Rite of passage

13 is a big year in so many ways.  But one of the things that is most anticipated around here is the opportunity to drive the tractor by oneself.  Last week Jonathan got that opportunity.  

I was standing in the kitchen when I heard Marvin tell Jonathan, "Go on out there and take the tractor to the barn.  I'll be down in a bit."  As Jonathan was heading out the door, I realized what I had heard and looked up at Marvin.  He was just grinning.  "He's been doing that for several days now," he told me.  "He's ready to do it when I'm not with him."   

Whew... that IS a good thing!  But, I guess it just snuck up on me.  Then I realized that at that moment I had one son in town visiting with a girl and one son driving the tractor.  What happened to Tonka trucks and Blues Clues??

Jonathan is a cautious and careful driver.  Marvin and Daddy do a great job of teaching the boys how to respect machinery.  (Honestly, Jackson is a safer driver on the roads than *I* am!)   

So, we captured photos of a big day in Jonathan's life.  A rite of passage.  This Mama is ready... I think.   :)