Nick) DeVos, Phillip (Chantel) Hays, James Hays and Rebekah (Traven) Haaga.

Funeral services will be held Saturday, November 5, 2011 at 11:00 am in the Union Park LDS 5th Ward Chapel (7699 S. Chad Street, Midvale, UT ). Viewings will be held Friday, November 4th from 6 to 8:00 pm and again on Saturday, November 5th from 9:30 to 10:45 am in the Union Park LDS 5th Ward Chapel. Burial will be in the Larkin Sunset Gardens Cemetery in Sandy, UT.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in Sarah's name to the Utah Cancer Foundation or The Block Center for Integrative Cancer Treatment.

Stuffed Peppers

Chris and I made these stuffed peppers for dinner tonight. Actually, it was pretty much Chris that made them. Ground turkey, peppers, garlic, onions, tomatoes, brown (or spanish) rice, cheese. 

They are seriously delicious. Try them. Good job honey.

http://recipes.sparkpeople.com/recipe-detail.asp?recipe=183604

STILL CHEWING

To follow up on Luke's furniture chewing habit, please see below. Obviously he's still at it...

I don't care what chris says, i love his little slippers :)

absolutely loves this remote (and to chew on it). if you take it away or try to give him a different one he knows!!!

on a more positive note, Luke's starting to free stand, sometimes 30 seconds or a minute at a time. pretty fun to see him gaining confidence in himself. his balance is quite good actually.

and one more quick nibble.

Luke's 4th bottom tooth popped through this week (8 teeth now) so I'm sure that contributes to all the chewing. We don't mind a few paint chips missing here and there. It's all worth it for this cute, happy boy.

The Magic Licorice

Amanda came to visit us for a few days (which I will post about soon, was really fun) so I had to drop her off at the airport two nights ago. I left Luke at home with Dad, not even thinking twice about it. Well, I called Chris on my way home from dropping Mandy off and lets just say Luke was not a happy camper. He screamed for 30 min straight, bloody murder. Poor Chris, didn't know what to do. Poor Luke, got another tooth, has been sick, and didn't know what to do with himself apparently (b/c this is not normal behavior). After all that crying when Chris had him mostly settled down, he found the LAST piece of licorice in the house and gave it to Luke. Licorice is like his favorite thing apparently. Dad propped 3 pillows for him, sat him down, and Luke started laughing and jabbering away, chewing on his licorice. SO FUNNY! Chris is like, why didn't I think of that earlier?! Lesson learned, a piece of licorice goes a long way. 

when he first got the licorice

after a few seconds, lounging

 little stinker. loving life. happy as can be

Baby Cougars

Just catching up with all these blog posts. Been a busy month. We went to the Bewsey's this past Saturday to watch the BYU game. The three kids got all suited up in their BYU attire to watch the game. Or, to distract everyone from watching the game! Pretty darn cute, I must say. I have a feeling these three are going to be great pals.

 Luke, Quinn and Max

Max, always eyeing everyone's toys. Haha.

Cornbelly's

We spent a lovely evening last week with the Coombs family at Cornbelly's (Thanksgiving Point) - corn maze, pumpkin patch, rides, games, kettle corn...fun for all. We learned that Scott is a true cowboy and can lasso like none other,  Cassie is the quickest at duck races ;), Chris is the one you want to help you out of the corn maze, and Amy has a great shot with the paint ball gun! Really fun night - the kids loved it, and so did we!

Mr. & Mrs. Nielson

Alli and Derek got married a week and a half ago in the Salt Lake City temple. Mr. & Mrs. Nielson. It was a perfect day and perfect weekend. Alli looked absolutely gorgeous and they seemed so happy. What a great couple. A bunch of the Psillos's came out and Aunt Barbara; all of the love and support Alli had was awesome. Here are a bunch of pics from our fun weekend. Thanks for being here everyone, really meant a lot. We miss you!!

they were so excited when they came out. just adorable!

the beautiful bride getting ready for her big day

thanks for all the love and support everyone. and for making the trip out here.

cute daddio

and cute boy! he really held up like a trooper even though he was not feeling tip top. 

that was a tired boy. grandma had the gentle touch.

so fun seeing the hundertmarks! we love you guys!

zeke looking quite dapper!

jess and ellie. so fun having you guys here.

loved their cake!

and yet again, thanks julia for the beautiful bridesmaid dresses. they were perfect.

my handsome boys!

the grand exit. it was awesome.

it was such a fun time hanging out with everyone. plenty of trips to cafe rio!

congratulations alli & derek. we love you. so happy for you. and happy you live in utah!!