Max and Maverick’s friends, Rowan and Caelen are moving across the country, so we had them over for one last play date 
Last week was full of rain, so we tried to go to the pool a couple of times this week. 
We headed towards Texas and stopped by our friends’ house in Columbus. The kids are big fans of their kids. 
Of course, we had to stop at Buc-ee’s on the way! 
Max getting an early birthday present from papa to be able to use it on the farm while we’re here.
This week was full of reunions and fair wells. We had Max and Maverick’s friends (who happen to be brothers) come hang out for the day on Monday. They had a great time and were sad to say goodbye.
Tuesday we got to hang out with our friends, the Rogers, and we spent a lot of time with the Durrants. It’s been a good summer so far despite lots of rain. The kids get up, walk their dog, do their chores and some learning time, play with friends, go to the pool and then have an hour or two of down time. I’ve gotten a fair amount of work done on my novel, my house, and time with the kids. Thursday we packed up and finished some house chores that needed to be done and headed to Texas. We stopped Columbus Friday to make our Saturday drive a little easier and also so we could see our friends. We enjoyed going to Thai with them that evening, catching up, and enjoying their new puppy (Andy is begging me to get one).
The final reunion this week was with my in-laws. The kids were so excited to come see their grandparents and cousins. It’s a long drive, but we have so much fun here it is worth it.
There are so many people in my life going through hard things that sometimes it is hard to see how much good there still is. We are surrounded by blessings and being there for my friends has felt like a huge blessing. There was a time in my life where I didn’t have the money or the time to give as much as I feel I can give now and I’m so grateful I’m in a position to help others. I am also getting better about receiving help from others when we need it, but I still struggle to ask. We’re doing ok right now, though. Beverly’s back is looking great (just a spot or two that still feel rough). We’re still facing Andy’s future separation from us due to the military’s ineptness, but we’ll get through. I’m grateful we are surrounded by a village of friends who love us and who we love. I’ve enjoyed the early morning walks and talks with my friends, the late night Marco polo’s, the tossing our kids back and forth between houses. I have much to be grateful for, so I hope I can focus on that as we face the next trial.