Days With the Duerksens

While Cambry has been in 4-H for 3 years, we haven't ever been too involved in the Marion Co. Fair.  Last year, we left for vacation right after her foods/clothing judging, and the year before that, she only had 1 project.  This year, however, we have been back and forth to Hillsboro all week! Tuesday :  Cambry had her foods and clothing judging.  Here are her results for her three baked items: Zucchini Muffins - blue ribbon Soft Molasses Cookies - purple ribbon .  This was her very first purple ribbon in her three years of 4-H.  And, coincidentally, I took this very same recipe when I was ten years old.  We didn't realize it was the same recipe until after the fact! Banana Almond Bread - blue ribbon  The judge is pointing out some things about the banana bread Then, onto her clothing construction judging - she got a purple ribbon .  This was surprising given the fact that she took off the waistband twice, then melted part...

Delaney had a fun week - her FIRST lost tooth (she was thrilled with two quarters the next morning):  AND a blue ribbon at the Marion Co. Fair for her Lego display:  Jungle Explorers (open class - original design)!

My parents hosted a family reunion at their place for the 4th.  It had been about 7 years since the last one, so it was time!  I enjoyed catching up with family I haven't seen in a while and the kids had a blast in the pool - even making some new friends! Little Carly was quite a hit! My cousin, Erin, and her son Jax - plus 2 of her nephews My Uncle Lynn must be telling quite a story!! My Aunt Sharon, Great Uncle Johnny, Mom, Dad, and my Great Uncle Wilbert Big group - still missing quite a few! The girls with Emerson Hiebert, my cousin's daughter Siblings - Lynn, Sharon, Dad.  Just missing Starlet, who lives in WA Little Harper - such a cutie! Chelan and I embarked on a paddle boat ride A little firecracker - Ava Hiebert  A few of us stayed for fireworks! chasing parachutes  

We took off for OKC last weekend with no real plan - except for having a hotel booked.  It was lovely!  We made ourselves quite at home in the hotel and realized we hadn't spent more than one night in a hotel together before - four nights in one place felt like a luxury.  We did a fair amount of relaxing, swimming, and sightseeing.  In fact, we explored several districts in the city during our stay. Day 1:  Zoo, Bricktown, Oklahoma City Memorial These chimps had quite the chasing game going - so fun to watch! Snacks in bed in the middle of the afternoon?  Why yes, of course! Jumping on beds?  Absolutely! These "tailgate benches" were so cute at Toby Keith's I Love This Bar & Grill So calm and peaceful now - a stark contrast to that awful day in 1995. Can you spot Delaney? Day #2:  Myriad Botanical Gardens, Movie, Escape Room, Land Run Monument I enjoyed my time in the "Crystal Bridge"...