A big week for Jonathan!
He completed high school, and we celebrated his graduation with lots of friends and family.
He went fishing with his YMCA friend Mike Rey and caught some good-sized ones.
A big surprise this week was the arrival of a San Antonio friend, Liam and his family!
Liam and Jonathan were born on the same day. They met around age 12 at a library program and have been good friends ever since. Liam has been dealing with cancer for three years and just recently "rang the bell" (completed treatment). We moved in the middle of his cancer treatments, but Jon and Liam have kept in touch.
His family was so generous to plan a trip around being here for Jon's graduation party. They arrived early to surprise him here at home. And he was surprised!
They brought us treats from HEB. Mexican Chemoy candy for the kids (the kids miss the stuff)!
And Fredericksburg Peach Pecan Butter for all.
My parents were also here for several days and were invaluable in helping prepare food for the party.
Chemoy.
Phillip put together a slide show that played over and over again. Jon provided tissues for his grandmothers, but I think they made it through alright. 😂
Jonathan played two songs on the violin for us.
I absolutely love hearing him practice here at home. I'm going to miss that.
He wanted cookies instead of a cake.
Phoebe made the name decor and decorated the gift table. I love that I can hand her the decorating jobs and know that she will do well!
Liam's brother and sister.
So many Gores! Phillip's brother and cousin and uncle.
Russell and Donna came (they farm the ground around us), and when Russell found out Liam liked tractors, they all went to his place so Liam could drive a tractor. Liam was happy! And I was thrilled for him.
Monica and Mark (Liam's parents) helped out so much! They wanted the boys to spend time together so they were here early and just jumped right in to help decorate and bake cookies and take pictures. It was so nice to have them there.
I love Phoebe's face here.
Aupa had a game of cards going. I wanted to play Shanghai at some point but never made it happen.
My dad roped Mark (Liam's dad) into some card games.
Mike Rey, his wife, and Mimi.
Christina (she went to school with Phillip and her daughter is good friends with Phoebe now).
Mimi and Tania Gore (she's married to Phillip's cousin Eric).
Mimi and Papa housed family (including my parents) for the party and also provided food for us throughout. They are solid pillars in this community which makes an easy path for me and the kids to move right onto.
Whew!
We are thankful for every single person who has been in Jonathan's life. He's a great student. He is heading to a ministry training school for preaching. We're so proud of him. And many people have been in his life encouraging, guiding, teaching, befriending. What a blessing to have so many generous people giving of themselves for your children.
Thank you to all of you!
