Days with the Dorans

Zach wasn't super pumped about his role as the Wizard but he honestly ROCKED it! I was so proud of him. I went to 3 of the 4 shows and was so glad I took a video from his first show because someone forgot to put one of his props in his suitcase and he did a great improv recovery! That kid never fails to amaze me! I did the "Meet the Cast" sign and all the Bios with help from Nana. You see Ali in there because she did much of the choreography and when I saw the Tin-man tapping, I knew that was her doing. She ended up being the stage manager so didn't see the show from the audience. She put in a lot of hours with those kids and I'm equally proud of her! I love that we got a little photo-bomb, with Mrs. H (Band Director at WLN and mom to one of the Dorothys). There were pictures of Z acting, but I figured I would just share the video I took of him HERE . Z's "Best Buddy", aka Papa, was so impressed with him and must have said it a mill...

It's been such a fun summer! I feel like I don't see Jodi as much as I should but that is often because of our schedules and the ages of our kids can make it tough- I'm a bit more "free" in my kids' older age and she has it still a bit more tough (in my opinion). Still when we talk (regularly) and do get together (not regularly enough) it's like not a moment has gone by. We were able to get in some good walks this summer (5 milers) while her boys hung with our kids!  Z actually ended up being the babysitter- he's SO good with kids!! The Gerken boys were at farm camp and Jodi was at an appointment that went late so Auntie Laura and the Littles (Bigs were at camp) got to go and pick them up and hang out at the farm and the playground! It was SO much fun listening to the kids talk and I really should have taken video of it (next time I hope). They are growing like weeds! I just adore those boys! Here's to more walks and me having kid...

 Leave it to Jodi to come up with super fun and different ways to get out and enjoy life! This was a first for us. She had an "Ax Throwing" party for Randy's birthday! And of course she made an adorable trophy for the winner! There were a handful of new people we hadn't met (neighbors or people with young kids) and of course some old friends we've met from over the years. We got a little education (that's a good idea) and a few practice throws and got to work. Jeff did really well. Leave it to him. If he's going to do something, he tends to go big or go home. He hit a lot of bullseyes. I was not so lucky... In practice I was doing well- not really hitting bullseyes but at least the axes would stick. The first two rounds of "real" play I don't think I stuck a single axe (which was super frustrating for this competitive soul). I did end of sticking some and Jodi did well too but we didn't make it into the playoffs. Jeff did...

I've been so bad at making Jeff's open mic nights- it seems they usually fell on days kids needed to be shuttled. I get to hear him in our house but it's always fun to hear him "out" playing with and for others. Coz wasn't there but Deckard was. Sam, Kyle and one of his friends also came out. Jodi was able to come too which made me SO excited. I learned how to do a "live" facebook video of his covers but before that I taped THIS live video of one of his original songs. You can hear us talking. Whoops! But you can also hear Jeffy. Jodi and I decided we need to make this a regular thing- OUR open mic nights can be like Randy's golf nights!

 I was so excited to be at Hugh's Baptism! This year they were at a local church so all of us were able to go (easily). Huey was great! He didn't fuss at all and it was a nice service with a good message. After the baptism we headed back to Jodi and Randy's to celebrate!  Huey slept for a while while we ate, but he woke up happy and I had to get a picture of him in his adorable outfit before he got changed into play clothes. His grandparents were all there and his great grandpa too! Randy's brother and sister were there and a little later Jodi's brother, sister-in-law and niece came over. It was good to see them. We also celebrated Jack's second birthday. He was cute and definitely into opening the presents. He had a quiet audience for all his gifts and wanted to open them all.  I'm used to LOUD at the Doran house!  Of course the way toys are packaged, it isn't easy to get inside them. It was fun to watch Joey step in and help out. He'...

Jodi turned 40 on the 3rd of November. It was my intention to do something to her house even though Randy said she wasn't looking forward to this birthday. I had my plans but it turned out being a rainy night so I aborted my plans and settled on the birthday texts, calls and dinner. It was supposed to be a grown-up dinner (husbands and wives) but poor Hughy wasn't feeling so well so he joined us. He did sleep through almost the entire dinner so I think Jodi still had a nice relaxing night out. I feel so blessed to still have her in my inner circle of life. She's someone that I can talk to and know she'll always be there for me. We went out later just the two of us to our old stomping ground (Olive Garden) and enjoyed our "usual" soup, salad and breadstick combo. I love that Jodi and I have remained such close friends since our freshmen year of college. I found the picture below from Jodi's 21st birthday celebrating at our favorite Kalamazoo bar ...

 We had a fun low-key Memorial Day (at the lake of course).  The Cosmans and Gerkens came over and we all (us Dorans and my folks) ate, drank and were merry!  I think this was the first time the kids got to meet Hugh Todd and it was so fun to see them with him and think back to when they were that tiny!  It sometimes is hard to remember... Hugh is doing great and has changed so much just in a couple weeks! Of course we also got to catch up with Jack! I think he was a bit overwhelmed at first but soon he was comfy with his honorary cousins.  I'm mad because I didn't get any swimming pictures and few boating ones but that just means I was busy having fun in the moment!  Not a bad place to be!

 May 6th was a great day!!! Hugh Todd was born and life just got a lot better! Jodi's experience (another c) wasn't the best but the prize sure was! Hugh was born at 5am and was 6lbs and 8oz. He is doing great and nurses like a champ! With his big brother coming early, I had little presents waiting for Hugh and Jack in my car for weeks. I was glad he didn't come too early I couldn't wait for school to end on Friday to go and meet this little sweetie! I can't wait to watch him grow!  Happy Birthday, Hugh Todd! I love you already!!