Days with the Dorans

Well... We survived the last full week of school (have I mentioned this has been my most difficult year in 20 years?). The last full week I always do a "Camp Experience" for my students which is really fun but super exhausting. I had to tear down "camp" today and then go to an ice-cream social for the Littles (Dad and Ali came too) and then clean up for the 8th Grade party (which Jeff so graciously did for me since I was EXHAUSTED!). The boys had fun hanging with friends while Jeff and I stood in a ridiculously long line (I mean over a half hour) for ice cream. We didn't mind too much. I actually liked being able to stand in one spot for a while though I would have preferred my couch. Al found some friends too but I'm a bad mom and didn't snap any pictures. I snapped a couple pictures once we finally got our ice cream and stole one with Sean and his friends from his friend's mom. Like I said- I. Was. Tired. Below is a picture of my camp s...

 On the Friday of the last full week of school, the kids' school had their fair.  Actually... if they heard my say that, they'd correct me... "It's the ice-cream social, moooommmmm!"  But a fair is what it is.  We had missed the last two years because Al was playing in the All-Star game but were able to go this year. It was packed, and when we had to go back and park in a near-by neighborhood to walk to the school the kids panicked!  They thought we were going home so we played that up as long as we could until they realized they were going to FINALLY be able to go to the end of the year fair.  Al was eager to meet her BF (they had made plans to meet in the gym) and the boys were eager to get ice cream! Of course they all met up with friends and we realized what fun this was for them.  Since it had been a while since we were here, this was the first year we felt comfortable with just letting them go. It was strange at first but also very fre...

I must start this by saying I had a horrible day. I woke up early (5 ish ) and remembered I forgot to put in a request to Ali Jane's favorite radio station. I wanted them to wish her well and for her to hear her name on the radio. Today was the last day of school for her and the thought of her not being there to chat on my commute... well... it made me a little sad. Despite our occasional 'Car Stops' early on, our drives and talks have been times I will treasure. So I woke up early to make the request and it appeared that I had gotten it in in plenty of time. I was so excited! I could write an entire bit on this- but instead- here is the condensed version of my lovely morning... No mention of A.J. on the radio. Her beloved teacher had stomach flu. (No last day pics or presentation of gift or goodbyes) Another teacher that she wanted to make the flowers for was also not there. Really? This wasn't how today was supposed to go. And school was rough. (As in MY school.) I w...