Days with the Dorans

The Collage Concert is always a great show! It's kind of a hodge podge of band, orchestra, and choir but it really does get you in the holiday spirit. The kids get to wear festive hats and I have to say that Zach's may have been my favorite because he was so easy to spot! Fortunately we went to the first of the concerts. There was a tragic shooting the day before in Oxford (not too far from us) and because of copy-cat threats, the rest of the concerts (and school) was canceled for a bit. I was thankful we had this time but understand why the district shut down school. Can you see him? Back- right-ish? Joey was a bit harder but he's in there too- back row all the way to the left! I love sitting up in the balcony. I don't know why, I just do.

 The Collage Concert was a great concert again~ Orchestra, Band, and choirs all do their thing and it's so nice. Ali was first chair viola (big potatoes) and I'm embarrassed to say that I didn't see her. The orchestra she was in I thought had kids that looked too old but I forgot they're all mixed in together (sorry Ali). She felt bad, I felt worse but she forgave me and I found this picture that someone posted. Joey played too and we did find him (but I deleted all pictures once I realized I missed Ali and felt awful). It was such a fun concert with a sing-along to boot. It was a long week for me with conferences yesterday so this was a wonderful way to end the week (and now I can sleep...). Great job, Bigs! (Not sure why we didn't get a picture with the Littles or Nana and Papa... All were in attendance.

 I had no idea that the high school concerts were so huge! There were two nights of the Collage Concert and by the time I got to the website to purchase tickets there weren't too many left. Note to self, I'll need to get them earlier next year. I see why they sold out. It was an outstanding concert with choirs, bands and orchestras! They all sounded great! Even Sean was into it, bopping along and lip syncing (we did get to sing when they SAID it was a sing-along). I am still amazed at the talent these kids have! I wasn't allowed to take video at the concert and it was hard to take pictures but Joe took some of he and friends backstage...  It's fun watching Joey come into his own in high school. It's like he's finding his place, expanding his friend group as well as his interests. I'm so proud of him. But I do wish he'd put that phone down once and a while... (don't worry- mom does take it when he needs a break)