A patriotic ending to my week

 This is my little brother. 

 Actually, this is Andy's little brother, Josh, but I totally count him as my brother too. I have several "little brothers" - none of them blood. But Josh was the first. I started dating Andy when Josh was only 14, and strangely enough, the first time Andy brought me home to meet the family Josh recognized me. I had already met him the previous summer, just by chance, when I had visited a friend of mine who was the chaplain at boy scout camp. They don't get too many female visitors at boy scout camp, so I had stuck out in his memory. That first time Andy brought me home, Josh told his parents, "I think I just re-met my future sister-in-law". 

 He was right. 

 Josh went to West GA, joined a fraternity, did the "college thing". For a little while, I felt like I didn't know him anymore. Of course, during that time, we moved several times, had two kids, and Andy spent time in at least four different countries. I guess he didn't know us either. 

 But always, always, he has loved our children, and they have loved him. Always, always, he has been a wonderful uncle. 

 Look at those faces! 

On Friday he graduated from Army basic training. On Sat. he flew to CA to begin his AIT. He will be learning Farsi (a Persian language) over the next year. 

 My little brother is all grown up, and I am so very very proud of him. 

  

Canaan's drawing of Uncle Josh    Josh and I in the classic "self shot"

   

My boys on the playground, while the grownups made up for lost time

I just loved this shot. Something about the way the sun was setting, and he was sitting just slightly off to the side. Still with them, but already separate. They are looking at him, watching him, but not holding on. 

 I love my little brother. 

 I love this picture. 

But it makes me want to go hold onto my boys, and tell them to slow down. 

Stop growing up so fast!