Days with the Dorans

I've been busy the last couple weeks getting Room 119 ready for a new cast of characters. Although it is exhausting (and I don't know how I'd do it without the help of my mom), this time of year always gets me excited for all the new possibilities. To see what my classroom looks like this year, you can click HERE . The view when I closed up shop! I think I'm ready!

It's not easy being a teacher because you miss EVERYTHING! I was doing my own "Meet and Greet" when the Littles met and greeted their new teachers. Thankfully my dad was able to take them~ sadly, he takes blurry pictures! I have a feeling this is going to be a great year. Joe had Sean's teacher before and we liked her a lot and Z's teacher has gotten rave reviews from my teacher friends which means a lot. I'm excited to see what the future holds for these two!

And just like that I have an 8th Grader and a 7th Grader. "Smart Start" went much faster for us this year. Al walked her schedule once and Joe didn't feel the need to walk it at all. They both met up with lots of friends to check out schedules and see if they had any common classes. Joe also stayed after with his buddy Dom (why didn't I get a picture) to help with cross country. I'm so glad he's running again. Al opened her locker right away and did put up some pictures. I printed off her dance pictures with the cool words we took in MB (you can see them HERE if you don't know what I'm talking about).  Joe had a bit of trouble with his locker which surprised me. I blame it on him being a leftie. He got it though and didn't seem too stressed about it. After all~ he's "Joe Cool." I can't wait to see what this year brings for these two!

I have so enjoyed my walks with Marty this summer. They don't feel as rushed. During the school year, I tend to do a little in the morning and 2 miles at night~ though I'm hopeful Ang and I can keep up our morning walks. On THIS walk, Marty met two new puppies and I took a picture of him with one of them. Scoobie was just 11 weeks old! Marty's SO good with others. He laid right down so this puppy wouldn't be scared (maybe that's what he was thinking). Regardless, he was so sweet. I think he'll make a good big brother~ someday. 

 My walk on our final day was cut short because of the weather. It looked like rain and it did spit a little. I got a call from Jeff right after I hit mile 3 asking if he wanted me to pick him up. I told him I wasn't made of sugar... (it was raining but it felt good) and then the heavens opened up and I told him he could come get me. I was bummed not to get in my full 4 miles, but oh well the wind was nutty!  When I got home this is what I saw... Really? Only my kid would bring MY Halloween Costume on vacation and pair it with some pirate eye patches. The Goose cracks me up! We packed up and then figured we might as well leave since the weather was crummy. We love #4 and are so grateful to have the opportunity to stay in such a great place. I don't take the blessings my parents have given us for granted! Thank you mom and dad for letting us stay in your place! When we win the lottery, we'll return the favor! This was the first year we didn't do a day trip...

We started our morning with disc golf and walking (early) again. This time I took a different route. My dad suggested it and I liked it. I think I would fit in here. Loved the signs I saw in so many yards. I did 4 miles again and averaged 12:35 minute miles. We had to head back to TC again to the Home Depot because the toilet seat broke (don't worry- it broke before we got there from the last people but we fixed it). When we got to the Home Depot, the man there had eclipse glasses. It was soooo cool and I think we need to go to totality when it comes back next time! My parents even sent this video of Marty watching the eclipse from the safety of their home. He loves science (or he thought it was a giant ball).  After we got the seat, we decided to do some Putt-Putt golf. Everyone got a hole in one except the Goose (not happy as you can tell from the first picture) and Jeffy. Seany got THREE!! This is a family record! Also, the kids got fun gifts after, which was ...

When I woke up, Jeff was already disc golfing, but since our kiddos are older now, I felt OK leaving them a bit before he got home to go for my walk. I have walked every day this summer anywhere from 3-6 miles. I went 4 miles today and found this great "Walk of Art" park just south of the main park. It was so pretty. My times were good too. I was below 13 minute miles which is a good clip for a walk (I didn't have to pause to pick up dog doo). When I got back (Jeff got back shortly after I left), it was time to swim. The boys had fun playing in the sand too. They made headquarters called "The HQ" and just had a blast playing. I'm glad that our kids get along so well (most of the time). Had to put this one in... SO Seany!  I love spending time on Lake Michigan. It is so relaxing and perfect. Al even took a picture of Jeff and I (and I wasn't wearing my signature black!) Can you believe I'm actually posting it? I'm up a bit in w...

We were so excited to get to Elk Rapids!! We didn't do our usual (head to the store and unpack first thing)~ instead we walked downtown to the Town Club for some yummy grub. Jeff and I split the nachos and Pita Chips (OMG!!!) and it was delicious. Our kids are getting older though- the bills to eat out are costing a bit more. Thank goodness they can't drink yet! It was fun just being together. I love the Town Club! It's small and perfect (sadly it's also where we were when we found out Robin Williams died and I always think about it when we're there). Elk Rapids is just such a great little town. Al took some selfies while we waited for the bill and then I took one of them with the bear!  My folks' place looks awesome! They got rid of the carpet, did work in the bathroom and gave the bedrooms a facelift too. My only regret was that we couldn't stay longer. After dinner we didn't even unpack- got on those suits and headed to the lake! ...