Days with the Dorans

  We took our scratch tickets with us up north and found two nearby that both had to do with kayaking. Since we had our own kayaks, we had Z bring them up when he came on Tuesday so that we could used those to avoid a rental fee. Of the two we decided to do Bellaire because it was close and just really entailed kayaking and checking out a food barge on torch lake. We decided to go after Joey got to down so the four of us (Z had to go back home to work plus he spent most of his time with Kat), the boys had a kayak and Jeff and I had a kayak. We blew them up in the parking lot and were on our way. I was a bit nervous about parking but it actually wasn't a big deal. I was nervous for a bit since we went so far we could no longer really see what was happening on that shore. Jeff and I defintely went faster than the boys but it was fun to watch them having fun and catching up. We did an out and back since Torch lake it big and according to my watch, we did about 3 miles. The food barge ...

Elk Rapids has been our happy place for as long as I can remember. I know my parents got it right after I left for college but I feel like every summer we have been lucky enough to take our kids and enjoy Lake Michigan. It feels even more special now that Z goes to school so close and knows Traverse City (20 minutes south of us) so well. Because of work schedules, there wasn't a day when all of us were together which was a bummer. The good news (I guess) is that we didn't have to have anyone watch our zoo. Still I wish that we could have ALL been together. Those times feel so precious to me. So it started out with just Jeff, me and Sean. I walked every morning (5 miles) and Sean even joined me once and we walked to a beach about a mile away that I hadn't been to. Thankfully Jeff picked us up after his disc golf because it got buggy. Speaking of disc golf, I joined a few times (to walk the course and listen to my book). Sean is not a disc golfer so he caddied for Jeff since ...

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  

  It's amazing how fast time goes now! This group was a bit worried that I would not be here when they graduate from high school and it dawned on me that I may not be... 38 years is a long time to teach but time will tell! So many great kids in this group and a few I had for two years! I keep pictures of all the classes I've taught up on my wall now and I wrote the year, how many kids, and their high school graduating year to make it easier for me to spot. At the end of each year, I always get a picture with my kids before they leave me! This group was my first group back after Covid. What a crazy year that was! All my pictures with them I photoshopped to put us close together! And of course there was our final staff picture! Kelly, Chrissy, and Stoits all had their last- last day and it's wild to think about! Chrissy and I taught 3rd together and were really close for a while. It's going to be weird not seeing her. Lynne also is officially retiring but we're hoping...

  I am always excited when it's time to do "Camp" because it means that the finish line is in sight. I always do it the last full week of school. I named it "Camp Ashley" after Jennie passed away in honor of her. I told her I was going to do that before she died and I've felt close to her the two times (now) I've set this up in her memory/honor. Of course I don't set it up alone... It was field day (and on top of that I am SICK), but Sean and Zach were up shortly after school got out and were putting up the trees and lights with me! It's such a job. Later, Ali and Jeff joined us and they helped with the tablecloths and tents. We started just after 4:00 and were done a bit after 7:00 so I was proud of how fast we worked and I know the kids will be SO excited come Monday! And I was right of course... HERE is a video from Camp Ashley before and after and HERE is a video of what Camp Ashley looked like all week. It was exhausting but I wouldn't...

  Well, Sunday was my mom's "day" and everyone went out to celebrate her at a fun dinner! You may notice reading this that I am not in any pictures... That's because I am still miserably sick. I started feeling sick on Friday (during field day and when we were setting up my mock camp at school) and I didn't get out of bed all weekend (except to use the bathroom) until Monday morning when I HAD to go to work (can you imagine leaving that for a sub?!- ugh). But Steph and my mom sent pictures and videos (on her fb) and I was so happy that they had fun together! It looked like a blast so I'll just have to find another random day to go and check it out. I'll bring Joey with me too since he was working in Kalamazoo and couldn't make it either. Glad everyone else was able to be there with her!

  Not the best picture but it will do... My brother hasn't been the best about telling me about things, but we did manage to go to see both TZ and Maddy play ball this season. Timmy had a great season and even got pulled up to Varsity a few times! I remember when I found out about that game and I texted with him and although he wasn't sure if he would play (he did) he was so excited for the opportunity. It was big potatoes for sure and I was so proud of him! The kids' school doesn't know how to use a comma... We also got to see Maddy play! It's always fun to come back to "my" sport! It's changed a lot since I played but it still brings back so many memories! Maddy played great at short and had some nice hits too! Nana & her girls! Papa was there too but didn't get the photo op, I guess...