Days with the Dorans

I didn't take too many pictures of Jeff's 51st birthday. I've been bad lately but now that I'm blogging again so trying to be better! Joe was unable to make it home but the other three were here so it was fun celebrating together! Jeff went disc golfing early and then later we went to 4th Tavern with the kids and my parents. After, we came home where we sang and Ali made a super yummy cake!! Jeff loved his gifts and one was a fun music-related game called "Hitster" and let me tell you it was a HIT! I love family and I think that the best gift was being (mostly) together! 

I write about the big things, but sometimes the everyday things are cool too! All us eligible voters were proud to cast our votes! It was Zach's first time voting and he went with Jeff and Joey (Joe came home just to vote because he forgot to do absentee) and then Ali and I went later after she was done with work and after my long day volunteering at away band camp (that wrap up will be later). I have heard from Sean most days so far since he's been gone (since Sunday). I've had to take care of his daughter (Rizzo) and it's been fun. I think she likes me and that I am better at cleaning her cage. I sent him pictures and videos each day which he appreciated! And another great thing about the summer is that Chef Jeff is an amazing cook!!! He loves his blackstone and I feel like since he got it he uses it WAAAY more than his grill. And you've got to love his apron! HAHAHA!

Jeff makes fun of me a bit... I didn't always go to Open Mic Nights when it was just him but now that Joe's doing them with him, I don't miss them. It helps when they are on the weekend though- like this one. Then I do go and see my hot hubby! Dave couldn't make it so it was just "Jeff and Joe." Andy's is is Holly and it was PACKED! It was such a busy place and super friendly and I swear you walk in and it's like there's no covid. No masks, no nothing... I still had mine on but I think I was the only one. I took if off once I got to our table and I got a beer. Joey showed me how to put snapchat on my phone so I could see where it was on a map with these cute emojis (even though he told me that his is usually turned off). The guys were great and I took videos of all the songs they did HERE and also put together a shorter video with highlights HERE . I do love that they take pictures though so we also found these gems!

  The guys decided to hit Billy's for an Open Mic Night. Jeff had played there before but I had never gone. Now that Joey is joining them, I find myself going... it's a mom thing (and it's summer)! It was SOOOO loud! And we sat through about two hours of 70s music before the guys got to play! I swear the house band (who seemed to join any singer) made every song about 10-15 minutes because of solos and things. It was funny at first but then it just got annoying... When the guys finally got to play, Jeff had sound issues which was irritating and they played a different style of music that I liked but not sure how well-received it was. Wendi, Scott, and Bradley came though so that was cool! Matt (their regular drummer) couldn't make it so an 18 year old that Dave knew joined them on drums and did a great job. I don't think they'll be going back to Billy's any time soon but it did make for some cool still pictures. They had quite the set up with lights, smoke a...

So Joe has joined Jeff's band now a couple times and it has been such fun to watch and listen to them play but this was my favorite because joey also SANG! I tried to do a facetime live video (I've learned that the sound isn't the greatest that way but I knew my mom wanted to see it. Next time I should just record and post later. Jodie and Kyle joined us too and it was so much fun. I'm so proud of Joey! I'm so thankful for Jeff too. Love that Joe is following in his dad's amazing footsteps with that guitar!

 

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).

 Well! Dad turned the big 44!!! The kiddos were there of course but I didn't seem to snap too many pictures! Uncle Dan came over with the cousins so we grown-ups could leave them and go out to hear about his trip out west and grab some adult beverages while doing so! First we hit CJ's for some food and on our way out, a guy rear-ended us. Thankfully there was nothing there so we could continue on our merry way. We went to Kickstand where I got my favorite flight! (I love you Groupon.) Jeffy and I have now celebrated as many of his birthdays together as we have apart! Below is when he turned 22. We haven't changed all that much... ;-)

 Jeff was pretty excited when he was asked to come play a two hour set at one of the places where he does open mic. Bonus was he got paid (though I think he would have done it for free). He loves to play and hits open mics quite regularly. I love when I'm able to go too. The guys had been looking for a "name" and went with Cozy with Gray- because they feel like too many go through life so black and white- it's easier and happier when you get "Cozy with Gray"~ I love it. Jeff told the people his name was Jeff Michaels (I don't think he wants to use our last name because he doesn't want his students finding him). It was so much fun! JoJo came and picked me up and we had a yummy drink and a great burger while we listened to our favorite guys play! There was a strange guy that came and talked to us quite a bit- telling us about how rich he was- how we should move to AZ~ it was strange.  We had a good laugh though and the place where Jeff p...

It's so fun when we are able to go to Open Mic Nights. Jeff goes fairly regularly (with or without others) and hopefully I'll be able to go to more. This time we hit this cool brewery with a science theme. Loved how the beer was served in these. We started out with a flight to find out what beer we liked. In case I ever go back, Grapes of Malice was my favorite. It was pretty fruity and didn't taste too much like a regular beer which was different but I liked it. The guys did great. Jeff and the Daves were all there and another guy jumped on drums which was nice. You can see one of the songs HERE . I did the others live on facebook. Jodi and Randy came out (which was cool) and the wives were all there too. (It was great to see JoJo and Sam.) One of these days maybe Joe and Gabe will be able to join their dads up there! ;-)