Empty Nest Take 3

I've watched my boy go back to Dallas three times now since I moved here a year ago. Words cannot describe how much I cherish every moment with this kid, especially knowing this was his last summer break as a student. I'm so thankful he chose to spend it with us here in Columbus, working with his dad and uncle. So many incredible memories made. In one week's time, he was able to see 16 out of his 18 cousins, missing the two oldest. I love how all the little ones look up to him and how the older ones respect him. I love how dedicated he is to family and how open and flexible he is to jump from place to place, group to group, family to family. I love how a simple deck of cards can lead to hours of fun together as a family. Most of all, I love the depth and richness of conversation I can have with him when a situation calls for it. There's nothing fake about that kid, and there's no need to beat around the bush. 

Only God knows where life will steer after graduation this coming year, so I definitely treasure all these summer memories in my heart. 

Here are some cherished moments with my sweet boy, in no particular order. 

First ever Mom/Son road trip to Pennsylvania, 

over 1200 miles in a Mustang together

Lunch in West Virginia

Hanging out with both Texas and Pennsylvania cousins

The "every 6 years or so" traditional picture of David and his cousin Shawnee

PA and Texas cousins pic

Handling chickens for the first time

Getting fresh lemonade at the Green Dragon 

(my favorite place to hang out on a Friday in Lancaster County, PA)

Getting some fresh whoopie pies

Experiencing the culture of Lancaster County

Driving through the tunnels on the Pennsylvania Turnpike

and making a lot of noise!

Such a pretty drive through all the mountains in Pennsylvania

Cousin time in Michigan. 

They always pulled David along for the ride when they wanted to be brave.

Helping Dad get his truck ready for the dunes. 

Driving one truck while Dad drove the other. 

Always the one to take the selfies I begged for

I love how my two adult sons so eagerly jumped in the back of the truck for a family road trip and vacay in Michigan.

Jumping in to serve at church with Mom and Dad 

(we serve on the hospitality team once a month to clean up the coffee bar)

Playing games all summer long

We thoroughly enjoyed having one of his friends visit

Family dinners and get togethers at Matt and Chrissy's house

Joining us at a Community Group social, after spending two days there with his dad to help clean up after a tornado and fix some boards on their deck

Fourth of July fun!

Fun at the county fair

Going on rides with the little cousins

Talking to the goats

Enjoying the view from the deck he had just built with his dad

Fishing with dad and the cousins

More county fairs

First time eating elephant ears!

More goats

Just a random trip to Walmart

Working on the kitchen, making Mom happy.

A little mini-golf course we found

State Street Taco Tour, trying out all the taquerias in town, getting to know our new Community Group friends

Grandma and Uncle Mark came for a visit!

A day in Nashville, visiting all the cute little shops 

and then ending with eating our Subway sandwiches out on the tailgate

Going to the races in Bloomington

Though I'm super excited for him to start his senior year, 

I sure wish that pretty car didn't have to drive so far away to get there.