Days with the Dorans

  We loved celebrating our best guy! Of course we got him some good presents but the best being the hand written cards!

 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... ;-)

 So this post will be picture heavy and word light~ It felt SOOOO good to get away up north and of course we knew that Marty was in great hands (thanks Nana and Papa). I may say this every year but next year, please make it a little longer... When we got there we were starving so changed it up a little and went straight to The Town Club for some grub (we usually do pizza and grocery shop). There was very little room at the Inn but we were happy to be out of the car and didn't mind waiting.  Jeff and I sat at the bar and the kids behind us. We have so much to be thankful for- especially these times! It was fun to reflect. This was one of THE most relaxing vacays we've had. No real plans and it showed. Every day we were there we went from lake to pool and repeat! It was GLORIOUS! They held hands like that to jump in- such buddies! These were the best seats in the house and other than swim, we also got in tons of reading. I got in two b...

It's hard to believe that this is my 20th year celebrating Jeff's birthday with him. I have a pic of us from when he turned 22. Time flies when you're having fun!! We woke up and showered him with gifts. We got him some guitar pedal thing he wanted which he says sounds like "guitar nirvana", a Fender shirt (for our future dog who will also be named after a guitar) and an Arsenal jacket which he loved! After presents and my walk with Marty, we headed to the lake where Dan, Gordie and the kids were. We had a blast just hanging in the lake. As my dad always says, "Who has it better than us???" Answer: "Nobody!" The kids wanted to go tubing and I was a spotter for them but when Marty saw me leave he went swimming out after us. The kids were freaking out and crying and we all thought he may drown. I jumped in (with my fitbit on... ehhh!) and swam with him to shore. It was a long swim. It's too bad my mom zoomed in on this picture bec...

 Jeff had a great 41st birthday. The two of us headed to CJs (since we now have an almost teenager) for lunch and drinks and had a great time. It was fun to be out with just the two of us. After lunch, we got the kids and headed to the lake. I think Jeff was surprised because the Gerkens and the Gearys came over to celebrate with us! Al had to leave for a little bit for soccer (which I know Jeff didn't mind- he loves that she plays) but came back after for cake. He had a great day and my folks got him a disc golf hole to practice on so we played that and of course some Corn Hole with the Gearys! It was the perfect way to celebrate a summer birthday! The gifts we got him were delivered earlier from Amazon with pictures on the boxes so he opened them early... I shop on Amazon all the time and it figures that the time I order a gift it's delivered with a big picture on the front... (sigh)  Even Marty joined in on the fun. I think he was just hoping for some cake but he...