Our Trip to California!

We were lucky enough to find time for a vacation to California this past weekend! Chelan's brother, Treg and his family, live north of Fresno at Lake Millerton. A couple of months ago, we arranged a trip to see them, especially our little 2-year old nephew, Chayce. Unfortunately, as we arrived in Fresno, Chayce came down with a fever that lasted our entire stay. We didn't get to see as much of him or Candace as we had liked, but we really did enjoy our vacation! Treg took us to Yosemite National Park on Thursday and Friday -- we even stayed night at the historic Wawona Hotel, a beautiful place! Our room didn't have a bathroom, however, so it was a cold trip down the hall to take a shower! Luckily, Cambry didn't wake up during the night to go to the bathroom like she usually does! The pictures really don't do the park justice -- you have to go there to experience the awesome-ness (?) of the area. I had lots of "God-moments" while we were there -- amazed at what He has created!

We tried to make a 2 mile hike up to the giant Sequoias. However, this only lasted about 1/2 mile. Treg and Chelan never would have made it with kids on their shoulders! We waited for the road to open on Friday morning and drove the 2 miles instead! :)

Our family posing under the "California Tunnel Tree" at the Mariposa Grove of Giant Sequoias

Sitting in front of the view of Yosemite Valley -- just beautiful!

The upper and lower Yosemite Falls -- April was a great time to go because all of the waterfalls were just gushing from the snow melt!

Our first view of the floor of Yosemite Valley

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Pre-Christmas Surprise

On Dec. 22, I woke up to Caiden not feeling well. In fact, he said he hadn't ever felt the kind of pain he was experiencing that morning. Reluctantly, I made an appointment. Long story, short - it was good he complained because he ended up having his appendix out that afternoon! It must have been at the very beginning stages and thankfully hadn't burst. So, we were in and out of the hospital by midnight that night. Maybe the worst part about the whole thing is that his wisdom teeth surgery had to be postponed since it was supposed to be the very next week. He'll go back to school minus an appendix, but still having his wisdom teeth until February 16! Pre-op Post-op

League Champs!!

Delaney and her teammates had an amazing volleyball season! They ended the season undefeated in the Wheat State League, and they only lost 2 matches overall. They had a notable win over Moundridge, 2 wins over Elyria, and THREE wins over Little River - all teams we have had trouble with in the past. They were so fun to watch, working as a team and developing throughout the season, and they ended as the league tournament champs. Thanks to Raechel Boese and Tara Churchill for their work with these ladies. What a fantastic way to end Delaney's middle school volleyball days! The immediate aftermath of a 3-set win over Elyria for the League Championship! A Team 8th Graders Team Selfie Coaches Churchill and Boese Scenes from the BIG win over Moundridge:

Mid-Summer Happenings

I'm trying to remember that I craved "slow and easy" days during the school year, and I feel like that's what I've had this summer. It has been refreshing to wake up in the morning and have a flexible to-do list; although I have to admit that some days do feel long. I suppose that helps me appreciate my teaching job! In not particular order, here's what we've been up to: Endless fixing and revamping in the shop: Digging up potatoes and pulling up a generous onion crop! Look at the size of that potato! The 4th of July fireworks were outdone by the sky this year! Enjoying my walks at sunset: Many, many green beans to can and pickle. Thanks to the girls for cleaning and stemming them! I had been keeping tabs on an Oriole nest near the garden, and one Sunday, I witnessed the "fly-away!" It was a noisy affair as the parents and babies kept calling back and forth. I almost can't get over the fact that I had time to stand and watch the whole affair

Days With the Duerksens

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