Days with the Dorans

  On Mother's Day, we headed north to Saginaw. I feel like the last few years I have been legitly sick. I had a bit of a tickle in my throat and I was worried but thankfully it stayed just that. I feel like this has been my healthiest year in a while- but for the AWFUL case of strep I had earlier in the year.  Knock on wood. I probably jinxed myself. It was great going to Saginaw and I wish we could go more but it seems life is busy with work and stuff so I'm glad that we make holidays a priority. We had some flowers for Grandma and brought some pasta too! We didn't have Joe with us since he needed to work but the five of us made the ride in Franny. None of us ate before we left and so we were hungry! Grandma always has a TON of food and this was no different except we had to wait for the Dorans. I was cracking up because they were starving and even set a timer to begin eating promptly at 3 which was when they were told to come. I am pretty sure that they arrived at 3:01 be...

Ok. So I know I've slacked on the pictures lately but I did REALLY bad for our Christmas in Saginaw- so much so that I didn't realize I didn't take any pictures until AS WE WERE LEAVING!! I guess I should be happy I got one. (ugh) It was a great day and I guess all that means is that we were living in the moment. 

I was thinking how nice it is that we always can celebrate with family our December birthdays! Ali's birthday, my birthday, and of course Grandma's birthday. On our way north though, I was surprised that Saginaw schools were still in session. Then I remembered there were some years we had school on the 22nd. I am SO glad we didn't go that long this year! The other Dorans were able to come too and Mary's kids thought Joey was hilarious and actually loved playing with him which was cool because up until now I think they've been afraid of all of us... (I don't blame them). Although I know Chris hadn't been spending Christmas with us the last couple years it was a hard year knowing that she was gone. I was so glad we could all be together to celebrate a woman we love so very much!

  It seemed like the last few times we tried to get to Saginaw it just didn't happen~ from Grandma going out to help Aunt Chris- then for Tyler's graduation. It was so good to finally be able to see each other and HUG! YAY SCIENCE!!! The other Dorans came too and we had a great meal and catch up and of course there were games. It was such a perfect day. Not too hot and not too cold! Mary brought her boys too and oh my gosh are they getting big. They are super shy around us crazy Dorans so didn't hear a peep from them but did try to get a few pictures. Uncle Jim gave us a picture of Grandpa Doran. I can kind of see Jeff in the picture of his dad but even more so I think I see Joe- in the eyes and lips. Jeff's dad was such an amazing man. I just loved seeing this picture and can't wait to get a better frame and get it on our wall!

I was glad we were able to go to. Saginaw for Thanksgiving. I bought some pice my friend was making as well as some cookies from a different friend. After our make-shift turkey trot we were on our way! Grandma always makes a point to have fun games or activities for us to do when we get together. This year, we were making gingerbread houses and it was fun! The kids and I made them and then Jeff judged them. As always, the process is what I love the best. HERE is a video of the results and the judging! After that, the kids painted the cookies that I got for them. I am more thankful for family than ever! The food was wonderful but the company is always my favorite part!  

  FINALLY!! It feels like forever since we saw Grandma! Covid makes things tricky but we ordered pizza, ate in the garage and hung out in the backyard. There weren't hugs but there was lots of love! It was SOOOO great to see her in person! I also ran a 5k (virtual style) today too!

We so loved treating Grandma to a trip to the theatre last year that we thought we'd make it an annual thing. There weren't a lot of shows to choose from that worked into our schedule so we went to the Blue Man Group which was certainly different than anything that I had seen before and I didn't know quite what to expect. The Bigs had seen them in Disney so pretty much knew what was going to happen though there were some parts of the show that were different. We were glad we went and got to see it. Above all we loved spending time with Grandma and being together.

 We had a great Christmas in Saginaw but it wasn't on the 26th as usual. We had it the following Sunday since all the big Doran kids had it off work.  Unfortunately, Mary and her kiddos were sick so they weren't able to make it but the rest of the Dorans were able to be there. It was great seeing Trisha and her mom seems to be doing a bit better and is almost strong enough for chemo! After some yummy food (as always), we opened presents. Al and I got birthday presents too! Grandma got us awesome gifts!! Here are more pics of everyone opening up gifts: For her big gift, we got her tickets to see the Blue Man Group with all of us (plus dinner of course). I can't wait!! She was excited. I feel like the best gift is when we get time together. I wish we lived closer but thankful for the time we have!  With Joey getting his record player, they had a GREAT time going through old records and Joe got a bonus gift of some awesome old record...