Days with the Dorans

I can't believe my rainbow is seventeen! I remember being 17 and it felt so old and yet she still feels like my baby girl! Nana and Papa came over to open presents in the morning and celebrate Ali! Of course all that excitement knocked Papa out! In the afternoon we went to Nana and Papa's where we had Christmas with the Drapals. Ali didn't mind sharing her birthday with Christmas (I get it... I did it for YEARS!). We had a nice visit with everyone and I posted videos below. Ever since covid we've stopped blowing on cakes and we clap them out which actually feels more fun. I'm kind of grossed out a bit thinking about how we always ate cake others blew on... After Nana and Papa's we headed back home. We always watch a movie on Ali's birthday and this year she chose Mama Mia (which also meant it was only us girls... well... and two of the boys- haha! We laughed. We cried. And I was reminded just how lucky I am to have the most amazing girl!! I really am such a ...

  I can't believe my baby is 17!!! Started out the day surprising him in class with some breakfast! That smile means everything to me! He had a meet and we also celebrated by opening his gifts. Here are some. I think he liked them! After his race, we did the "Because of Andrew" run. Joe was a bit melancholy and down. The family sang to him and we had cupcakes on site where we did the run. I suggested he have friends over on the deck. So we did just that! We went to the Dairy Queen and made some calls and it turned out to be a great start to his 17th year! Love you, Joey!!