Days with the Dorans

It's hard to believe that four years ago today Zach was born! On one hand, I can't believe he's four already! On the other, I can't remember my life before he was in it! We had a busy day which started with going out to breakfast, field clean-up for Joe, a friend's birthday party for Ali and then a mini-celebration for Z. We were going to do something bigger (with more family) but many of our family and friends are in the same crazy season that we are and it was hard to organize something- and as it is, every day can feel like a party in our house (just minus the cake and balloons). Z wanted to go to CJs (a local brewery we frequent) for pizza, but since we JUST had pizza we opted for something different and took the gang (and my folks) to Red Lobster. The kids loved looking at the fish tanks and lobsters, but the biggest hit was the rolls. Z just licked the top of them and I think that Sean ate about four! The boys were quite chatty with the waitstaff t...

Nine months ago, my little brother and sister in law made a baby, and after my first prayer (healthy baby of course), I secretly prayed for a little boy! Last Sunday we were with my brother and his family and my Bigs were having a catch with Jeff. I watched Joe and his dad (specifically) having a catch and prayed even harder that my brother may have a catch with his boy some day... Well, God answered my prayers (and the prayers of my kids- minus Ali of course) with a big, huge YES! When Danny came in to the hospital waiting room today and announced, "It's a boy!", we all started cheering and there were happy tears and embraces all around the room! Timothy Zigmund came into the world at 3:09 and weighed 8lbs 5oz. He was absolutely perfect and beautiful in every way and my brother and his wife are now two for two in the super cute baby game! It was hard to hide (or even tone down) my huge smile of happiness for my brother and his growing family! Another emotional moment ...

Today was our last day in the mountains. We've had a great week and our last day happened to be our tenth wedding anniversary. In the morning we went into town and bought some beautiful windchimes as a wedding anniversary gift to each other. They are in the key of "G" which is what I thought Jeff would choose (when I heard them on our 'craft trail' earlier in the week) and today when he heard the different keys, that was his favorite. I love that we will hear them for years to come and remember this moment in time. I am truly blessed to be married to such an amazing man and the last ten years have been wonderful! After our purchase we headed into the mountains for a picnic. Thankfully Jeff was driving as the winding roads make me nervous. We found a great place to have a picnic, check out the river and of course have a catch. The family picture idea was not easy. Z was in a mood and when he is in a mood there is no getting him out of it. After ou...

Today we took a tram to Ober Gatlinburg. It was fun going up the mountain and I was happy when Joe pointed out that Sean was the only baby on the tram not crying! The trip was worth it for the view alone but of course pictures out the windows hardly did it justice so I opted not to put them on here (just use your imagination). When we got up the mountain, we started with lunch and then headed outside. Upon first glance I was a bit disappointed. There was a little playground and the kids had a lot of fun on it. Then Jeff spotted these 'luge' type sleds coming down the mountain and said, "Let's go!" I was hesitant but decided to go with him while my folks watched the Bigs. When Z noticed that we were going, he said he wanted to come too. That made me so nervous, but we agreed to let him come. Z shared a chair lift with me which was terrifying! I had my hand wrapped around his little waist so tight and another on the bar beside me (aside from this qu...

The huge downpour I spoke of yesterday resulted in no TV, I nternet (I had to write my blogs in word and transfer...) and cooler temps. The cooler temps made it a great day to spend indoors and so we bundled up the troops and were off to Ripley's Aquarium of the Smokies which boasts that it is "America's #1 Aquarium". Much to the dismay of my Wolverine father (and the excitement of my Buckeye mother), Lynn sent some hoodies that were perfect for the Littles on this chilly day! The Aquarium was amazing and I can clearly see why it was ranked America's Best! We saw the most unique sea creatures including sharks, sawfish and giant sea turtles (among other things) swimming all around (and above) us! It was crowded ( apparently others thought this the perfect activity for a chilly day also...). Jeff and I saw one lady looking frantically for her daughter. Later the blond girl was found and seeing her mom in tears of relief made our eyes water a bit. ...

After our long day at Cade's Cove yesterday, we decided to make today a day of relaxation and hunting for treasure. After a swim in the pool (the kids enjoyed swimming through the 'car wash'- aka plastic strips that divided the inside of the pool from the outside), we were off. My mom and I hit the Arts and Crafts Trail for some shopping while the Jeff had a catch with the Bigs and my dad stayed with Littles . It was such fun to go through all the little shops and meet so many talented people. We scored some neat finds. My mom got a beautiful sculpture for her piano and a cute basket, while I found a small vase with (wooden) dogwood and some signs that were perfect for our house (this one is a must-have for a home with three little boys!). I found this sign in the same store and felt like it summed up our family perfectly. It says: Our House Rules Love God and Love each other. 1 John 4:7 Be Generous with Hugs and Warm Words. Psalm 133: 1-2 ...