Celebrating Jonathan!

We celebrated Jonathan for an entire weekend!  :)  His birthday fell on a Friday this year and he was able to have his 'friend' party on his actual birthday, much to his liking.  He chose to have a combination birthday/costume party since it was so close to Halloween.  He had been working on a costume for a couple of weeks and got it finished the night before the party.  It was pretty cool, if I do say so myself.  You can't see from the photo, but there was some real engineering that went into the legs (inside) and the arms (for motion ability).  Plus, the head was lined for comfort with EVA foam.  :)  The fellas all looked great in their costumes and, except for Jonathan, were able to keep them on for most of the party.  :)

Jonathan in his Minecraft costume that he made.

Jonathan, Bennett, Luca, Tyler

Jonathan had asked Grandpa if he would drive the team of Haflingers for his party.  The weather was again lovely and the boys had a good ride in the wagon, going all over our place.  

in the wagon

Jackson, Adrian, Jonathan, Luca, Bennett, Tyler and Grandpa

They spent time on the trampoline, played pool in the basement, ate cake and candy, opened presents and just enjoyed hanging out together.  It was a great group of fellas and I think everyone had a good time.  Success!  

Jackson and Adrian also made Minecraft heads... :)

Then, the next night we celebrated Jonathan again with the 'family' birthday party.  Jonathan asked Grandma for not one, but TWO of her famous chocolate buttermilk sheet cakes - one for the friend party and another for the family party.  She obliged and we were ALL grateful!   :)

My boy is growing up before my eyes...

Julie and Anna

Grandma and Grandpa

Jackson and Marvin

Laura and Jonathan

Jonathan holding up the 2012 MO State Fair belt buckle - an annual birthday gift from Grandpa.  The fellas have been collecting these belt buckles since 2005 and they are cherished mementos.

Inevitably, someone will start talking about previous years buckles and one of the fellas at the table will stand up to show off that version.  You can pretty well count on it!   :)  ha!

Minecraft seemed to be a theme this year...  :)

It was an honor to celebrate my dear youngest son... how quickly the years are flying by.  I just want to grab hold and remember it all...