Busy Thanksgiving!

Normally, our Thanksgiving is pretty low-key. This year, however, Chelan's brother and family were here from California. And when they're here, it feels like we're on vacation, too! They were here for a whole week, and during that week there was plenty of eating (too much, probably), plenty of projects, plenty of football, plenty of catching up, and plenty of laughter. I didn't do a very good job of taking pictures, but I did get some good ones of the big football game on Wednesday afternoon!

Chayce is 4 years old and really wants to keep up with the "big boys!"

Looks like Chayce is going to get away!

The onlookers - Grandpa and Delaney

The little kids decided it would be more fun to watch cows than to watch a football game!

During the football game, Uncle Matt zoomed down the driveway with a go-cart - a surprise for all the boys! They spent the rest of the afternoon taking turns at riding and driving! I think Caiden was in pure "boy heaven!"

Chayce is all set to go!

We did celebrate Christmas while the California Duerksen's were here, so the kids got to open some presents throughout the week. Grandma and Grandpa had all kinds of projects lined up for the kids. They put together puzzles, painted metal flowers for Grandma's garden, went on a hike in their brand new orange sweatshirts, and even put together and painted wooden tractors and trucks.

It was such a fun week! I'm always amazed at how the cousins warm up to each other right away - as if they've never been apart! Even though they live so far from us, we are grateful for the times we can get together and catch up with our "far away" family!

Finn got in some tractor time before opening gifts one morning. He is almost 2 1/2.

Cambry, Caiden, Mace, Cale, and Chayce are sporting their new sweatshirts. No one will ever lose sight of them!

With so many boys in the house, someone was always being tackled!

Santa dropped some gifts outside and the kids had to go searching!

Cambry is diligently painting her flower for Grandma.

I think there was one John Deere flower, 3 K-State flowers, and 2 rainbow-ish flowers!

Finn and Delaney bonding at the activity table in the basement!

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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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