max is 20!

 Just like that, we've got one teenager and two twenty-somethings!

Max has had a big year. He finished up his freshman year at Purdue, got himself a new major (applied statistics and actuarial science!), spent most of his summer in Detroit doing an internship for Chris, and is now three-quarters of the way through his sophomore year. He's got so much to be proud of, and even more to look forward to.

One thing I adore about Max is the way he shows up for the people he loves. Whether he's cheering Henry on at a race, offering Liam the best possible listening ear (and good advice!), or coming home for the weekend to spend time with Cassidy when she is under the weather, Max is someone to be counted on. He's not flashy or obvious, but he's a solid, steady presence with an innate kindness. He's also hilarious and can and will cut you right down to size with a single sentence, lest you think he's all sweetness and light.

No, our Max is a lot more than that. He loves watching and playing tennis, as well as playing video games on his phone while having long, rambling conversations with Henry. He's the first one in a restaurant to order a dessert the minute he thinks he can get away with it. But he's also the first one to share.

And he's always up for an adventure! I think that off them all, Max is the most like me in that department — he's ready to go to new places and try new things. One of his favorite things to do when we travel (and he does NOT get this from me!) is find the hardest/most dangerous/most gasp-inducing hike and convince Mike to do it with him. Liam and Henry have gone along with varying levels of enthusiasm, but Max has been the true impetus for each one, challenging his dad and brothers to keep up with amd making it look easy along the way.

In the car last weekend, as a side note to another conversation we were having, I said something about no longer being the person who knows Max best in the world now that he's making his adult way in the world. But I sure know enough, and I could not be prouder or more excited to find out what happens next.. 

Happy birthday, Max. We love you so much.