Joanna Gaines is navigating a bittersweet summer as she prepares to send her eldest son Drake back to college and Ella off for her freshman year. The Magnolia Network designer shared a video of the entire Gaines family gathered at their family farm, where Joanna and husband Chip cooked homemade pizzas in their outdoor pizza oven while surrounded by their dogs, including a new puppy named Marfa. Chip had picked up Marfa after a summer road trip with the kids, and the little pup is helping Joanna cope with the emotional milestone.
In the clip, Joanna reflects on the moment, writing, “Gulp. Last dinner together before our oldest heads back to college and our second is about to leave home for her freshman year,” and thanking fans for the group hug and the puppy support that’s helping her ride out a wide range of emotions. The video ends with Joanna riding around on youngest son Crew’s small motorbike, an activity she says made her feel “like a kid again.” Her heartfelt message to her kids—“I love you kids so much”—has resonated with millions of followers, many of whom left supportive comments as they watched the family grow up on screen.
Fans aren’t the only ones feeling the change. Earlier this summer, Joanna admitted that saying goodbye to Ella has been harder than ever, noting that she feels like she’s “losing a friend in my everyday life” as Ella begins college after interning at Magnolia with her mom.
Despite the emotional season, Joanna isn’t facing it alone. She and Chip have three children still at home, a thriving business, and a loving partnership to lean on, along with their beloved dogs, who continue to bring comfort during big life transitions.
Summary: A family-in-transition moment captures the mix of pride and nostalgia that comes with kids growing up and leaving home, set against the backdrop of the Gaines’ farm life and the ongoing support of family, business, and pets.
Additional notes and value:
– This moment underscores a broader reality for many families: as children pursue new chapters, familiar rituals like shared meals and outdoor gatherings can provide grounding and comfort.
– The inclusion of the new puppy Marfa hints at how families often fill emotional gaps with new routines and joy.
– For readers going through similar transitions, small traditions—such as a final family dinner, time spent outdoors, or shared activities with younger siblings—can help ease the process.
Positive takeaway: While the goodbye is hard, the Gaines family theme remains one of resilience, love, and continuing to celebrate family milestones together.
Negative sentiment check: none. The article centers on emotional growth and family bonding with a hopeful, positive tone.