Days with the Dorans

HOMECOMING!!! It was so fun to have the kids go off (albeit in different directions) for their Homecoming Dance. The weather was PERFECT and the dance was outside which was awesome since... Covid. Nana came with me and we tried hard to get to all the places to get pictures but we failed miserably! We started with Joe- but they were kind of running behind, then we went to Ali- where I missed all of the pictures, and finally Z- well... we got him there in time.  This post is basically a big photo-dump and I actually have a lot more. Ali's best friend, Ellie, posted a video that I took so I could see it again and you can see that HERE . I'm so thankful I have one kid who takes pictures (even if it's not mine!) They all had a GREAT time and this mama's heart was so full! We did get home from the meet in time to watch Al get ready. It's weird that she needs no help from her mama! Twin Sarah found my girl and took a picture! See, I rely on everyone else! They did find eac...

One of Joe's friend's had a little homemade Homecoming.  It was nice that he was able to get out with others. He and about six other friends were Covid Cautious. It was nice that it was outside. He said it wasn't the best but it was nice getting out and seeing people he hadn't in a while.

 I decided to just put these posts together because while they didn't start out together, they ended up together. The day was somewhat stressful (for me) because Al and her friends were STILL not sure the plan hours before the dance. Joe on the other hand had reservations, knew where he was supposed to be going and when... Jeff took Joey and I took Ali. Talk about role reversal though- Al usually always has a plan... Nana came over and took some pictures of the Bigs. I loved Ali's dress~ and dare I say we got it for an AMAZING price~ we blinged it out with a belt, bag, and shoes (that cost more than the dress). She looked so pretty and though she doesn't really wear make-up, she put on some mascara and lip gloss. I think she looked beautiful! Joey cleaned up well too! Joe decided to go with a group of friends and we were last minute getting a new jacket for him (Since his old one was small- yay! He's growing!) I got him a guitar tie, but he didn't wear...

I'm still in a bit of denial that I have a kid in high school and the fact that he was off to his first "date" with a girl he likes and calls his girlfriend was really weird- but a good weird. Joey is growing up and I guess that means I am too. Nan was such a gem! She offered to come take pictures (OH MY GOSH, YES!!!!!) and she also made Ella's corsage which was made of silk and beautiful! My folks took the Littles to their games and Al stayed back to come and watch the pictures and stuff. Next year it'll be her turn as well! Flashbacks of these two best friends in diapers crossed my mind~ of course so did the "could have beens" of Joe going with his brother, Andrew.  Once we got to Ella's it was so cute! Her folks and Grandma were there and they are such a nice family! We went out back and took a couple pictures telling Joe to stand tall. Ella's got a couple inches on him and she had heals too. It was cute and they were an a...