Days With the Duerksens

About 6 weeks ago, we came across an armadillo digging in the yard.  The other day I nearly stepped on a little brown bat in the back yard.  This week, this guy (or gal) has taken up residence near our shop - basically right across from our house.  It is remarkable how well it blends in with the tree trunks - and it is always beside a tree trunk during the day.  I think I've even walked right past it a few times without seeing it!  We're not sure, but we think it is very old and maybe on its last days.  It just kind of stares at us when we come close.  It's becoming almost like a pet to us - minus the petting! Who needs a zoo when we have all this? UPDATE (5/26) - Our owl friend has passed on. . .

As usual, May has been extremely busy, and we're only halfway through!  Our school year ended on the 11th - THE 11TH!  It was too early, but that's all behind us now, and we are enjoying free-er days! First up - Cambry's field trip to Kanopolis Lake and the Kansas Wetlands Education Center.  I was able to get away from teaching for a day to join her! Such a great tour guide! Lots of climbing and hiking Jake made his own paint! an owl friend at the Wetlands Center exploring  the owl pellet she was given Displaying the bones she found in the pellet Next up:  The Bin Project - Chelan bought a rather large grain bin at an auction last fall.  They spent many weekends tearing it down at the old place only to be put up again at our farm.  A couple of weekends ago, they had the perfect weather to get the bin standing up in its new location.  Thankfully, they called in some extra help - Cale showed up and our friend...

It's May!  School is out (so, so early)!  And I haven't posted anything since before Easter!  So many small events have happened, so I will try to catch up.  First - Easter!  I have such very random pictures from this day: Ty got a little excited and pulled his basket off the roof without the rest! The annual "Epp" pic Next - MAYB:  Caiden played with on a basketball team made up of Hillsboro and Hesston boys, plus him.  He had a great experience and gained a lot of confidence during their three tournaments. That was the goal!  A big thank-you to his coaches:  Damion and Micah Ratzlaff of Hillsboro.  They were such good influences and Caiden got along with them extremely well (wish they were in the pic)! L to R: Caiden, Ty, Frank, Ryan, Breckyn, Grayson, Max Next up:  Chelan had a birthday! I think that's all for April!