Alex Preparing to Leave the Nest

This post is one of those memories I would just like to hold on to and keep coming back over and over again. These are the last few pictures we took with Alex before he left for BYU. 

I wanted to make sure we maximize our time together, hug, walk, talk, just sit with each other. 

Although it's hard to tell for sure, Mark will miss Alex very much. 

They don't have the same friends or interests but they have never really fought either. They get on each other's nerves, but they I have never witnessed like a crazy brawl or wrestling between these too. They are 3.5 years apart, and maybe that is the reason. 

***Side note from the future (two months after Alex left). The other day in online seminary, the teacher asked for examples when someone did something for them although it was hard or scary. Mark shared a story about how one time he convinced Alex to go together and get junk food, but they knew I would not approve. So when I asked whose idea it was, after the fact, apparently Alex came forward and said it was all his idea. I laughed out loud. Apparently, that made an impact on Mark-hahaha. Now I see...but I can't remember that instant at all. 

Of course, his mama is going to miss him. And he claims he will miss me too. Mostly my smoothies and salads, I am sure. 

Robert had the privilege of dropping off Alex at BYU this time, getting settled and buying all the stuff for him. They will miss each other a lot! 

Our three strong Watson men! Who is going to be the tallest? Alex is a little taller than 6' 2'', Mark is catching up to him. 

Family selfie...minus Katya. 

Right before Alex left, he joined me on my errands to go get Mark from tennis and then get smoothies from Tropical Smoothies Cafe. 

And then he and I went on a special outing to Chapel Hill to get Merritt's sandwiches for lunch, got some UNC merch at the Shrunken Head store on Franklin St. by UNC...

And even made our way to the outlets in Mebane to get some shoes! Alex actually went shopping with me and we had fun! 

We went on our last Sunday walk on the "boardwalk" and took a few more pictures. 

Mark and I were leaving on the 24th of August, Thursday, to go to Orlando for the National Doubles Championships. So we actually had to say goodbye to Alex the day before he and Robert were flying out to Utah. 

Our handsome boys! 

And a my heart is happy when these two are around (or when I know they are far away but doing their thing). 

And finally, Mark and I had to say goodbye to Alex as he and Robert dropped us off at the airport at 5 am. I know he will do great on his own! He is ready! We all will miss him! 

We love you, Alex!

Lyana.