Days with the Dorans

As strange as it is to think that Joey is a senior, Zach is in high school, we have another big change which may feel the weirdest- I don't know... I no longer have ANY kids in elementary school! That's right! Sean is off to middle school! Unfortunately, Sean's middle school is under construction so the first time he goes there it will be on his first day of school! Not going to lie- I (mom) feel a bit of anxiety about that since I had taken Joe, Al, and Zach on their first registration where they walked their schedule for the first time... opened their locker, etc. Well, of course we could not walk his schedule since we weren't in the right building but he did get his schedule (none of his besties in classes... ugh) and his picture taken. It was not bad since Sean can take the strangest of pictures! The good news is that the registration was at the Bigs' school so we DID get to practice opening lockers! In fact, we opened Ali's with ease, and then Zach's an...

Just like Z's high school orientation was over Zoom, so was Sean's middle school orientation. The good news is that I think by next year, things may be a bit more "normal." At least, I hope they will be normal. I may have to drive Sean to school, but I am looking forward to him being back with friends. It was also good to see a familiar face! Jeff was Joey's counselor and was such a good guy and helpful to Joey. I feel like Joe and Sean are very similar so seeing that he will be Seany's counselor put me at east a bit too.  Here we go! Time is really flying now!  

Jeff was working the day of Smart Start so my mom  thankfully took the Littles so I could go up to Smart with the Bigs. It was SOOOO crowded and we waited in long lines! We got the kids' schedules and were off to Al's locker. She got it open on the first time and every time after... (she did it a lot). We walked her schedule three times and she had it down but being the kiddo she is she wanted to be SURE!  After walking around with Al, we went to Joe's locker. He opened it once and after I suggested walking his schedule said, "I think I'm good."  We still walked it once for good measure and then did Al's one more time. These two kids of mine couldn't be more different but boy do I adore them both! Last year we waited in long lines for pictures. This year, the picture line was quick. I love the way their school pictures turned out! Now I just have to pray that the Littles will be as lucky... After we left, we decided to get some lunch ...

I still can't believe that my baby is going to middle school.  I have been so nervous about this move but he's been cool as a cucumber.  We went out and got his new chrome book  and other supplies and were off to registration (just the two of us). It was weird because I went to school where Joey is going and to be honest, it was the worst!  I was totally bullied (because of a boy) and couldn't stand it.  I have a feeling that Joey's experience will be a lot better! He got his locker open (though at first, my lefty started turning the lock counter-clockwise- EHHH!).  We also hit all of his classes and Joe even decided to switch one of his classes.  He now has com arts (like drama) which he loves.  I knew he would because he had SO much fun doing his 5th grade play! We walked his schedule, ran into friends and stood in long lines for his picture and ID.  While we were there, Joe started to get a little nervous. Those 8th graders ...