Days with the Dorans

It was a first for Zach and a last for Joey! Marching Band has come to an end. Zach absolutely loved it! I think Joe had fun too but missed his old friends~ that and he got much more into cross. It was fun to see the kids celebrated. We didn't sit with the kids but we could see them. It is kind of a long night for us- there are videos and then a GIANT list of mock awards which is fun. Both of our kids got some and they were pretty funny! They didn't give any to anyone though (they should have given one to each other... but... oh well). The seniors of course were also recognized too and it was a bit strange thinking that this was all coming to an end. We did get to sit with friends and realized that we've still got a bit more time with the Corteville's which is nice! And if Carter does Marching band we could make it through all the band banquets with friends. I'm assuming Zach will stay in the band and Sean will one day join him but time with tell. After the part in ...

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...

  So Senior Night for Joe was interesting... They do it BEFORE the game so there's really not too many people there- basically family of seniors except that their parents are on the field with them. I felt like Joey had a mini-cheering section because Nana, Papa, Auntie Jodi, Randy, their boys and of course the Doran sibs were all there. I told Nana and Al to take videos or pictures but... we came up too early and they missed part of it but you can see a video HERE as well as some band footage from the night. The next few pictures crack me up. Dan Carlson, who is the voice of the Knights, is a friend of my mom's and has taught all three of my high schoolers!  But when it came time to say his name he share about "Joey Doe-RAN" and I just started laughing because no matter where we are someone will butcher our name! I mouthed the correct pronunciation and Mr. C said into the mic, "I should have known that, there are a million Dorans and I've taught them all!...

  We left in the 4s, as in 4:00 in the morning to drive to Kalamazoo for Band Day! We took Victor and there were a handful of other Knights there. Dumb me didn't realize that it was for ALL HS kids- We should have taken Zach... Next year! When we got there it was still early so we went to the library thinking we could get some work done. No luck! The library was even closed. So we went to Maggie's and had some yummy breakfast while Joe and the band played on! Jeff and I did a bit of tailgating and driving more down memory lane! We went and got Big Apple Bagels (the ONLY place that seems to have my beloved tomato basil and cheddar herb bagels) even though we were stuffed- and we also drove by Chime Elementary where I did my student teaching. It is still there but no longer Chime or a part of KPS which made me sad. After our walk (or drive) down memory lane we headed back to campus and ran into the kids for a bit. We did make it to the library and worked for an hour or so until g...

  The Homecoming game was fun! We went there early to watch the parade and Dad, Sean, Nana and Papa and I got some subs and did a bit of tailgating.  The parade is really pretty small from what we were used to growing up and the floats are more like just kids riding in cars... I was there for the marching band though of course and since I focused on Joe the last game, I thought today I would focus on Z.  Well... I shouldn't have done that~ Joe says to me after the game, "Did you see my solo mom?"  ummmm... What is he talking about!? Well~ I missed it but Nana and some others got pictures of Joe and the two other trumpets playing. Joe swears he told me. I swear he didn't. Regardless it was a huge mom fail. I told you, having two marchers is hard!! I'll remember this for Z's senior year though.  But... Z's video from marching band can be found HERE . I didn't do the WHOLE thing but of course I did get the dance break! The only problem is the I also misse...

  Not going to lie. Having two marching band kids is TOUGH! I mean, I did it with Ali when she did it for a hot minute but I always knew where she was. Having two marchers was crazy! Today I focused a bit more on Joe since it's his last season! I felt a little choked up for a second. HERE is a video of the show with my favorite (the dance break) at the 7:25 mark! Also saw some more pictures someone posted from a rehearsal! Love these! Ran into my old friend Ryan (super fast), I didn't even see him coming but he snapped a quick selfie and was off! His son is Ali's age and plays trumpet with Joe.