Days with the Dorans

  Though it hadn't been that long, I was so excited to get back north to Elk Rapids. I don't know if it was the craziness and exhaustion from the school year, but the thought of just getting away is what we needed. The weather wasn't amazing... Sure it was warm enough for the Littles to get into the lake and pool (better- it was heated) but we had our share of rain and crazy wind. We even had a power outage which was crazy! We did get tons of reading in (and by "we" I mean, Ali and I read a lot). I have found that while I like the occasional adventure I'm also really happy just hanging by the pool or lake and taking in the quiet and a book. I read three books in one week which is a lot for me! We went over Father's Day. It was either that week or the Fireworks week. We didn't want to miss Fireworks when we got back (which were eventually cancelled for weather anyway- ugh). Jeff got a sweatshirt and lights for his baskets and discs. All things disc golf...

  Well... I was SUPPOSED to go back to the grade I had prior to all this switching Covid nonsense, but I'm staying in first grade which I am bummed about. I probably should have said something but it's not like people listen to you anyway. My principal said I did so good with K remote, I should teach kindergarteners. I told her it was a bit different when you had a mute button and PLEASE don't put me in K. Thankfully she didn't, but she didn't put me back in second. I'm disappointed but what else is new??? I did get this sweet text message from a parent of one of my remote kindergarteners and it made my day and reminded me to keep things in perspective. It does always work out no matter how bad things seem. That's it for now Room 119! See you in the fall and PRAYING it will be a MUCH better year. And now, I can REST!!!

It's a bit surreal that after 12 years we will no longer have a child at Dublin Elementary!!! This was certainly NOT how I expected Sean's "5th Grade Graduation" to go. He hasn't spent the year with these kids but they are his past and I'm sure it was good to see them. No parents were there but we could watch it on zoom and I did (with my class). I took a video of Sean walking the stage and then he shared his perspective on how the year went that you can see HERE . Thankful a teacher sent me this! It's OFFICIAL!! He had two different teachers at Dublin and then also Matt Hewitt for the third trimester!

  It kind of blows my mind that Zach is already off to High School! He seems to young to be heading off but that's what time does! They had their 8th Grade Graduation on WLN's field and I was glad that Nana and Papa were able to come too! To see a video from his graduation, click HERE . Proud Grandparents Proud Sibs Proud Dorans Best. Counselor. Ever.

Though Zach doesn't play for the Jags anymore, I feel like this team is better! They play so well together and have beaten travel teams! They won the championship which was exciting! Some of the players on his team I had in class which makes watching them extra fun. I can't believe that they are heading to HS next year. I think that this may be Zach's last soccer season but time will tell. Ali is still playing in high school and this is such a fun rec group! The Sharknados will always have a place in my heart!  

  Ahhhh... Getting back to normal! No masks! Whoop whooop!

I got a picture of Jeff at work so I had to post it since I don't usually get them of him. I am so glad he made the change and left Clarkston. His VI job is very cool. And I spoke at a board meeting recently that you can see HERE . We don't have a contract which is frustrating especially after the nonsense of the year.