Jonathan at three

Jonathan turned three on Saturday (9 March)! This is a big age for him: he got to have and eat a combine cake, got to start Sunday School the next day, and (re)began wearing briefs full-time. He learned that when you put the nooky (as in, sucking finger) together with the thumb, you can show people how old you are.

Jonathan is such a vibrant little boy when in his comfort zones - eyes wide open and bright, mind constantly whirring, and mouth full of observation and analysis. And questions..."but why?" [response]..."but why?" [repeat 19 times]. He's an amazing self-entertainer; right now he's in the living room building towers with old boxes and fully amusing Anna in the process (the point to take home here is not that I'm a negligent mother, but rather that our baby geniuses are "self-learners" :). He's definitely capable of throwing a good tantrum once in a while, but his default disposition tends towards chipper and chatty.

We had a family birthday party for him and my dad (born on the 13th) on Sunday with my folks, grandparents, and Uncle Charles. There were some gifts, like this tractor and hay baler that have not left his sight in the three days following:






some food (and combine cake), visiting, reading, and general happiness. I'm grateful that our kids are growing up so close to their grandparents and great grandparents (if, sadly, only on one side).

Four generations: Leo Harder, Gordon Harder, Elisabeth Harder Schrock, and Jonathan Harder Schrock.

Anna was a happy fan of Jonathan in all the festivities. Here they are decked out in their MCC Bolivia shirts, ready for the mini auction and verenike meal that our town held on the 9th as a fundraiser for MCC.

["Can you believe it, Anna? I'm three! Me!]

The day after Jonathan's birthday, his great grandmother, Esther Schrock, turned NINETY-three. Happy birthday, Grandma Schrock!