Days with the Dorans

It was the end of an era for Ali but I think that she didn't feel it as much as I did. We moved her out of her "Apartment" which was more like a house (that's her bedroom window up top). She lived there with five other girls and to be honest, I was impressed they lasted as long as they did. Four of them decided they wanted to live elsewhere and so Ali and her college bestie, Hannah, will be be heading to a new apartment in August. Because her one lease ended before the new one started, she had to move her things into storage so Jeff and I decided to make a weekend of it and scratch off some of our adventures. Jeff and I went up separately and we took Joey and his friends Mike and Liam out to dinner at Jon's restaurant. It was great to see him too. After dinner Jeff and I went to Bells. We had some yummy drinks and I ran into a coworker (Danielle- such a small world). There was a Led Zepplin tribute band that we could hear and that made it fun too!  Ali got to Kala...

I feel like this may have been the longest we have spent in Elk Rapids but it went by so fast. On one hand it was nice not having to worry at all about the dogs. I know my folks don't like watching them and although Garrett is awesome, it is nice to have them staying with family. On the other hand I hate that we didn't even have ONE day where all six of us overlapped and I'm hopeful that next year will be the year when we ALL are in our happy place! On our last night we hit the beach with guitars which is always a favorite for me. Z has recently started playing bass which is fun. I think that Sean needs to figure out a string instrument to play so he can join the males in this family. Playing music at sunset is always a favorite way we love to spend the time. The weather overall wasn't super hot (which I LOVED) but it meant not a lot of swimming and no pool time. I remember when the kids were little, that's all they did was SWIM! It was great having Ali up even if i...

  On Saturday, I was still a bit sore from my kayak adventure, but I got my miles in while Ali ran and the boys did disc golf. After we were all home and showered it was time to hit the Wineries. We decided to do a similar thing like we did when we went snowshoeing in February but Jeff would drive since it was a bit hot. We hit two wineries we had before and then one new one. The first one we went to was Bowers Harbor. I love the way they serve their flights and it is such a cool place. There is a lot of outdoor seating (which we also took advantage of in the winter). It was so cool to see it all greened up! Of all the places, this one is my favorite. We got a flight of red, a flight of sweets and a flight of ciders. While the wine was pretty much mine and Ali's thing, Joe will have an occasional glass (more than Jeff's once a year wine when the kids decorate the tree) and he really does prefer ciders to beer so he liked it took. Sean got a lemonade (which is usually his drink ...

  So if you are reading this in order, you know that on Thursday we did one of our "Adventure Dates" and went kayaking which was a ton of fun. After that we decided we would go to a Pit Spitters Game. We went last year with the boys and it was such a fun day at the park. Forgot to add this "Group Shot" to our Kayaking adventure. As I mentioned my arms had started hurting a bit on our way to the game. They just felt achy. The game was OK. There was a Bronco on the team and we loved watching the fun things they do in between innings. We had beer and a pretzel, Joe got dinner and Sean opted for popcorn. As the innings went on though, my arms REALLY started to hurt and so we left in the 6th inning. The boys didn't mind because they also wanted to get home to watch the World Cup. But on the way, Jeff stopped to get me Tylenol and Icy Hot. I popped that Tylenol in my mouth as soon as I could and lathered up my arms but it didn't seem to help one iota! That night I...

Joey and friends at South Haven I don't get the pictures I used to of the kids since (to be honest), I'm not around them as much as when they were little so when I get a picture with them, it makes me happy! Joey sent me the picture above the other day and I got pictures of Z and Sean from their friends' moms! I love my boys! And since I don't always get pictures of them, when I do, I'm dropping them here! Scott and Zach at Top Golf Sean and friends at Keith's birthday  

  We had to eat at Panera so that we could see Joe and get a group pic (minus Z) We realized that we hadn't gotten to a WMU hockey game and it was time we did so we got tickets and headed out to see our Broncos! It was a short visit but we take what we can get. We dropped the dogs (and Rizzo) off at my folks' (thanks mom and dad) and then were on our way. I don't think they wanted us to leave! Unfortunately, Joey had to work so couldn't go to the game. Ali and Hannah were able to go though so they took Sean and he sat in the student section with them. I thought I had scored some really great ticket (price wise) and then I realized that I got us STANDING ROOM ONLY! Sigh- no wonder they were such a great deal! We laughed about it though and had fun. The Broncos (and hockey in general) is such a fast paced game, we didn't mind it really. Though Jeff told me to make sure I got us actual seats next time. It is always nice to get back to Lawson. They are building a new ar...

I can't believe that Joey has graduated and before you know it will be off to celebrate his adventures in Kalamazoo! Everything has gone so quickly! He had a great turn-out and I ordered the perfect amount of food (well- too many salads but we sent one home with the Stewarts). I loved every second of the party and didn't sit down! It was funny because Nevada showed just as the party was ending (she read the invitation wrong and said had been waiting to come~ at the wrong time). It was so great to see so many people who I have treasured throughout my life and Joey's biggest supporters too! We had Highland House food and everything was perfect! I didn't even get outside but I guess there were quite a bit of people out there too. I didn't even think about taking pictures so was so thankful for the pictures my mom took! I am bummed we didn't get a family picture. We'll have to do that next year for Ali. You live and learn. Joey has always been my poor little gui...

I have been an emotional wreck! I feel like I cry at the drop of the hat and half the time I can't even find the words to explain why! But my baby is graduating! Actually... he DID graduate and I am so very proud of him! The graduation ceremony was at EMU and we were thankful that my folks, Jeff's mom, BIL & SIL, and my brother and his family were all able to join us! It felt a little stressful getting there but that is kind of a day in the life (in OUR life!). We made it though and were were all excited to watch the commencement and cheer on our favorite grad! The fans! I spotted Joey right away in the sea of maroon and he had the biggest smile on his face! I felt like my heart was going to burst out of my chest with pride!! During the commencement they played, "Changed for Good" from Wicked that of course also had me reflecting on Andrew and Joey and this crazy path of life that we are on. I am just so crazy thankful and I know that sounds insane to say, but I a...