Days With the Duerksens

In January, Caiden got word that he had been invited to the 8-Man All-Star Football Game in Beloit, KS, which would take place in June. What an opportunity! We are so proud of his accomplishments this year, and this was just the icing on the cake of a successful senior year. Caiden arrived in Beloit on Tuesday morning and lived and practiced with his team until Saturday, when the game was played. Overall, this was a fantastic experience for him and a little preview of what dorm life might be like next fall.  Chelan and I went up on Friday night to participate in their "Friday Night Lights" program - basically a video of highlights from the week. It was a joy to watch and listen to all the boys interacting with each other throughout the evening and to see where he lived for a week. On Saturday morning, the game began at 10 a.m. - it was a rather steamy event due to hot and humid conditions. Unfortunately, Caiden's team (the West) fell short, but we like to say they won the

As a 6th grader, this was Delaney's last year to attend VBS as a student, and since I wasn't a director this year, I was able to help out with her class. She was thrilled that our church joined with Tabor 6th graders for the week. Pastor Caleb, Michelle Unruh, and I carted the 7 girls around the area to participate in some service projects.                                                     These projects included: Monday - MDS Cabinet Shop in Goessel Learning to drill with Cleo Coop 8 cabinet face frames completed Tuesday - MCC Center to recycle and pack school kits Wednesday - Et Cetera Shop sorting Sorting Christmas ornaments at Et Cetera Thursday - Visiting at Bethesda Home and working on a mural to give them as a gift Friday - Baking cookies for the Tabor VBS Staff meal It was a fun-filled, full week!

The Cottonwood tree stood guard over the farm for 130 years, but around 5:30 a.m. on May 31, a bolt of lightning finally did it in for good. It had been struck by lightning several times before, but this time, a fire inside of the tree resulted in its need to be pushed over. So, once again, clean-up ensued! We will miss its wide-reaching shade, the critters that called it home, and its stately presence on the yard. Thanks to Trissa for this pic (taken just the day  before).

 Just when our yard was blooming in all its springtime splendor, the very  next day after Caiden's graduation party, a hail storm took its toll on it all! I hadn't seen or heard hail like that...maybe ever! It was a good reminder that nature can be quite fragile...and powerful at the same time!

Ty is 2 days older than Caiden. Mace is 1 month younger. Growing up with cousins so close in age is amazing!  Ty has been Caiden's golfing buddy. Mace will be his roommate next year at KSU. Sandwiched between them has made childhood pretty sweet!  We are so thankful for these instant friends!  Congratulations, Ty and Mace!