Days With the Duerksens

August was full of milestones; most notably, Caiden's move to college! For this year, he will be a resident of Haymaker Hall in room 131 with Mace. Thankfully, he has made some friends with guys on his hall and he has a good job working athletic events. So far, so good, even though it feels a little strange around here! How many minds does it take to make the best arrangement? Milestone #2: Another school year begins! Cambry is a junior and Delaney is in 7th grade. I am beginning my 7th year as the JH ELA teacher in Goessel. Milestone #3: Caiden had his very last appointment with his pediatrician, Dr. Patron. It was almost like saying good-bye to a part of the family! One of the first exams (3-19-2004) Last exam: August 2022 Milestone #4: Cambry finally found a car that she could use to drive to work and school (after a loonngg summer of looking and waiting for Dad to find the perfect one)!  Milestone #5: Delaney turned 12 years old - almost a teenager! This one is a real go-getter

We were happy to take a trip to California this summer - mostly to see Treg, Candace, and the boys - but also to tour Alcatraz and the Monterey area. We had a great time with easy travel (mostly), and it was so nice to see family again after one year. Since I made a separate book about our trip, here are just a few highlights from each stop on our journey.

Another summer flew by in a flash, and tomorrow I go back for my 7th consecutive year teaching middle school ELA in Goessel. This summer had its share of challenges (lightning strike, hail, HOT weather, well water pump problems), but overall, we did have time to relax and recharge before another busy school year. Here are some random photos from July and August.  LOTS of swimming: Wheat harvest was a bit of a bummer because some of it was hailed out, but we managed to enjoy the tradition anyway without a lot of setbacks. One setback with 30 acres left to go - the header bar broke.  Tracking Grandpa's return from the elevator. More swimming: Another trip to Camp Mennoscah We worked to get Caiden ready for K-State. He moves in on August 17! Coach Tang showed up at orientation! This pile grew throughout the summer! I worked on putting together some new bookshelves for my classroom.  Another painting project we completed was our new front porch railing (I just don't have pictures o