Days With the Duerksens

As much as Caiden would love to be playing football, he's still not quite old enough - at least for jr. high sports.  He will have to wait another year.  However, he is one of the managers for the jr. high football team this year.  He's loving it - and he's learning a few things for next year!  It's been a good fit for him so far.  Even though it is requiring more driving for us, we know that the football field is exactly where he wants to be after school! Last Friday was the Fall Sports Preview Night, so I snapped a few pictures: 6th grade co-managers He was pretty excited when he found out that managers get to wear jerseys, too!

bright and early at 6:52 a.m. Here it is - the first day of a new school year.  It feels like everything is new this year:  Caiden is in a new building with practices after school, Cambry is in the "big kids'" hall at the grade school, and Delaney is beginning Kindergarten. Oh, and I am suddenly a para at the high school in the mornings. Can a transition get much bigger?  Probably, but this one felt pretty big! One of the best "new" thing is that we are ALL up and at 'em in the morning - no more tiptoe-ing around while Delaney sleeps on.  I've been waiting 6 years for this and it is so refreshing! The morning at home went smoothly, my responsibilities at school went smoothly, and hopefully the kids' days at school went well.  Delaney's teacher said there were some tears during the morning - I think mainly around p.e. time.  But Delaney tells me that p.e. was her favorite part, so . . .  We'll see what tomorrow brings! Kindergarten ...

Here's what we were up to as summer drew to a close: Dancing in the hay field  Biking in the hay field?  Peek-a-Boo  Swimming Those blue eyes!  Water Baseball  The Outfield:  Have you ever seen a cicada hatch out of its shell?  We did a couple of times this summer - and I had never ever before seen that!  Kind of creepy-looking! Playing with Lego - Cambry was proud of this cart she made (without instructions, she repeatedly told me)! Playing with the kittens

While Delaney is learning to ride her bike: She is not excited about this! Caiden is learning how to drive the swather (and tractors): Chelan has been a busy teacher here at the end of summer!  Delaney has since learned to ride her bike on her own (for little bits).  And Caiden also had a chance to move some bales with the tractor on his own.   As summer ends, it is Caiden and Delaney who are facing big transitions at school. Caiden will be entering middle school tomorrow as a 6th grader and Delaney will begin Kindergarten.  Just like with learning to drive, both are feeling a little anxious about school.  And yet, coincidentally, I think we're all ready for it.  New experiences always feel better once they are set in motion!

Delaney turned 5 one day and started ballet the next.  Monday afternoon was her first dance class, and she was very excited.  However, I left her in the studio in tears.  For 45 minutes I wondered whether she was crying or dancing.  Luckily, her teacher informed me that she had done great - the tears didn't last long.  And she's already counting the days until her next class!

5 year old Elsa? With school starting next week, it's high-time this girl turned 5!  I've considered her 5 all summer, but on Sunday it became official!  This girl is spunky, smart, clever, organized, dramatic, loud, and definitely busy.  Any toy we have in this house has been played with by her - and sometimes only her.  Whether it's the "Lego Game," the "Dollhouse Game," or the "Paper Doll Game," (games that she and Cambry have created), those two girls are always busy playing.  We are so grateful for that creativity and for the sister relationship they have (for right now at least)! At age five, here is a glimpse of what she's into:  She likes the color pink.  Her best friend is Jenna.  She loves bbq meatballs and watermelon.  She loves to sing and swim and dance.  She loves princesses (hence the princess party).  She wants to be a fashion designer when she grows up.  She likes to pretend - a lot! We love you Delan...

Cale and Mace came over last week for a little "work date."  Corral fences needed painting and the squeeze chute was needing a new coat of paint.  So, with three boys, one grandpa, and one Chelan - they got to work.  I wouldn't say this was tops on their list for favorite summer activities, but after some teaching, listening, reteaching, more listening, and paint everywhere (and all over them) - they did accomplish one coat of paint on the squeeze chute and finished the long section of the fence.  Caiden was much more willing with cousins around to help.  The job isn't finished yet, but slowly, it will get done - much to Caiden's delight (not).   Thanks to Trissa for coming out to help on the second day - such a good daughter to come help her dad!  I have to admit I stayed away from the painting - I found plenty to do inside! It was HOT and STEAMY - this was Mace's solution!