Days with the Dorans

And just like that, another summer has come to an end. The morning came early but of course I had to get some pics of my high schoolers. Jeff switched schools and now is at the High School (and liked it more than he thought he would). Of course Ali was off and though she was nervous (which made me nervous), I know that girl will be just fine. It actually wasn't as bad saying goodbye as I thought it would be. Joey too was old hat at all of this- of course they worry about lunch and which friends will be in classes since they get schedules last minute but I know they'll be fine. Since it was the first day, Papa came over early to see them off. He told Ali he would walk her to the bus stop through high school but really- just that first day. I was walking Marty so got to grab a picture of them too. Twin Sarah was at the bus stop as well as some other kiddos I didn't know. It's weird because Joey was there all by himself last year. It sure is dark in the m...

As soon as Joe was off to HS, I hit the shower. As soon as I got downstairs, the middles were ready to go. When I got down they had already had breakfast and were getting those backpacks on! It's Ali Jane's last year of middle school and Goosie's first! I feel like him being in middle school feels strange- like he's not old enough yet to go but I'm sure I felt like this with the Bigs too! As I've mentioned before he's so cool and calm about it all that it blows my mind!  Al met up with twin Sarah at the end of the driveway and I got to snap a quick picture! I usually walk Marty as the Middles go to their bus stop (partly so I can keep an eye on them but not be THERE- I go the opposite way). My dad still walks them to the stop when he's here to get Seany on the bus. I'm sure they love it! Matthew is Z's buddy and his mom took this picture of the two of them! They have all but one class together which is crazy! Perhaps that's ...

 I was glad that the Littles were up to get a group pic before the Bigs were off to school. It was a big day for all of us. Sean was off to 1st, Zach 4th, Al 6th and Joe 7th. Jeff always leaves well before us but he's still in 9th and I made the move to 2nd. When I was first told I was moving, I was upset. This was the second time I was moved without getting a heads up or even having a say. I figure my first move (which REALLY upset me) turned out OK so this couldn't be that bad. It is always easier to move up in grades. I was just bummed because I spent so much money when I switched grade levels and here I go again... I think Al was a little nervous about middle school but I knew it would be OK~ mostly because she had her big brother with her. I remember how hard it was last year when it was just Joe. This year I felt much better. Joe had a great year and I just know that Ali will too! Her twin was of course there too. Ali has friends in all of her classes (where...

 I was so nervous for Joey's first day of middle school!  I don't think I would have been, except in the middle of the night, Joe was up saying his stomach hurt and he thought he was going to throw up.  I felt horrible and prayed he'd be OK. I thought the first day of middle school would be hard, but missing it would be worse.  He admiitted later that perhaps it was just nerves and was back in bed. In the morning, Joe was so excited!  When the other kids were up shortly after he was, I think he was a little annoyed.  He was excited to be going on his own and that he had a key in case he beat dad home from work. Joe didn't have a good day, he had a GREAT day!  I heard every detail from the day and he was so excited!!  Since he has two weeks under his belt now as I write this, I can also announce that he is loving cross country!  We knew he would!  Of course I'll have to miss his meets (you read my last post?), but I'm glad that...