Days with the Dorans

 The way Al's dance studio works is you tell them how many dances you'd like your child to be considered for (the max you'll pay for) and then they will cast them in no more than that number.  Al's number was 3 this year and she was cast in two jazz numbers and a tap. What we didn't know is that they may also cast you as an understudy. Al was cast in another tap number and a lyrical as an understudy. She was worried about it at first because as an understudy you have to learn EVERYONE'S part which is a bit stressful (it's easier just to be in the dance and know your part. She actually had to go in for "Carmen Sandiego" as an understudy because someone wasn't able to make it. She did AMAZING. You can see for yourself by clicking HERE . I got a video of the dances since this was the only time I saw Al dance the number. I also got some stills but figured I've already posted enough pictures of her in the other numbers. She'll...

Nothing shows the passage of time like kids growing up! I can hardly believe that Jeff's niece Mary is getting married! It seems like yesterday I remember her twirling around at our wedding!  The wedding was on a Friday which meant no school for us (whooo hooo). We headed north and my boys looked sweet in their black converse (because dressing is expensive for a family of 6 and footwear that can be worn again is a bonus). As we pulled up to Grandma's, she was pulling out so I hopped in her car to go to the church to help decorate. We did little things and I think that the chairs looked great! JD and Abby were in the wedding and Abby did a beautiful job singing! Mary was a GORGEOUS bride (but there was never any doubt about that!!  The reception was a blast. The kids were so excited when they spied the dessert table (which was hard to miss since it was right next to OUR table). The food was yummy as were the desserts and the cousins had a blast rip...

 So Jeff and the Daves have been having fun hitting open mic nights and I was glad that I finally got to see them once. Our schedule is a bit nutty during the school year as you can imagine.  As soon as I dropped Al home from dance, I drove to the bar. Kyle, Kurt & Jojo were also there. The guys played a few songs and someone jumped in on a cajon to add a bit of percussion which was awesome. I didn't take any pictures of the fellas playing and Kurt left before I got a pic of him but I DID get video which you can see by clicking HERE . Looking forward to more jams!

Joe was not thrilled about doing track. Since it is pay to play (meaning you pay a flat rate so it was already paid through cross country), he ran. We figured it would keep him in shape for the fall. Joe ran two races. He ran the two mile and the 1/2 mile. He always ran the two mile first, had a short break and then ran the half mile. He always seemed a bit gassed for the half mile. His best 2 mile time was 13:37. His best half mile time was 3:03. Watching him run the 2 mile is my favorite. He has one pace it seems. He starts out in the back of the pack but little by little would pass many runners. I also loved watching his friends cheer him on. I know Papa loved watching him too.

Joe joined the jazz band this year which took place each Monday after school. Papa picked him up (since I couldn't get there by 4) and I know he really enjoyed their talks in the car. The concert fell on a rainy day but the Littles learned their umbrella hats were actually super functional! I loved listening to the band. They could wear what they wanted (so long as it was nice) and it was great because it was easy to spot Joe that way! It also very much reminded me of something that his Great Grandpa Jonasen would have loved. It actually made me quite misty-eyed. Seany was rocking in his seat and we had a lot of fun. Nana and Papa were there but, of course, Al was at.... dance... To see a video of the concert, click HERE.

I can't believe my Goose is TEN!!! I remember meeting him like it was yesterday. How I was so surprised that he was a boy and how I loved to just snuggle him. He is such a joy. He's our outdoor kid who is always on the go. We love him so much. I made him a video HERE of his first ten years and wow... so many memories!!  Because his birthday fell on Easter, it was a smaller gathering and I didn't get many pictures... Grandma came down and of course Nana and Papa were there along with us. He had a great day and was so thankful for all his gifts. HAPPY BIRTHDAY GOOSIE!! Double digits!!! From now until 99! You are soooooooo loved!

 Easter was a bit different than our usual. Our tradition has been that (unless we're out of state in Myrtle Beach) we go to church and then head north to Saginaw. Our morning was similar... the Easter bunny came, Jeff was off to play at church and the kids had fun looking for eggs and finding their "baskets." The afternoon was a bit different... No going north for us because it was Z's BIG! DECADE! BIRTHDAY!! It was a bit weird for me to have the other kiddos get things on Z's special day but I suppose if anyone knows what that's like it's this Christmas Eve babe! The kids baskets weren't really baskets at all but umbrella hats which turned out to be quite cool.  They knew which hat was theirs based on the color grass. The rest of the treats in their hats were the same. They got puzzles, candy and small notebooks to draw in. I'd say it was a good morning. We went to church later to remember the REAL reason for the celebration ...