Days with the Dorans

Just because... Norbert is getting bigger! He loves spending time with us. I'm not sure the old tank I have for him to spend time in Room 119 is big enough but we'll see! He's such a lovable guy!

So Joey is learning to golf! Nana got him some golf lessons and I hope he can get out with her soon. Hopefully he'll be able to hit those links with her! My little leftie swings right (yay- love that we finally don't have to buy something new for our lovable leftie- he can use some of Grandpa J's old clubs!)

Poor Morty- he hasn't eaten in forever. I feel like I've tried so many different things but thought maybe he'd like a bigger crib. I reached out to my brother, we went to Home Depot, and he made this great space for my favorite tortoise! I've even taken Morty to the vet. She said that he had some pinworms in his stool but that should just go away on his own! She trimmed his beak and nails but he's still not eating.  In addition to that, I now have a UVB light. I had one for Norbert but didn't know tortoises need them. I do now so I remedied that. We also take him out daily for real sun. He's loving burrowing (I mean I have to DIG to find him- can you see him?) but I am really concerned about his eating. He hasn't pooped AT ALL since the vet. I just hope that he's getting enough water in his soaks!

I love fourth of July on the lake! I feel like there are more and more kiddos each year! I really didn't take any pictures (aside from 3 selfies and the pics of Z with friends) but thankfully others did (including my talented friend Nan who also took all the amazing firework shots- I loved them all so much I just screen shotted them together). Nan is such a talent and it was great catching up with her! It was a perfect day and night filled with food and fun! We even had a drink for Uncle Zig (and sent it to cousin Jeff). We have much to celebrate! Just bummed I didn't really get any pictures of MY friends (we had quite a good turnout)!! Happy Birthday, America!!

I'm not a huge fan of swans- they're really quite mean but I know the reason is because they are usually protecting their babies. For years, swans have nested near Nana and Papa's place and we've watched babies grow up. We always count and sadly the number always goes down as turtles and other things get them. We were at the lake and there was some commotion going on with the swans and I couldn't figure it out. The swans were going a bit nutty- and I figured it was a turtle or something. One of the babies was caught under the dock and the swan family was not going anywhere. It was hours until they finally swam away and we were able to go to the dock and see the baby.  It was caught under the dock and it was clearly hurt. Shelby and I were able to get it out but you could see a turtle probably got it. Shelby said we should just let it die but I'm a weird with animals as you know... I brought bread for the swan and once we freed the baby swan we t...

Reenacting the Lion King! BWAHAHA Although we are no longer members of our old church, the kids were happy to volunteer (and attend) VBS. This year Z was able to help and he chose to be on the drama team (and we got LOADS of compliments about him) while the ladies stayed with the preschool kiddos. Sean was a participant. We carpooled again with the Macs and Shannon once again spoiled our troops with lunches! I love this little tradition they have of helping out and Shannon loves the kids- especially "the king" AKA Seany. She sent me the best pictures which was awesome because I didn't do any of the driving to church this year. I have been driving Joe to XC so dad took them (and Jeff doesn't have the best phone for pictures).  I think it's safe to say that "The King" is thankful for Mrs. Mac and knows she's a gift from God, herself! I did have to send her these pics. The King loved his crown so much, he didn't take it off!

 So lucky to have family and friends who live on lakes! We've been lucky to have had some fun trips to Lisa's lake! It's been great catching up with Lynn too (who retired recently- but was my first mentor with Jill- who wasn't there on the day I took these pictures). We ate, drank and enjoyed catching up!  Lisa lives on the same lake as our old cottage (which Uncle Joe and Grandpa Drapal later tore down and built this house). It was fun to see the old house- I'm not sure about the white trim around the kitchen window- but it was great seeing the old house- and even better seeing my friends! I love being a teacher in the summer! ;-)