Celebrations

We went to our son's house for a family get-together to celebrate a couple of birthdays and also to welcome our youngest son and his wife to Cali for a week. The oldest sons always enjoy their times together...

Our oldest grandson is growing up so fast!

And so is our oldest grand-daughter!

Daddy and his "mini-me."

J&K

We had a mini-birthday party for this little girl who just turned 4!

Opening her gift...

Enjoying her new princess castle.

...then sharing with her cousin!

We had fun playing together and enjoying the beautiful day.

Fortunately we had this short time together with everyone, because a couple hours later, before J&H arrived, a couple of people in the family got sick with the flu.

After several hours of travel by plane and car, J&H arrived.

We also celebrated our youngest son's 31st birthday (a couple weeks late).

His nephews loved helping him blow out the candles...and help eat that yummy chocolate cake!

That was the way J&H began their week in Cali where they attended a seminar on building eco-friendly sod houses.

Later in the week, they drove to our home and spent the evening with us...

...then early the next morning they drove east to attend the last 15 hours of classes.

Even though the time was short, we were so thankful that J&H took the time to come and visit; and we enjoyed sharing our beautiful weather with them before they flew back to the snow and cold of Montana.

Celebrate new life

 We are so blessed to have new neighbors...and a new associate pastor at our church! In early September, they added twin girls to their family. Several weeks later, the girls were brought to the family of God through holy baptism. 

 As a special treat to the babies, their daddy sang them a song.

 Such a special benediction to his beautiful little girls.

The nieces waited patiently for their time in the service.

Uncle and aunt and their family came from Colorado to join S&S as sponsors for the twins.

Mother and child...

...father and child.

And a special highlight of the day was the arrival of this couple, the pastor and his wife from Seth's home church. They were visiting family in our area and decided to surprise S&S by coming for the baptism of the girls. They are also former colleagues of ours from Africa and the baptismal sponsors of our third son, so it was a delight to have them visit.

Midwest travels

 Jim travels back to the midwest twice a year for church board meetings. It is a business trip, but it also allows him time to spend with family and friends. This always includes time with our special grand nephew and his parents.

 It also gives him a chance to celebrate his little sister's birthday!

 This year also included a visit with some long-time friends from Africa that came to the States to visit their son and his family. Jim had not seen them for 13 years, so there was a lot of catching up! 

 He also stopped by the home where this delightful lady lives. She is a retired missionary from Africa that we have known and loved for so long. Her life and dedication to the Lord God have always inspired us.

 Jim also had a short visit with my folks, and Dad was very alert and even conversant that day!

 A year ago, these dear friends moved back to Iowa. Jim had the privilege of visiting them in their new home on his drive through Iowa to visit our son and his family. What a joy to re-connect with them.

 Then the "crowning jewel" of this trip...seeing our youngest grand-daughter in her new home!

 So fun to see how she loves her daddy!

Even though his trip was quick, Jim was able to see so many places and people. What a blessing to have safe travels and great weather the whole time. We are so blessed!

Off to the Beach

 On Tuesday afternoon, C had her first visit to the beach.

The day was overcast and slightly cool, compared to the previous days. But we were happy to be there with the little one.

 She took off the minute her little feet touched to sand...

 ...so many birds to chase

 ...so many "treasures" to find!

 Only once did she get upset over the sand between her toes.

 Because the day was windy, we saw many people flying kites.

We had a lovely day at the ocean.