Days with the Dorans

With the Bigs having fun in sunny Florida, we decided we needed to get in a little adventure back home. With dad having a couple days off, we decided to head north to the waterpark by Grandma's. The kids got their goggles and suits and we got in the car (I know- but that picture of Sean was so funny...). Grandma wasn't able to come which was a bummer but we still had fun. It was HOT inside and we both forgot that. Note to selves, next time at least bring flip flops! Dad and I didn't swim but our two little fish had a blast! Jeff and I were able to sit back and relax and even have an adult beverage. I finished my book. With the Littles bigger, we didn't feel the need to watch them like hawks (there are lifeguards all over the place too). We did get up and check in on them every 20 minutes or so. We are so lucky to have kids that get along so well. These two had a blast and swam and ran around for hours. They opted not to do the REALLY big slide, but they ...

I was kind of on top of things (for once) getting my heart attack reasons ready early knowing the Bigs are leaving for Disney soon and there's a million things on my mind and plate right now. Despite that, I still ran into a few snags. The Dollar Store didn't have the heart doilies so I found these felt wreaths with hearts that I ripped apart and they worked. Of course I got the kids their treats (chips and candy) too. When I snuck down to put my hearts on the island, I found two hearts that were already there. I knew who made them since that kid is always making his own card games so I am very familiar with his style... ;-) I don't know if anything can beat me telling my kids why I love them so much but... hearing things like this may have done that. Sean wrote: Mom definition: kind, smart, helpful and more. and From Sean Dear Mom, you are so nice and and a great reader. I love you, mom. They all wake up at different times but I still managed to get ...

It's crazy~ and I'm still getting used to the fact that~ I only have one elementary school kid which means only one doing the traditional Valentine's Day box and Valentine's Day cards (along with me of course too). I helped Sean wrap his box (it's that green thing). He designed it and I'm still not sure WHAT it is but he likes it. He also opted to just get Valentines from the Dollar Tree! YAY!! Zach was a good brother to help!

It's Indoor Soccer Season and we've been spending our weekends watching two of our favorite soccer players. It's crazy because sometimes Ali will have games that start at 10:30 getting us home at midnight. It's crazy, but she is older now I guess.  Zach is playing for the same coach again and boy are those guys good. They are so fun to watch and went undefeated! The only time they didn't win~ they tied and it was against themselves... The outdoor team was bigger so they split it up to make two indoor teams! Zach did score on the shoot out too. HERE are some highlights of him playing. Ali is fun to watch too but the team in general can be a bit painful to watch. Unlike Z's team who won every game, Ali's team has lost every game. Some were better than others but I know it's hard for our competitive girl. Many of the teams are the high school teams or club teams that have played together for a long time. Ali has decided not to go out for the soc...

Someone made a post yesterday about how all these kids are wearing old band shirts- like Pink Floyd or Nirvana etc. and joked that they don't even know who those bands are. I agree that most probably don't but I think that we have the exception. Joey has been a fan of "old" music forever. Probably mostly because it's what he hears around here but now that he's older and choosing his music, he still tends to go back. I've noticed a change in his room decor too so thought I'd document it. It's kind of neat to go down memory lane and see what your room looked like when you were 16. Joey's is a mess (but so was mine). He does spend more time in his room listening to records (who would have guessed a kid in the year 2020 would be interested in records?) and playing his guitar... usually the electric, plugged into an amp and LOUD. I am happy that he's not wasting away ALL of his time on YouTube or social media. I just hope to get his n...

I feel like I've messed with Norbert's "home" so much now... from different substrates (carpet, sand, tile) and now different locations. He went from Joey's room, to the dining room (which really is more like Jeff's office- or a game room) to now our bedroom. I actually love his new location. I have him right on the floor under the window so there is some natural light that comes in and I can open the door and he can just come out. I feel like I see him a lot more- his baths are easier (my bathroom sink) and he just seems a lot more active and happier. And... I think Marty likes being able to look in on him too. I got a really large old fish tank (donated) so I feel like now he'll have a better place when he comes to Room 119. I just need to get tile and accessories for him, but I know we'll get there! I just feel really happy with how he is and where he is.

Last year Joey was going to play at Solo & Ensemble but the other boy bailed which means we lost our money (annoying). This year however, he DID play! One of the boys wasn't able to make it so they were able to get a freshman boy (far right) to fill in with them. Joe is really close friends with (pictured left to right) Katie, Brad, Victor and Emma so I knew they'd actually do it this year. Jeff dropped Joey off and then Ali and I went up because we had to pick him up and also I wanted to watch. Ali is friends with them all too (she didn't want to do Solo Ensemble but said MAYBE next year after seeing this). Though I know Joey didn't mind my taking pictures (he loves how I document our life and is always checking out the blog), Ali was a bit embarrassed at all my picture taking... Oh well. She'll thank me one day! They had some mess-ups (you can see it HERE ) and one of the girls was in tears which was tough but I'm glad that they were able to ...