Michael turns 11

This was a fun day, which began with balloons and crepes,

followed by...and a morning at Mondo beach in Ventura, where Carolyn had arranged a special Sabbath Surf Session, since we were worshipping in the afternoon, installing Pastor Ben.

Both boys have easily gone to the beach more than I ever had as a child. With one great exception, Japanese kids growing up did not surf. Surfing was a white culture clad with bright t-shirts, median gpas, and Led Zeppelin. Japanese kids weren't reading Francis Schaeffer and traveling to L'Abri either, I suppose.

But Michael is definitely our amphibian, the Daland Swim meet the day before DOB.

I Guess we all like to do what we do well - M cleaned up all heats! - although the parents strive to conquer the unloved tasks that need doing, overcoming carelessness, laziness - ie the bad stuff.

But birthdays are cleaner celebrations of the person, and what better place than Brat Brothers, where the polka band now plays on Sundays and sings Happy Birthday in German and English!

Christ Covenant came to the house for chocolate cake for the kiddos,

tiramisu for the adults for Pastor Ben's cake,

which is celebrating a birthday of sorts - his and ours. After everyone left, Michael opened his gifts of books and games, playing Jenga & The Scrambled States of America.