Days with the Dorans

  After Bayshore we had a day to recover and then we headed home so that the Big Boys could march in the Memorial Day parade! You can see a video of them HERE .

Although he is officially DONE with school, the wind ensemble (which is like an honors band) played one final concert and we were all there to cheer Joe on. HERE is a video and below are pictures of some from his fan club!  

More band but this time it was our high school boys! Z had his first band festival (you can see that HERE ) and Joe had his last band festival (you can see that HERE ). With Covid still alive and well we had people stay home and I recorded it. Joe did run into some of his besties who came home from college to listen which I thought was so cool!  

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.

Concerts are back! It was great to hear my boys playing music again on the stage. Of course with Covid everyone is SUPPOSED to wear a mask. I was shocked by how many jerks in the audience blatantly sat with no mask in sight. It's sad how little people care about their fellow human- and gosh it made me mad but... I exhaled, into my mask, and focused on the good. While we were waiting, my budding author shared a teaser for his latest book. I had to include this in here because, well, Sean's a great writer and it's how we pass time while waiting for the show to begin. There were four bands that played. Zach was in the freshman band and they played first and sounded great! Zach loves playing that trombone and it was fun to see him all dressed up in his tux. Then there were two symphony bands and then wind ensemble, which was Joey's band. It was a good thing there was space between Joe and Z because Joe somehow lost his tie and had to borrow Zach's. Sigh, and he's su...

A bit bitter sweet to see Joey march for the last time! He decided he doesn't want to march in college. I certainly am going to miss it. It was hat day which meant it was easy to find your Knight. Joey had a Flamingo on his head and Zach was in a Wizard hat though he took off and I couldn't find him later. I got the selfie above from Joe. Ali was there with friends too and Ellie posted this on Instagram so that was two pictures of kids that I got! Someone got this picture of Zach so I felt like the bases were covered! It was a rainy day and we ALWAYS leave right after halftime! It's one of the major perks of having drivers! That was the plan except that the Drapals came to watch the last game. They got their right before half time so they wanted to stay a bit longer which I get... Nana and Papa left after halftime (smart) but the rest of us weathered the storm- quite literally. You can see a a video of the night (and rain) HERE . It's so nice to be able to find them wit...

  This summer seems to be full of thinking about lasts. Joe and I had fun working on his senior band poster. I printed a ton of pictures and we fit a ton on the poster. Only the one with his name will be displayed for band but we have a second one for grad party time! Joe also drew pictures in his name.

  Though still learning from home, We got to go to school today to see/hear Joey play in concert. He also got to see some friends which was cool. It kind of amazes me that they have these masks that they can play through. I love my music man!

So I've been running Marty lately which is so much fun! I usually go out for my own run and when I get home, instead of walking him, I take him for a short run. We started out with a mile and he's even done a 5k! I'm so proud of him! One of the mail carriers is so awesome! She saw us and stopped and gave him a treat which he was super happy about. I gave him the treat and turned to run and did something wonky with my ankle- rolled it and MAN did it hurt!!! I tried to run easy (nope) then tried to walk (OMG- that was killing me too!). I was tempted to call and have someone get me but I was only about 5 houses away from our home. I run every day and the thought of not running was awful and had me down. I iced and elevated and Marty felt so bad. He's a mama's boy anyway but he wouldn't leave my side. I could tell this was going to side-line me for a bit and I also had Joey's festival to go to!! I kept thinking at least it was my left ankle so I could drive! It ...