The Bigs' Day Off

While the Bigs were eating breakfast this morning, the phone rang. It was an automated call from our school district letting us know that school was closed for the day (for the Bigs, of course, not for me) due to a power outage. My mom was en-route to our house already because she (or my dad) gets the Bigs on the school bus every day. I was so thrilled that she let the Bigs tag along with her while she ran her errands. Well, to be honest, most of the errands ended up being for the Bigs. And my wonderful mother of course documented the day with her camera... (who do you think I get this from?)

After some shopping and creating a list of 'to-dos' with their Nana, the Bigs showed up at MY school to eat lunch with me and meet my students. I had fun giving my students clues about the 'Mystery Guests' that were coming and they were SO excited when the subjects of so many of my writing lessons showed up in the flesh!
The Bigs were a bit overwhelmed when all these kids knew their names and started talking to them as if they were friends. Joe was a bit shy at first, but was a trooper and sat in a chair and answered students' questions. The first was my favorite, "Do you like having Mrs. Doran as a mom?" His answer... a shrug! We all got a kick out it and it broke the ice and soon he was answering questions left and right (even for Ali Jane who turned into a mute)!

Eventually Ali Jane did sit with me and answer some questions. She wasn't the "Ms. Doran" I see in the safety of our home, but then she didn't know these students too well. By the end though, they were all hugging each other goodbye and my students were begging the Bigs to stay and play on recess but they had more things to do on their list!

Their next stop was to find some furniture for Nana and Papa's new addition (an amazing sun room). I believe the trip was unsuccessful, but if you are going to have an unsuccessful trip, a furniture store is the place to do it... nothing like putting your feet up for a while!

Resting was important because it helped them find their energy when they went to the next stop...

And Joe had a moment to update the list and check off some off the things that they accomplished.

Of course on the list was a trip to Build-a-Bear to buy something for Jack and Ruby. Aren't they sweet? -Always thinking of others and buying things for their friends!

All that shopping took a bit of a toll. They decided to scrap the 'look for carpet' and get home to Nana and Papa's so they could finish up the more important things on the list (like make cookies!). Unfortunately for them, the big day off was nearing its end and they were learning what I know all too well... there aren't enough hours in the day!

Thankfully Ali Jane knows that a smart girl stops and rests when she gets tired because so much excitement in one day can really wear a girl (and her bear) out! It is no fun running on empty and can cause you to feel sick (like her mother feels at the moment...).

But a little sugar to end a perfect day is a great pick-me-up! They weren't able to stay to taste their cookies because Ali Jane had places to be and people to see.

And that sugar did the trick! Ali Jane was able to get home, change into her ballet/ and Halloween costume (number one) for some trick-or-treating at dance. It is important to ease into the abundance of sugar that will surely be at our place this Sunday... I'd say the Bigs' day off was a huge success- but then I didn't expect anything less- they were with the best mom there is... MINE!