Days with the Dorans

  Though it hadn't been that long, I was so excited to get back north to Elk Rapids. I don't know if it was the craziness and exhaustion from the school year, but the thought of just getting away is what we needed. The weather wasn't amazing... Sure it was warm enough for the Littles to get into the lake and pool (better- it was heated) but we had our share of rain and crazy wind. We even had a power outage which was crazy! We did get tons of reading in (and by "we" I mean, Ali and I read a lot). I have found that while I like the occasional adventure I'm also really happy just hanging by the pool or lake and taking in the quiet and a book. I read three books in one week which is a lot for me! We went over Father's Day. It was either that week or the Fireworks week. We didn't want to miss Fireworks when we got back (which were eventually cancelled for weather anyway- ugh). Jeff got a sweatshirt and lights for his baskets and discs. All things disc golf...

The first two pictures on this post were taken from an Instagram post Joey wrote. I thought it was so sweet. The kids all made cards for the dads in their lives and Dad went disc golfing (which is his favorite thing to do we think).  I headed over to Papa's (AKA MY dad's house) to wish him a Happy Dah-dee Day and I helped him bring up one of the boats. The lake is so high with rain that there is NO beach! Good thing I had some rain boots on! I'd never seen it THAT high before. Later in the evening, we headed to Uncle Dan's to celebrate over there too. I really didn't take any pictures (bad Laura) because I have a crack in my phone (you can see it if you look closely at the yard pictures). I did manage a picture of me and Papa.  So lucky to have the BEST dad's in my life!!! Grandpa Jonasen, Papa Drapal, Grandpa Doran and Dad (Jeff).

We decided to go to the Mudhen's game again for Father's Day. We went last year and although we were exhausted, we ended up having a lot of fun. I was excited that we got to go again~ though some of us were still exhausted (Ali was pooped from a busy weekend of dance and emotions). It was HOT!! The car read that it was 99 degrees!! We met up with all the Drapals at Fricker's for some grub and thankfully the service was super slow which we didn't mind one bit. No one was in a big hurry to get out to the game. The restaurant backs up to right field to so we could see the game. We had two booths next to each other. The boys were on one side and the girls (plus Jeffy) were on the other side.  Sean thought that this was hilarious and kept whispering messages for me to give to his dad about having to sit with all those girls! It was hilarious! The food was good and the beer was cold! It wasn't as bad as I thought~ sitting in the heat. I switched to water...

We were so tired on Father's Day! Al and I had a weekend of recitals and Jeff and the boys were out of town for Abby's graduation party. The kiddos gave some gifts and cards to Dad and then we had plans to head to Toledo for the Mudhens game with all the Drapals. We really weren't in the mood but we got in the car and headed south. All the kids slept in the car. Jeff and I stayed awake but we REALLY wanted to sleep too. When we got there it was hard to find parking at first but we got there in the first inning and had GREAT seats. We went with TZ's baseball league which I think is how they got the seats. I've never been so close to the field for a ballgame!  I know my dad had a blast and it meant a lot to him to have everyone there. In the end, both Jeff and I also were so glad we went. We had a lot of fun and even got some energy (must have been the beer and sunflower seeds). After the game, the kids could run the bases but it was late and our kids h...

I'm so bad.  I didn't take many pictures on Father's Day but I sure did (and do) appreciate the favorite dads in my life! Father's Day was perfect.  It was a lazy day in the lake with good food, drinks and family. Marty of course had fun too.

 Ok, I'm a bit biased perhaps, but I did pretty well when I said, "Yes!" to Jeff.  Not only is he an amazing cook, musician, soccer player, teacher and all around funny guy (and more...)~ he happens to be the best dad I know and I'm so lucky to have him fathering MY kids (OK... our kids- but you know how picky I am which is a huge compliment!).  We got Jeff something for soccer and this shirt!  Of course you can't read the fine print when you're far away (which makes it funny).  Jeff had to play guitar on Father's Day and wore this shirt and I think that most people thought he was just a loving husband... which he is but the fine print certainly is TRUTH!  After church we went to lunch and then went to the lake to see MY dah-dee who also happens to be recovering from surgery on his ankle so can't do anything at the moment except solitaire, watch TV and of course Facetime with his Grandkids (he's addicted).  I have to say that when it comes...

I'm so lucky!  My kids have the best dad around!! I mean~ he plays sports with them, cooks for them, folds their laundry, helps with homework, reads with them, laughs with them... He's the Best. Dad. Ever. which is why I got him that shirt that he wore on Father's Day when we went to celebrate at the lake.  My kids also have the Best. Papa. Ever. (and yes, he got a shirt too).  My dad is not only an amazing dad but he's an amazing Papa.  He comes to ALL of their games (even when it's crummy out), he has catches with them, serves them breakfast in "The Drapal Kitchen" (at our house) before the bus comes on days when he comes over to help. Now that summer is here, he pulls them tubing and has just has fun.  He's a very hands-on Papa and my Z's "Best Buddy." On Father's day we spent much of the day on the lake and having fun.  They ate well, drank well and got to spend time with their favorite little people. And my favorite li...

Jeff didn't have to lead worship this year on Father's Day so we got to sleep in but then were woken up by the kiddos bringing him their wonderful homemade Father's Day love! We enjoyed the morning together and then headed to the lake to celebrate my dad.  I think of Jeff's dad often, but especially on Father's Day.  He was such an amazing man.  I am thankful that Jeff and my dad get along so well.  My dad is such a huge help to us and I love spending time with him. Dan, Steph and the kids came to the lake too.  The kids had a great time playing at the lake while my dad, brother and Jeff got the kegerator that we got my dad for his birthday up and running (we finally got the CO2 and a keg and the time allowed my mom to not veto the gift we got him). The boys each picked what they wanted to eat for Father's Day and I went up to help my mom get things set up and started (I think I've mentioned before that I can't cook). While we were upstairs...