Days with the Dorans

Last year Joey was going to play at Solo & Ensemble but the other boy bailed which means we lost our money (annoying). This year however, he DID play! One of the boys wasn't able to make it so they were able to get a freshman boy (far right) to fill in with them. Joe is really close friends with (pictured left to right) Katie, Brad, Victor and Emma so I knew they'd actually do it this year. Jeff dropped Joey off and then Ali and I went up because we had to pick him up and also I wanted to watch. Ali is friends with them all too (she didn't want to do Solo Ensemble but said MAYBE next year after seeing this). Though I know Joey didn't mind my taking pictures (he loves how I document our life and is always checking out the blog), Ali was a bit embarrassed at all my picture taking... Oh well. She'll thank me one day! They had some mess-ups (you can see it HERE ) and one of the girls was in tears which was tough but I'm glad that they were able to ...

My goodness I've had a lot of Marty posts lately, but can you blame me... HERE is a hilarious video of Dad and Marty! I don't think I posted it here. He's such a funny pup!

Though Marty is usually by mom when no one is home, we've caught him locked in Joey's room and he's usually up in his loft which cracks me up! I went in Joey's room and Marty went right up in Joe's loft. I think he likes it because he can look out the window and onto the street! I love that when I went in the room he went right up as if to say, "Come on up mom, the view from up here is great!" Such a funny puppy!

Even though it's cold, it feels so good to get outside!! After a four mile run and a walk with Marty, I got out with the Littles and did some sledding! I got quite a bit of exercise before the Bigs were even up! I love how close these two are. Sean is often reluctant to get outside and play (he doesn't like the cold). I think once Zach gets him out there though he's always glad he went. Such a beautiful day!

Day of Strings is a day when the middle and high schools get together to learn music and play together. Ali never wanted to go when she was in middle school but HS made it mandatory!!! YAY!! It was a busy day because we had dentist appointments so Jeff dropped her off, I took the boys to get their teeth (and mine) cleaned) and then I took off to hear her perform (HERE) and then take her for her cleaning. Somehow we always manage to get it all in. I love listening to her play! Nan & Paul were there to see Ryan too so I got some good pics (from Nan!). Loved seeing them!

Just because I love this guy. He's such a mama's boy and ALWAYS where I am. If I go to the bathroom, he lays outside the door. If I sit on a couch, he's next to me. On the bed, yup... he's there. Love my little shadow!

We've been kind of on a game kick lately... between cards, Spot It, The Horse Game, and Evens Steven's Odd, we're having a lot of fun WITHOUT screens which is cool. We occasionally even have a Bigs sighting! ;-)

I love that Jeff still gets out and plays his guitars! Between that and throwing his discs (disc golf) I love that he has activities to help him de-stress. I don't often get to see him play because... well it's usually during the week and this mama is tired. I was able to go though since it was still break. I got to meet one of his new coworkers too (who actually worked with my dad once upon a time). Jeff is liking his new job too which is awesome. HERE is a video and "the band" playing! So fun!! This place is so fun too (and has yummy beer).