Have a Nice Life Little Buddy

Well, my littlest brother (of seven children) is finally flying the coop. It’s crazy to remember that 18 years ago, he was born on a Wednesday. I was 12, and at summer camp, and really mad to learn that my parents named him Joshua instead of MY favorite name, Josiah. I was also mad when my mom told me I couldn’t HAVE him. I figured she had plenty of children, and I was ready for one my own. A completely rational thought for a 12-year-old… I promise.

We threw him a ‘Going Away’ party this weekend, complete with a massive cardboard sign that my mom and I whipped up:

Did you notice in the background there are a bunch of silly teenagers filling up the bed of a pickup with water?

Yep, this happened.

And it was cold.

Paisley took a little dip, and didn’t really love it. She clearly communicates her feelings these days.

There were all kinds of yard games going on as well. Croquet is always a classic favorite in our family.

The rest of us watched from the deck. You may be wondering where my other baby is? I’ll tell you… she slept. ALL DAY. Girlfriend is cutting some molars, and in addition to having a mild fever off and on, she sleeps… a LOT.

It was a bittersweet day for my parents. After rearing children for 32 years straight, they’re now entering the unknown world of ‘empty-nesters’! But for the most part, I think they’re embracing this. They even had t-shirts made that show a mama bird kicking her baby bird out of the nest. AWESOME.

Josh is leaving to attend Focus One in Illinois, which is a Christian-based discipleship program with college accredited classes. He eventually plans to transfer to Northwestern in St. Paul and study Forensics.

Like all 18-year-old boys, he absolutely loves having his picture taken. I’m sure he’ll also appreciate my plastering his photos all over my little plot of the interwebs.

Good luck Josh!