The Family Cruise

Ahoy Matey,Our family cruise has sailed
and the fun has begun! Jeni and Martha on the lido deck enjoying the "drink of the day"as we set sail for Catalina Island.We boarded Monday afternoon for 5 days of fun. We will visit Catalina Island,and,Ensenada Mexico.With one day at sea before we return to Long Beach Friday morning. We are traveling on Carnivals ship "the Inspiration". This will be the first cruise for our kids and my brother Larry. Hopefully it won't be their last.
Tuesday morning the ship anchored just off Catalina and ferried us over to the island. All the ladies could not wait to land as the shops were calling them to buy,buy,buy! That's me and Granddaughter Alyx heading to the island.Doesn't she look hip in her new way cool(as she would say)new hat. Her and Grandpa are buddies,even at 17 she still wants to be with Grandpa and Grandma,so un teenage like!

Gary and Martha headed over to Catalina for some fun. A special thanks goes out to them for setting up this cruise for the family. They are the "connoisseurs of the Doran clan and although we don't always show it, we really do appreciate everything you two do for all of us. THANK YOU!

Oh Man!!, 5 pretty ladies ready to shop.......get your wallets out guys,its gonna get ugly! Jeni,Martha, Katie,Alyx,and Jackie.....with the charge cards......those vendors don't have a chance!

We rented golf carts and drove the island looking at the sights. This is the only way to get around without walking or biking .You can rent one that Carry's 6 people, so we rented 2 and everybody was very comfy. The views were spectacular. I didn't realize how beautiful Catalina was. this pic is the crew taking a break looking down on the Pacific ocean.

And this is the view we had. That's the cruise ship behind Jeni. Beautiful day,beautiful views.....It don't get any better than this.

Wednesday night was formal dining so we all put on our best and had a first class gourmet meal. All you could eat prime rib and lobster....YUM! My son in law Billy ate 6 count em 6 lobsters! That's the family in this pic.Top row left to right, Brother Larry, Son in law Dustin, Jeni, Me, son Dan. Bottom row left to right,Brother Gary, his wife Martha, Granddaughter Alyx,Daughter Jackie, Grandson DJ, Daughter Katie,and son in law Billy(the lobster king!) I am just choked up with pride., this is what makes life worth living.

On the top deck of the ship there was a nine hole goofy golf coarse,so DJ,Gary,and I checked it out. We had a ball.Dj made a great shot which landed right in the cup.And what do you do when you make a great shot like that..........





You "CELEBRATE!" DJ,your the Man. DJ had lots of things to do on the ship. They had a video arcade,and Lazier tag. He took full advantage of it all.

They had a walking track on the top deck where you could jog or walk off those "Cruise pounds." Seeing I had hit the buffet pretty hard that day,I did a little stroll after dinner. It was hard keeping on the track as I would gaze at the beautiful sea and the next thing I know, I was off the track and running into something. "man overboard!"



We ported in Ensenada Wednesday morning. Just as you got off the ship,there were some small shops on the pier. Jackie and Alyx got to hold this lion cub for a donation at one of the shops.I think it was one of those "rescue foundations" that care for the cubs.There were 2 of them and they were orphaned. The girls were thrilled!



Everybody did their own thing in Mexico. Jeni,Gary, Martha , and I went to some Mexican wineries,The other girls went on a tour a "blow hole"at the ocean,and my brother Larry, my son and son in laws,well they went to a place called "Papa's and Beers". You know how that ended right! That's me at one of the wineries. What a beautiful place.I was very impressed with the operation and We even purchased a few bottles. The first one was a big vineyard and the second one was a small organic vineyard that not only made wine but baked bread and produced delicious cheese. Their wine was also superb. I thought better than the big vineyard.All in all a great day in Mexico.
The last day out to sea we just lounged around enjoying the amenities on board. The Spa, Hotub, Casino, and of coarse...the food!
Were back at the park wondering how fast and wonderful our cruise was. And planning our next family outing. Thanks again Gary and Martha,and the family for a fantastic voyage we will never forget.....The Family Cruise.

The holidays cont.

Santa was real good to Jeni and her friend Jesse at our annual Park Sierra Christmas party. A little too good if you ask me! The park had about 200 people here for our annual tree decorating party in mid December.Good food,good friends,and gooood egg nog!

This picture doesn't do justice(I'm still using my crummy Fujii camera!) to Jeni's Christmas decorations at our site. It was one of the best in the park.She did a great job.

We went to Sacramento for Christmas and our Daughter Jackie cooked one of the best turkeys I have ever tasted. She put the turkey in a secret brine overnight containing chicken broth,sea salt, garlic,and some secret ingredients.next morning she cooked and basted it with the brine mixture.It was delicious! I tried to get the name of the secret ingredients but her lips are sealed.

We sure enjoyed our Granddaughter Alyx and Grandson DJ. Alyx is almost 17 and Quite the beautiful lady.She is the apple of her Grandpa's eye. DJ is growing like a weed and smart as a whip.But at least he hasn't outgrown playing with his Grandpa. We had a ball,and he still laughs at my corny jokes....for now!

In our last post we spoke of good news and a change of plans for this summer. Well, Katie and Billy are going to have a baby and were going to be Grandparents again! Jeni and I are thrilled. We have made plans to host this summer back at Folsom Lake so we can be close and help if needed.The baby is due in early June so we are coming in about mid May til mid August.OH BOY! a little one to fondle and hold....we can't wait. Kate has that beautiful glow all expectant mothers have. Pure Beauty.We love you Sweetie.

Jeni and I were blown away by this Afgan that Alyx and Jackie got us. It has all the families pictures on it. Jeni put it on the couch but won't let me sit on it because i might sit on one of the kids faces. No more naps on the couch!

This is Alyx and her boyfriend Cody. They got each other promise rings for Christmas. They look very nice. Grandpa is not sure what that means but Alyx assured me school comes first.Cody is a very nice guy and very respectful.He seems like a keeper. We had a great time in Sacramento and all too quick we were back in the park getting ready for New Years. Jeni was busy all week and had a great turnout Wednesday for her "Hot Dog and a Movie"She showed the movie "The Help"The book had been circulating through the park so when Jeni showed the movie everybody wanted to see it. New Years Eve the park had its annual party with a great musical duo that belted out the oldies. everybody danced their a&#?'s off and "Partied Hearty!"
This week we had to take down decorations. First at our site where Jeni and I took two days taking everything down and packing it away in our storage shed.Then on Wednesday we took down all the decorations in the clubhouse. That only takes about 4 hours and you get cookies and coffee.Plus, you have a lot of help.All the members pitch in.

Our winter plans are, our family cruise on Jan. 16th-20th on Carnival to Catalina island and Ensenada Mexico. OLE! Then in February we head down to Phoenix for a month to visit Jeni's family and my brother. From there we will head to Riverside to visit our Grandsons and my other Brother for a week. Then home to get ready for the parks annual fundraiser "Stage Coach Days" in April. That should keep Jeni and I busy.
Well the Holidays are behind us and 2012 looks like its gonna be a great year so were off and running(but not in Iowa) enjoying the retired life.One of the members I was chatting with the other day remarked that "everyday is a good day to be alive.Everyday you don't indulge and smile is a day you lose"......A good way to live life. A Holiday Continued!