Days with the Dorans

 The Dorans broke from their tradition of hosting NYE celebrations and went out with friends, and boy did we have fun. We made some cool new friendships in 2016. Here's the breakdown... in 2016 we started hanging out with our friends, the Cosmans. Jeff and Dave met while coaching Joe and Gabe, and Jojo and I became fast friends! (I should mention Kyle and Jodi, too, but they weren't with us for NYE.) The Cosmans live in our neighborhood (or in one of the neighborhoods that links to ours). Ty and Ang also moved to our neighborhood and live REALLY close to the Cosmans. This summer/fall we had a lot of fun getting together to eat, drink and be merry! The Cosmans also have friends (Eric and Kurt) who I became fast friends with! They came to many of the neighborhood gatherings and when they invited us to their place for NYE fun, we were in! We had fun eating, drinking and playing "Cards Against Humanity". Oh my gosh... fun game, but horrible! Tee hee hee... ...

It's tradition!! I love my annual meet up with my Capricorn Friends. I don't remember when we started doing this, but I love that I was invited. I work with Chrissy and Dawn who were already great friends with Matt. Years ago they were getting together for birthdays, realized I was a Capricorn~ I got my invitation and I guess you'd say the rest is history! Dawn and Chrissy are two of my favorite friends from work and Matt has become one of my besties too. We're all looking for that million dollar idea to make us rich!  Until then, we'll keep teaching and getting together around our birthdays to eat Olgas, laugh and cry! Love you guys!!

 I love this girl! I can't believe that it's been 12 years since we first met! What a blessing she is to me. We woke up on December 28th and had her open her gifts. She got a TDS hat, shirt, ballet band and a new bike helmet (that will go with a much-needed bigger bike in the spring). We didn't do friend parties this year, so instead Al chose to go see the movie "Sing". We invited the cousins and Nana and Papa to join us. It was a super cute movie! Then we came back for gifts, salad, pizza, games, cake and ice cream. The game of choice for us grown-ups was "Bounce It" (we've played this lots over break).  The kids get along so well too, so they were busy playing and having fun. I love that the cousins never want to leave. I'm sure my brother doesn't love it so much, but I do. Ali Jane, you're TWELVE!! This is it- the year I stopped growing. Here's to hoping you grow A LOT this year and get taller than I am! I have a feel...

 The day after Christmas we headed to Saginaw for Christmas! Sadly, the Gillespie boys weren't there. Cole was sick. It's been so long since we've seen them. Mary also couldn't come since she was working so I didn't get my cousins picture. I should have just taken one with my kids and Grandma but I didn't... Oh well. We were so excited to give Grandma her gift A ROOMBA! She loved it and has texted me a few times thanking me which was awesome! Although our gathering was a little smaller than Christmases past, it was just as sweet. We all enjoyed the company and food. After dinner they played games and Jeff and I tried to put together a robot that Z got. It was IMPOSSIBLE and we felt quite dumb. Thankfully he could play with it without the added parts.

In the afternoon, we headed to Commerce for Christmas. Marty and Gordie both got to come too and they were SOOOOO happy! They played most of the time and got a special meal before taking a nice nap! Papa played Santa as he always does. He goes a little too fast for my liking. I'm sure his pace is just right for the kids (at least the Littles). Everyone had such nice things. We were able to celebrate with the older and younger Drapals and Auntie Barbara (who we should probably start calling Busia!!!- We know what Nicole is having but perhaps I shouldn't post it here in case someone reads it) and Gary also came for dinner which was delicious.  All the kids had fun playing but, as always, I think the oldest kids usually have the most fun! We also had fun playing the game "Watch Your Mouth!" which was hilarious! Steph and I got virtual reality goggles which was fun. I saw these at the ATandT store the day before and had fun "riding" on Pete's ...

3:27am! That's what time it was when the kids burst into our room to let us know that Santa had come! We told them they needed to stay in bed until at least 6am! Shortly after 6am, we headed downstairs. It was a WONDERFUL Christmas. Everyone got a few things that they loved but not too much. My favorite was watching the hugs and thank yous. I remember when they needed to be prompted, now the appreciation comes naturally. Jeff and I are doing our job.  After a nap and walk for Marty, we played a little of Pie-Face which was a blast! We got some good play time in prior to heading to Nana and Papa's to celebrate with the Drapals. HA! I have no idear what was going on in this picture prior to opening the last gifts (the ones from Santa)... Maybe dad was telling them to wait a bit! I also made a little video from pictures I took that you can see HERE . Blessed.

 I had the MOST amazing birthday ever!! My kids woke me up so sweetly and gave me little presents they had bought me from the dollar store and Jeff gave me a card with THIS in it! I can't wait!!  After, we spent the morning making cookies for Santa. Ali and Goosie were the only kiddos that wanted to help with this part this year. I assure you they WEREN'T the only kiddos who wanted to EAT those cookies!  What made this birthday my best was what happened next. For my birthday, I wanted us all to go to my Nana's to sing carols to her. Her dementia is really bad now. It breaks my heart and I literally pray each morning and night that she's sleeping and having wonderful dreams and memories. My hope was that hearing the carols would stir some memory or at least some happiness.  The three big kids played instruments (as did my mom) and we all sang along. Nana smiled and sang a bit with us. I held her hand. When she looked at me, I was sure she h...