Thursday, 29 April 2010

SA Part 2 - Wakkies

We spent an obligatory week at Dad's family's holiday house in the quaint little town of Wakkerstroom. There are so many things we like about Wakkies but foremost is that the focus is all about rest and relaxation. With kids things are somewhat more hectic but definitely not less enjoyable. I quite like this family photo with a difference!
One of the best things about Wakkies is that the boys get to spend some quality time with Oupa and Marlene and the rest of the extended family. Here they are enjoying story time with Marlene and giving Oupa a bit of love.
The garden is big and packed with lots of interesting nooks and crannies. Nicholas enjoyed exploring with his second cousins, Jack and Ross, playing with local friend, Andiswa (although not so keen to pose for a photo with her) and getting to know the great danes (they're dogs not horses). The kids also always have loads of fun doing all sorts of different water play in the sunshine.
Daniel was 6 months old at the time and enjoyed his new view of the world from a sitting position. He started getting more adventurous, and messy, with his eating habits (he got his first taste of a braai and thought chops and wors were the best thing since mango pips). He also charmed everyone with his beautiful smile and impressed them with his tricks of the time (when we said 'hands up' he did just that).
Wakkies is situated in a mountainous area next to a vlei where bird life abounds. If you're lucky you can even spot a few bokkies in the distance. It's liberating being surrounded by such beautiful scenery and the boys enjoy the fresh air and stunning nature as much as we did.
Another nice thing about Wakkies is that we have access to Klaas' farm. There are few places as unspoilt and beautiful in the world. X marks the spot: hike through the fields, past the cows, along the little stream, through an indigenous forest and you'll come to the waterfall.
Murphy's law: my little camera's battery died on Christmas Eve and my big camera's battery died on Christmas Day. Usually that wouldn't be the end of the world but I forgot my chargers in London so I couldn't charge them and had to rely on everyone else's photos for more than a month (not easy for someone who is obsessive compulsive about taking photos). Anyway, here are a few photos from Christmas Day, it was a lovely day filled with family, food and presents.

Wednesday, 28 April 2010

SA Part 1 - Nylstroom

We spent the first part of our holiday in South Africa at a rustic little game farm just outside Nylstroom. Marlene's family gathered there for her daughter, Dorette's, wedding. It was a lovely occasion enjoyed by everyone and we loved being out in the bushveld for a change.

Game viewing
There's a better view from up here
Aahha a wormImitating the monkeysThe resident ostrich (in the distance)The resident ostrich (closer this time)
The crocodile farmExploringEnjoying the (freezing) pool
Catching a well deserved nap
Getting messy with a mango
Playing with step-cousins
A wedding is always a good opportunity to get dressed up and pose for some family photos. Here are some of my favourite shots. You have to admit that my beautiful boys are adorable.

Monday, 26 April 2010

Amazon

I must mention that amazon is my favourite shop at the moment. Not only can I do my shopping from the comfort of my desk but they sell everything from books to shoes nowadays. They also deliver the goods in boxes that provide an endless source of entertainment. When I eventually tore the boxes up for recycling the boys were in tears.


Saturday, 24 April 2010

Healthy again

It feels like my kids have been sick ever since we got back from SA. First Daniel had a chest infection - I knew it was bad because the doctor gave him antibiotics - luckily he recovered quickly so we could still go skiing. On our way back from France, literally as we set foot back on English soil, both boys came down with a terrible tummy bug that knocked them flat for a week. That was followed by snotty noses and nasty coughs but thankfully it seems like it's all in the past now. Here's one of the few photos I've take lately. This is how we go for our 'walks' lately. Both boys love it!

Friday, 23 April 2010

Anniversary

Can't believe it has been 5 years since we tied the knot!

Monday, 19 April 2010

Happy Birthday Daddy!

Here we are celebrating Daddy's birthday with some scrumptious carrot cake. Nicholas couldn't understand why there was only 1 candle instead of 34 and he needed no encouragement to help blow it out. Daniel found it all quite intriguing. Happy Birthday to our best dad!