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

Spring Art

While Mrs. Schmidt was away on maternity leave during the spring, Mr. Novak (from Hesston) filled in for her. Since Cambry has her first 3 class periods in the art room, she got to know him very well and he mentioned several times how he appreciated Cambry's artistic style and way of thinking. He even let her paint a little bit on his own pieces! Cambry took several pieces to the WSL art festival in April. She came home with a first place finish in the graphic design category and an honorable mention in the computer design category. We are so thankful for the instruction she has received over the last 4 years in Goessel. Now, on to Hesston College with Professor Cross!

July Highlights

July was a slow, meandering stroll through mid-summer. Slow as it was, there were some highlights: Lots of raspberries to pick - what a delight! Kenya continues to grow and learn how to take walks: Delaney loved her week at Camp Menno! Delaney and Jenna attended the KSU Volleyball camp: All 5 of us were in the SAME place at the SAME time to attend a beautiful wedding! Cambry found success at the Marion Co. Fair one last time with 4 purples and 1 red on her photos. Two of those purples turned into a Reserve Grand Champion and Grand Champion in her respective classes. Fun fact, as an assistant, she sat with her future art professor as he judged photos! Delaney and I were "guest readers" at the little kids' Splish Splash Party at church: Last but not least - the Paris Olympics started! We watched the opening ceremony at Vanessa's. I took an olympic flag fruit pizza to share with everyone: Next up: a busy month of transitions!

Days With the Duerksens

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