Jonathan's birthday dinner

October 24, 2021

We gathered for a family dinner to celebrate Jonathan's 22nd birthday a couple days before his actual day.  It was a joy to all be together, but we sure were missing Mama.  

Hannah, Zac, Jackson, Brianna, Maverick, Jonathan, Daddy, Julie, Marvin

Hannah, Zac, Jackson, Brianna, Maverick, Jonathan, Daddy, Julie, Marvin

We went ahead and sat down at the table even though there was a tornado warning for the southwestern part of our county.  We were keeping an eye on it and thinking it would veer south of us.  But shortly it appeared to be coming straight toward us so we realized we needed to go to the basement.  Zac was fielding calls from Truman the whole time since he was 'on call'.  So there was a lot going on there for a few minutes!  :D  One thing I definitely learned is that we simply must deal with the disaster that has become our basement.  :)  If nothing else so that Maverick has a larger area to play this winter when we are likely to be stuck inside more often.  However, we got everyone safely downstairs and just kept right on eating our supper.  There was some damage from the storm, but not near us.  I read that the tornado was on the ground for 32 miles!  Even our power stayed on and so that was doubly good.  I think Mav thought it was kind of an adventure and he was absolutely thrilled to learn there is a basement in this house!  ha!  We had never brought him down here because this is where all the old toys are stored and we knew he didn't need to see that!  We intend to parcel those out one at a time over many years!  :D  If he ever caught sight of all that is truly stored down here, I think he would lose his mind!  The boys had a lot of cool stuff growing up.  :)  

The only time Maverick got really nervous was when you could hear the storm passing overhead.  It was really loud, even in the basement.  I went to that toy storage area and pulled out this stuffed puppy for him - it was one of his Dad's favorites.  Mav loved and brought it upstairs with him when we returned - and it has now become one of his favorites, too.  

Hannah and I stepped out front to take a few photos after the 'all clear'.  It was really pretty.  We had between 7-10 inches of rain total over this weekend.  Crazy! 

Then it was time for birthday cake - only about 12 candles on the cake so it wouldn't be too crowded.  :) Sure do love this wonderful fella!  

Mav liked the singing of Happy Birthday and may have thought it was for him, at least initially.  We kept pointing to Uncle Jonathan.  :D  He enjoyed it all no matter what!  

Here is what I wrote on facebook about Jonathan - 

Wishing a most wonderful and happy birthday to dear Jonathan.  

We are all so blessed to have Jonathan in our lives.  

He prefers to fly under the radar, but there is no doubt 

that he is always there offering help and support.  

He is a magnificent son, brother, uncle, grandson and friend.  

If you win over Jonathan, you have struck the jackpot, indeed.  

Few are more loyal and (quietly) loving than him.  

Celebrating our wonderful son, Jonathan, today and always!

After dinner and dessert, Mav had a walkie talkie and he was playing with Zac like it was a phone.  

Maverick has that midwestern goodbye down!  He likes to spend quite a bit of time saying 'bye' to all.  Although he says 'Bye' with a strong southern accent (channeling his GranGran?)  :D   (so glad I got video of this... see below)