Days with the Dorans

Well, if life hasn't gotten good at throwing us monkey wrenches... on the first day of school we had NO POWER! So we got ready in the dark, I had to manually get the garage door open (thank goodness I could), Jeff ran to get breakfast but that was a challenge because everywhere around us was out of power too. Apparently the only places WITH power were the schools we go to. Good news- we at least had water! I would have been freaking out if I was still at my parents' place and had no water on top of everything else. I know... first world problems. So while Sean and Zach are on new adventures and new schools, it was Joey that got to me this morning. I couldn't believe that it was his LAST first day of school (I'm counting school as K-12 obviously). It feels like just yesterday he was off to kindergarten and here we are... They had a senior sunrise thing at the high school but Joey said, "Why in the world would I want to get up any earlier than I already do?" Joe...

  Joe (11th), Ali (10th), Zach (8th), Sean (5th) The First Day of school was a bit different this year... Someone shared this yesterday and I could definitely relate. I was a nervous wreck for the first day. I usually am but this was a whole different level. Thankfully I had done a lot of prep work, instructional videos for parents, etc. Shockingly it went WAY better than I thought it would! My Sensational Second Graders! The kids also all had a good first day! We found out where we could all be. I was close-ish to Sean since he may need some assistance but everyone else found their space too and it went well.  I had some really nice texts and emails from parents thanking me for a great first day and I appreciated that they were able to see our efforts. Nevertheless, I was VERY ready for a drink after work... or a BOTTLE! (Don't worry... I'm kidding) After dinner, Ali and I went on a nice evening walk. I really treasure our walk and talk times. It's going to be a great year...

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...

 And then it was Sean's turn! He too got up on his own and was dressed and ready to go by the time I got home from Marty's walk! He had made himself breakfast and packed his lunch! I've raised some pretty amazing independent kiddos! He's off to 3rd grade and I'm excited to see what the year holds for him. He still seems so young to me but I guess it's all relative. Thankfully my mom and dad are coming again this year to help with the morning bus so I was on my way to start my (gulp) 21st year! My mom was able to get some pics at the bus stop. Just like that the last Doran was off to school! Marty has had a glorious summer with all his humans. He was sad to see them all leave him but is very much looking forward to long naps while they are gone! Here's to another great year!

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 ...

 UGH! I blinked and my baby is old enough for HS! I didn't run the first day because I had to be up that first day for pics!! The good news is Jeff is up at the same time since he too is off to 9th grade! I am actually up but usually running on the dreadmill since I'm a bit nervous to run in the dark after a spooky experience. I admit I've been texting him when I'm done to make sure he's made that bus (dark can be spooky). I don't know how Joe felt about me following him around snapping pictures that first day. I think he was as excited as I was. He had a great first day (and week since I'm late in writing) and I can't believe next year I'll be chasing Ali around for as she starts HS! Slow down, time!

 The summer went so fast (as summers always do) but we were ready to go back. Jeff went back the week before. We were actually a bit jealous because he'll get out a week earlier than we will. This year we have an 8th grader, a 7th grader, a 5th grader and two 2nd graders. Jeff is in 9th again. The Bigs were eager to go. They didn't need their instruments the first day but they are playing again this year (trumpet and viola). Trevor is going to a different school now but Sarah was at the bus stop and her mom took some great pictures for me of our twins! The Littles were also excited to go. Zach was chosen to be a safety last year so he had his belt all ready to go. Since he's in 5th grade, he also has to pack his lunch. I think that Seany would be OK packing his too but we'll let him stay little a little longer. When I got home, Al was the only one home and busy getting ready for soccer practice. The boys were already running to soccer practice and piano le...