Days with the Dorans

Jessica, Jenny and I put out there again that we'd have another high school low-key reunion at the bar.  Only eight people came and the night was fun and interesting... I'll leave it at that. Jessica and I had a blast though and we definitely need to do it again! The strangest thing about the night was that I felt some guy looking at me and suddenly he says, "Can I ask you something... Are you a teacher?" When I said yes he said, "I think you were my second grade teacher!" I asked him his name and as soon as he said it, I saw his second grade self in his face.  I knew exactly who he was! He's currently a teacher and so is his brother (who I also had).  He said that neither of us had changed. I will take that as a compliment~ though clearly this kiddo has changed a bit since I had him when he was 8. Love it when I get to see my kids all grown up!!

 It was SO great getting back to the Elk, especially since last year we didn't go because we had our new puppy at home. Marty got to spend a few days with Nana and Papa while we headed north for a much-needed mini Doran vacay! As soon as we got there, we headed to the lake for some fun! The kiddos were playing and Ali of course was dancing. I snapped this picture which then caused Al to say, "Ready?" again and again and again and again... (for more pictures). She's really a pretty dancer and the pictures turned out great.  Jeff, of course, had tried to do what Al was doing and we all had a great laugh that she learned all her tricks from him. There's nothing better in this world than hearing my family laugh together! The set up this year was Al and Sean on the pull out couch in the bedroom, Joe on the pull out in the living room and Z on the pull out chair in the living room. We took advantage of the beds at night and had family movie night. We watc...

 Jeff had a great 41st birthday. The two of us headed to CJs (since we now have an almost teenager) for lunch and drinks and had a great time. It was fun to be out with just the two of us. After lunch, we got the kids and headed to the lake. I think Jeff was surprised because the Gerkens and the Gearys came over to celebrate with us! Al had to leave for a little bit for soccer (which I know Jeff didn't mind- he loves that she plays) but came back after for cake. He had a great day and my folks got him a disc golf hole to practice on so we played that and of course some Corn Hole with the Gearys! It was the perfect way to celebrate a summer birthday! The gifts we got him were delivered earlier from Amazon with pictures on the boxes so he opened them early... I shop on Amazon all the time and it figures that the time I order a gift it's delivered with a big picture on the front... (sigh)  Even Marty joined in on the fun. I think he was just hoping for some cake but he...

 On our trip to the Dentist last week, we learned that Zach had TWO cavities! To be honest, I was nervous for him.  My last cavity was in 1983 and it wasn't a great experience... mostly because I was scared and a friend told me it was AWFUL. I screamed before Dr. S. even touched my mouth! I love my dentist (same guy who filled my tooth back in '83). It is like walking back in time when you go to his office- typewriter (no computer), etcha-sketch and more! He's super nice and Dr. S. also gave me a lesson in dentistry today! He shared with me (and Z) the X-rays and how (and why) Z needed a filling.  The cavities he had were on separate sides (one on top and one on bottom) and both were between teeth- meaning brushing wouldn't have helped but flossing would have! They are both baby teeth so he could have a mouth with no cavities again one day. I got to watch up close all the different things he did to Z's teeth (drilling, filling, etc) and it was so cool...

So Al just completed her Intensive Week and Auditions for the Classy Dancer Team.  I relate it to a sort of "Hell Week" in sports. She dances Monday- Thursday 9-6 but also practiced one night with friends until 8:30. Every night (even after the night with friends) she was practicing on her own. She even taught Seany the Hip-Hop combo even though she wasn't trying out for that. Auditions were on Friday from 8:30-3:30. Ali Jane grew so much as a dancer this year and I wish I would have taped her last "show"~ which is where they perform their combinations and student choreography for parents (since we aren't allowed in auditions). Despite her growth, she is still not confident in herself which made me sad. She often talks about demonstrating and the nice compliments she gets from teachers and friends but during the 'show' she always went near the back. When I asked her to move up she said, "I don't know this one that well" even thou...

 It's hard to believe my Nana (aka Great-Nan) is 98 years old! I love that she's smiling in this picture but the truth is she's really suffering from dementia now. It's really hard for her because I can see in her eyes she no longer recognizes us. My brother and I have always been so close to the Jonasens and it's so strange to know she's sweet to us but does not know who we are. I know this is difficult for my mom too who cares for her and does so much for her! I think she enjoyed the company and I know she loved listening to Joe play the piano. Just wish she'd remember it... maybe in her dreams! Love you, Nan! Two years to 100!