Days with the Dorans

Sean's birthday contained the usual things- Papa checking his height, food, presents, and cakes! The cook thing about having so many sibs is that you have a built in party! Sean had a great day and loved his new penguin mask! Things you never thought you'd give or get... Happy Birthday, Seany! We love you more than you know!  

I still can't believe that my Goose is ELEVEN!! Although we celebrated his birthday over the weekend, I still had to do something for his actual "day." It landed on a Monday so I wrapped up a golden snitch (since he's a huge Harry Potter fan) and also a box of sour skittles (since he's a huge fan of those too). Sean ended up getting sick so Jeff stayed home with him. That allowed him to make donuts for Z so that was cool (but poor Seany). Sean was miserable and wanted mom so I left as soon as I could after work to be with him. Practice was cancelled because of weather which worked out for us. Jeff was able to pick up a cake on his way back from dropping Ali off and Nana came to stay with the sicky until I could get home. Sean couldn't eat the cake but he could celebrate with us by singing. We only had a "7" candle but that was appropriate because that is how old Z will tell you he is because he and Papa have decided he is "forever...

I really can't believe that my baby girl is 11! Where has the time gone?  The night before her birthday, I was up wrapping presents and putting streamers outside of her door so she'd wake up surprised! While she could have opened up all of her presents that morning, she chose to open just one and wait until family came over later to open the rest. Ali blows me away sometimes with her kindness and sweetness (though that isn't her ALL of the time- ask Zach).   She really has a huge heart that can get her in trouble sometimes too (big hearts can be broken).  I'm just so proud and thankful for her!!!! She and Zach can be best friends one minute and worst enemies the next.  That being said, Jeff and I have commented quite a bit this break on how well our kids have gotten along.  They haven't played with any school friends (we've been so busy) but they sure have enjoyed each other!! Ali usually has a friend party but things were so nutty that we p...

I still can't believe that my baby is 11 (and he's been 11 for a while now since I am really late in updating this blog)!  Joe's birthday fell on a Monday this year which I liked because I was able to take my day for doctor appointments and spend time at Andrew's garden and then focus on my Joe at night.  He opted to have two celebrations with family.  We did one with Nana, Papa, Grandma, the Drapals, Auntie Jodi, Uncle Jim & Mary on the 14th.  I couldn't find my candles- so poor Joe had to have an 8 + 3 more (see I can do math...). Speaking of math, Mary had math homework (she's in college now!?!?!) and I laughed watching the three teachers help her with her problems (Jodi and I watched from afar~ we teach the littles).  We joked that we'd have to see her next weekend too.  Joe had a great time and we enjoyed pizza, wings and breadsticks (his choice) and great company.  He got lots of great presents but at his request, he didn't get anythi...