I don't want to admit that this little guy is getting older...who wants to face it when the youngest is now a "big boy?" While it is difficult to think about it - on the other hand it is hard not to thoroughly enjoy every stage this guy has to offer. He is one bundle of personality and energy - and just a joy to be around. His smile is contagious - just wish I could bottle the vigor he has for life for my own use! This year - Jonathan has enjoyed all kinds of activities, new experiences, and relationships.
Jonathan loves making people laugh with his faces and antics....
He likes spending time with Grandpa Miller and daddy - especially on our Miller family trips...
Cousin Zander is one of Jon's favorite playmates when they get to see each other - they are always up to something! Jon is always game for legos, cars, exploring outside, and he is, like every other kid we know - into making bracelets with his Rainbow Loom.
Jon learned to read this year and is going to town trying new books. He has no fear or anxiety about trying new things. He memorizes historical, science, math, grammar, and latin facts for school. I think one of his favorite subjects is science - he loves experiments. Jon's most faithful school pal is Aslan. He loves working on the floor with him...
Good friends.....
It is hard to escape being a sports fan in this family. It was basically a requirement upon birth that Jonathan would be willing to throw, kick, or hit the ball with Ryan. Good thing I think he actually enjoys it. For seven years Jonathan has been a loyal and faithful fan! He cheerfully attends his siblings' activities and games - showing his love and support. Playing sports with big brother and sister has it's advantages: when your time comes - you are on your game....
For the first time - Jon got to join his OWN sport. Finally it was his turn to go to practice, get the uniform, and have games. The siblings, family, and friends are coming to watch him! He embraces it. How sweet he is the night before a practice or game, laying out all his clothes, equipment, ball, water bottle, and bag...and then setting his alarm for the morning! I love watching his enthusiasm and it is fun to watch him come up with "moves" he learned on the field with the "big boys." We are also glad to see that while he has fire and intensity, he doesn't seem bothered too much when things don't go his way yet on the field. He is having fun.
And while he loves his chance to play soccer - Jon still loves to play with his brother and sisters at any sport ....
Jon playing football with the big kids at his birthday party...
Jonathan's first try at tennis this summer in Flagstaff...
Jonathan is a faithful friend - up for any adventure....
Eating ice cream with Annabelle...
Carlie is one of Jon's best friends...since she has only been in the USA from Peru one year, Carlie still speaks primarily Spanish. They are hilarious together. I love listening to her rattle off something in Spanish and Jon just looks at her, shrugs, and off they go - hand in hand to play. He is so sweet and tender with her. He has learned "Jesus Loves Me" as well as many other words in Spanish. He is learning by immersion!
More friends from church, Sam & Zeke...
Our kids are blessed because even the friends of our older kids embrace the younger ones...they are great role models and celebrate the "littles"...Jonathan was thrilled when Mason came to watch him play soccer since Jon LOVES to watch and cheer for Mason in his varsity BB games...
This year it was hard to make it to Joe's for either of the boys' birthdays because of all the kids' activities! Saturday we had a marathon birth "day". We had playtime at the park for the boys and all their friends and then capped it off with dinner at Joe's Farm Grill
A birthday dinner is not a birthday dinner without Grandma and Grandpa there to be with us....
Ryan (13) and Jonathan (7) - 2014
Jonathan, you are a hard worker, positive, willing, patient, and fun. Life would not be the same without you son - we love you so much!!!!
" You then, my son, be strong in the grace that is in Christ Jesus. And the things you have heard me say in the presence of many witnesses entrust to reliable me who will also be qualified to teach others." 2 Timothy 2:1-2
