Not meaning to belabor the point, but when your fourth child and only “Baby 
Girl” has her own baby girl…and then turns 30…well, I’m beginning to feel old! 
They celebrated in royal style by taking a wonderful vacation in Hawaii visiting
with Mike and Grace,
catching up all the news
swimming and snorkeling pretty much every day,
and enjoying God’s marvelous creation! Since Mike and Grace were the only family who couldn’t make it home for “Camp Armstrong” in August, my kids are 
all going to see them throughout the year! The cousins had lots of fun playing,
exploring, and getting to know each other! 
Kathy’s birthday fell on Labor Day, so Grace and Mike made a grand dinner with Ahi (fish) steaks,
and Carl made a special Kalua cake for dessert. YUM!! Afterward, they made a 
bonfire on the beach and Michael entertained them by breathing fire!
Well, we couldn’t compete with that for specialness, by Kathy did invite us all over for a party yesterday. Melanie helped Kathy decorate on Saturday, and Alan
and I brought Dan, Stephen, and Joel over early enough to meet them for church. (Brianna had to work and couldn’t make it for the party. 
)
We all had a great time at Northridge. I feel blessed and challenged every time I hear Brad Powell preach. In fact, I really love all of our kids’ churches!
After church we had a pizza party and spent the day hanging out together. 
And, of course, playing with Iris, who likes to flirt but likes her mom’s lap best!
Kathy invited her two closest friends (from infancy), Jennifer and Melanie, so it
seemed especially comfy, warm, and as Melanie said, “like a family reunion!”
Being an ideal hostess, Kathy led us in some fun “bucket list” style games,
while Iris, being an ideal baby, played happily with a new toy Uncle Dan brought.
After the games, it was time to sing “Happy Birthday”
and enjoy all the scrumptious treats!
Now that she’s 6-months old, even Iris got to suck on watermelon and enjoy 
some tasty treats before snugging in while Mama opened her presents.
I have to say, it takes a lot of the sting out of growing older when you see your children happy and flourishing. Praise God for his mercies!
“But the mercy of the LORD is from everlasting to everlasting upon them that fear him, and his righteousness unto children’s children” (Psalm 103:17).
