Days with the Dorans

I have been known for pickles since a student noticed me eating them everyday in my lunch (I kept a jar in Dawn's room across the hall). Since then, kids have been bringing me things pickle related for years and I LOVE it! I had multiple people and families (school) send me the information about Canterbury's first "annual" pickle fest! (because I know there will be more) I was thankful that the Cortevilles and Cosmans were able to join us for a bit! They were off to a concert after but it was fun that they were able to stop by for a bit. We had some pickle chips and chocolate (and regular sweets) and Jeff had some pickle pasta that was good! I'm glad my girlfriends were there because they are better at remembering pictures but I feel like I'm getting better. I was thankful to get these pictures from them! After they left, Jeff and I continue checking out the festivities. Lots of the food was sold out and the place was packed (and you had to buy tickets and tho...

I love when Pam comes to town! Our time is always limited but being able to see her is the best. This year, Melanie was staying later than usual and heard that Pam was in town so they joined us later but first, Pam and I met for lunch. Luke (who I had never met in real life), his son, and Jeff joined us! Lunch was so great! The conversation flowed so easily and it was like we didn't skip a beat! Luke was everything I thought he would be and it felt great to see Pam with someone I always envisioned her with. After lunch, we went to a nearby park where Pam and I met during Covid. Melanie, Angie, and Carson joined and even Joe and Zach came up to see Pam! Pam was the maid of honor in my wedding and she is Joey's Godmother but I feel like it had been ages since they saw each other. I don't even remember the last time. And Zach was born just a month after Pam's son, Jack. Pam is probably my oldest friend. She would call me LeMonDrop because of my initials and I called her Pa...

I had wanted to take Ali to a place called Green Dot stables for her birthday. Jeff and I discovered it a while back and it was so fun. Everything is sliders- even the desserts. In that way you feel like you're not spending a ton or money or rather you get tastes of different things which I really like. The reason I thought Ali would like it was because they also have mini drinks so you can try different cocktails without committing to a lot of money. It's in Detroit. Joey had to go back to school and Z was with friends so it was me, Jeff, Al, Seany and then Dave and Jojo and Wendi, Scott, Holly and Brad. It was too bad Joey had to go back to school. It was pretty busy and I didn't know this but they had an attatched screened in barn like place where you could get drinks so we did some shots. It was fun watching Dave take care of Al! It was a super fun night and we are so lucky to have such great friends!! Da Kids (Ali and Brad are now legal drinkers) Da Boys Da Gals Me, Se...

We heard about this concert and were talking about it with Jodie and Kyle. Kyle was able to get two tickets from his work and we ended up buying tickets at the venue (saving crazy ticket master taxes and fees).  We had a blast! I saw Julie and some of the dance peeps working- Jodie and I went down in the pavilion where we had a great view! Those guys can still rock! Ben Folds was great too!

 I love this tradition of going to Kurt and Eric's to ring in the New Year! I hope they keep it up (or at least don't turn us away when we show up at their door next year). We were a bit late (no surprise there) because Jeff was making a horse racing game- I'm serious- He was hard at work for hours and out getting supplies early in the day! The game turned out super fun and while it is a game where you throw in some coin, it doesn't break your bank! Everyone had fun I think. The food was great, games were fun and the company was the best! Of course I haven't been taking lots of pictures- I'm out of the habit since my phone cracked (I REALLY need to get that fixed but WHEN?! HOW!?!). We need to do more group shots, but the regular players were there- Kurt and Eric, Cosmans, Gordons, Gearys and even Melanie came and it was fun to see her! Here's to another great year making memories with these awesome people! 2018 was a wonderful year- can't...

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!

I love summer!! I also love the fireworks at the lake! Again we were able to have some friends over and the kids had some people too! My friend Nan came and took some AMAZING pictures (her pics have her name in the corner). I was so glad to be able to see her. It's been too long.  Joe had a few friends over too. He actually wanted them to come over at noon but we talked him into pushing it back to four! I get it though- the lake is a fun place to be! Sadly (for us) Kurt and Eric bought a lake house up north so we haven't seen them at all this summer (boo). The Gordons were up north too. We did get to hang with the Gearys and Cosmans~ so it was almost complete.  The Gerkens came for a bit but with the Littles, they didn't stay too long. Papa hung in the lake and had fun with Carson. We go over to the lake a lot and Papa and I sit in these chairs while the kids swim. One will ask, "Who has it better than us?" to which the other will reply, "No...

And finally... We made it to the Cosmans'~ fashionably late as we Dorans usually are for such things. Jeff blamed it on me but I was in the car waiting for him and I DID run 5 miles in addition to all my other crazy "running" during the day. I was ready to unwind with friends! It was awesome to see everyone including people we hadn't seen in a while! We also met some new friends. There was too much food as usual and the pyramid tradition was rockin'! I love these people and our fun shenanigans! Happy St. Patty's Day!