Days with the Dorans

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 ...

 The Collage Concert was a great concert again~ Orchestra, Band, and choirs all do their thing and it's so nice. Ali was first chair viola (big potatoes) and I'm embarrassed to say that I didn't see her. The orchestra she was in I thought had kids that looked too old but I forgot they're all mixed in together (sorry Ali). She felt bad, I felt worse but she forgave me and I found this picture that someone posted. Joey played too and we did find him (but I deleted all pictures once I realized I missed Ali and felt awful). It was such a fun concert with a sing-along to boot. It was a long week for me with conferences yesterday so this was a wonderful way to end the week (and now I can sleep...). Great job, Bigs! (Not sure why we didn't get a picture with the Littles or Nana and Papa... All were in attendance.

Next it was Joey's turn to play! They had this competition concert where they were adjudicated by a panel of judges and then they were also judged on their sight reading. We were thinking you had to pay to go see it so just Dad and I went. I always enjoy listening to the bands play and this was no exception. Since so many bands play and you can go and just watch your child's band- there was plenty of seating which was a welcome change- still we opted to sit back a bit and take it all in. After they played in the auditorium we got to go back to the band room and listen to them. They each got a sealed piece of music and the moment they opened it, they were timed to review the music and once they were ready they played. The whole thing was fascinating to me and the judge was so cute (looked like Santa) and had great feedback for them. They did great and scored all ones (which is the best). So proud of our little music man! Great job, Joe!

 I had no idea that the high school concerts were so huge! There were two nights of the Collage Concert and by the time I got to the website to purchase tickets there weren't too many left. Note to self, I'll need to get them earlier next year. I see why they sold out. It was an outstanding concert with choirs, bands and orchestras! They all sounded great! Even Sean was into it, bopping along and lip syncing (we did get to sing when they SAID it was a sing-along). I am still amazed at the talent these kids have! I wasn't allowed to take video at the concert and it was hard to take pictures but Joe took some of he and friends backstage...  It's fun watching Joey come into his own in high school. It's like he's finding his place, expanding his friend group as well as his interests. I'm so proud of him. But I do wish he'd put that phone down once and a while... (don't worry- mom does take it when he needs a break)