Days with the Dorans

What a crazy growing up year it's been for Joey! He's really liking high school and has a "girlfriend" that he asked to homecoming. He and I went out to find something to kind of go with Ella's dress (at least as best we could). It was a group affair. We got some great service and the ladies there were very helpful. Bonus~ since one of the ladies was a manager, I also got a great deal! So Joe is all ready to go. I also loved coming in on this sweet moment of Jeff teaching Joey how to tie his tie. My boy is growing up. I couldn't be more proud.

And the boy loves his penguins...

  I am not a huge fan of fairs and either is my family. Joey did go up one day to walk around with friends without me and I did go up with Ali and her friend Ellie but the Littles really had no desire which saved me some money. On Friday night, I took the girls and I hung out with JoJo while they walked around. They found out the parts for the Mary Poppin's musical at school and I think they spent more time on their phones "chatting" with people about that than they did on the rides but they seemed to have fun. The next night we left the kids at home and walked over to the beer tent (it still seems weird to me to see drinking and gambling at a church but oh well). When Jeff and I walked up there the Gearys, Cosmans and Jodie were already at a table~ we Dorans seem to be fashionably late often although we lack in the fashion department. I kept on my glasses and hat since I wasn't feeling uber social (and the St. Pat's fair seems to have lots of pe...

 What can I say about Ali's soccer season... The poor girls had the cards stacked against them from the get. They never had subs and usually played short players. They play pretty rough and one girl did get a card for going after Al. It annoyed me a bit that other teams didn't play down so there would be equal numbers but Jeff pointed out that those other teams want to be able to see their girls play so why would they play down. I do get it... So- it wasn't a winning season but~ the girls did get lots of exercise and didn't play bad. With most of the team being in high school too it means little time to really practice. Al had a blast though and would play for Coach Beav and Coach Matt no matter what! She played a lot of midfield and did get a couple goals which was nice. In general though the team had a tough time putting it together and didn't put many points on the board. We had fun with the parents- most games we would say "Red Sub"...

It was pretty last minute... well- because that's the story of my life but Joe did invite some of his friends over to the lake to hang out for his birthday. JoJo and Nan also came over and we sipped wine and caught up on the deck while the kids hung out by the lake. We didn't want to be in their business but also could keep an eye on them from where we were! They seemed to have a great time in the lake- They hung on the raft, headed out to the sandbar and had pizza, snacks and drinks. We did get them up to have some cake and sing. Joe had a blast and between you and me seems to have a bit of a crush on the girl in the pink (Ella) which has been super cute to watch! (Sorry Joey... who knows when/if you'll ever read this anyway). Happy birthday, my love!

I am in a bit of denial that I have a 15 year old! I am so blown away by this kid and so proud of him on so many levels! His birthday was a busy one (I feel like all of our days are busy this time of year). When he woke up we gave him his presents... AN ACOUSTIC GUITAR!! He seemed pretty happy but didn't get too much time to play it because soon after we were off to a big XC meet, then soccer and then at night he had a marching band showcase! Happy Birthday, Joey! You are so loved! This celebration is only the beginning!

 This year the boys' birthday fell on a Saturday (which I HATE!). I love when it is on a week day so I can take the day, remembering Andrew and spend the afternoon/evening celebrating Jonasen. Weekends mix things up~ and I felt mixed up. Again this year, I asked for people to do a kind act "Because of Andrew" and again this year I was blown away by the many acts of kindness that were done in his name. We spent the morning with Joey, then off to his XC meet, then I was able to get to the garden before games and Joey's marching band stuff at night. It felt good to pause in the garden- to light the candles- to kiss his brick- to talk to him. This year I handed people flowers with a note in them explaining why they were getting the flowers. I loved seeing people's reactions to the flowers and as I walked away I loved that they were probably reading Andrew's name and touched (if only for a moment) by his existence. In the evening on the way to Marching ...

In Sean's Class he watched Caine's Arcade and was totally inspired to make his own arcade came so he came up with this beauty all on his own which was adorable (and actually really fun). I am pleased to say that I hold the top record~ and yes... my name IS on the leader board.  He made a video to show his friends that you can see HERE . And a SUPER funny out-take is below... Yes. That's Z... Passing Gas...

So at the end of last year, Ali got an invitation to apply for the National Junior Honor Society at her school. The application process included many questions about her leadership experiences and other essay questions. It was not easy and all those who got an invitation to apply did not get in. Both Al and Sarah applied and at the end of the school year, they got sealed envelopes they were supposed to open at home. Well... they didn't open them at home and instead EXCHANGED LETTERS AND OPENED THEM ON THE BUS!! I couldn't believe they did this because if one of them didn't make it, it would have been awful! Thankfully they both did! We are SOOO incredibly proud of Ali Jane's hard work and dedication in all that she does! Well done, Al! We love you so much!

It is such fun to have a kiddo in Marching Band! Joe has been having a blast and going to football games has been fun for the whole fam. Goose and Al are usually off finding some friends and Seany has fun sitting with us and listening to the band (and learning a little football). Here are some pictures Nana took. There is also a FB page and they have photographers on there that take awesome pictures! We are so lucky! Love my Friday Knight Peeps!

Do you see the turtle? And just like that another summer has come to an end! It was such an amazing summer. Al and I took her (last) dance trip out of state. Joe had band camps. We got to see a great show (Wicked). I got in lots of runs. We had a visit from the Canadians, a fun trip north with Grandma and a great escape up north~ Not to mention countless memories on the lake! (Boy that was a horrible sentence...). It seemed only fitting that we would close out summer at the lake on the lake. I have been a horrible picture-taker lately but I did snap a few on our last couple boat rides of the summer. The younger Drapals were able to come to the lake and we had fun sipping drinks and soaking in the wonderful sun! Maddy and TZ's cousin and his dog came to the lake too. Sadly there was a fire in their house but thankfully everyone was OK. The dog (especially) loved the lake as much as his cousins do! Hopefully it was good medicine for all. Jeff was going to hit a coupl...