SA Part 5 - The Christening

Our beloved son, Daniel Sebastian Roets, and Monique and Shawn's gorgeous daughter, Tyler Renee Kyle, were christened at St Paul's catholic church in Taung, South Africa, on the 30th of December 2009 by Father Deutmeyer.

It was a special celebration for a number reasons: The baptism was held in the church that the Mullin family have been members of as long as we can remember. The ceremony was performed by the same priest that married us. Daniel wore the Roets family christening gown, which is just over 100 years old, also worn by his brother, dad, oupa and groot oupa before him. And last but not least it was a personal family affair just the way we wanted it to be.

We choose Deano and Lana as Daniel's godparents (which makes Janine and Fritjof godparents in-law so the lucky boy gets 4 for the price of 2). And I'm honoured to be little Tyler's godmother and I will try to fulfil my duties to the best of my ability and spoil her accordingly.

The ceremony

A photoshoot of the special boy (and his proud family)The doting (can you blame them) grandparents

Uncle Dinku (aka Gotti) with his hands full already

Four of the (ever growing) new generation

The adoring (and adorable) big brother

After the christening a rainbow appeared and lit up the sky - I know some of you will think I am a bit weird but it was a special sign for me - it kind of made me feel that Oumie Nettie and Oupa Paddy were with us in spirit.

Witterings

On sunday we decided to take advantage of the lovely weather and headed to the beach. One of Dad's colleagues told us to go to the Witterings. A lot of other people had the same idea and the beach was packed. Nicholas and Daniel had an absolute ball doing all the things that kids do on the beach and Nick keeps asking when we can go back again.

Jumping over the waves

Digging a hole and building sand castles
Chasing Dad
Hip-Hip-Hooray

The mandatory portraits

Double Trouble

I have finally become friends with someone who has not one boy but two and they happen to be almost exactly the same age as my boys. Nicholas cleverly points out that 'Alex is Mommy's friend, Freddie is my friend and Lawrence is Danny's friend'. It's great hanging out with them.

Boys having fun
Daniel and Lawrence (born 2 weeks apart)Nicholas and Freddie (born 1 day apart)

Happy Birthday Tyler!

Happy Happy Birthday to cousin Tyler! And congratulations to Monique and Shawn on their Pixie Princess' 1st brithday! We wish we could have joined you for your teddy bear party today. I can just imagine how exciting it must have been for all of you.

At least we were lucky to see quite a bit of you while we were in South Africa at the beginning of the year. Here are some nice memories of Daniel and Tyler spending some time together but for some strange reason there are no photos of Nicholas and his little cousin. We're already looking forward to seeing you at the end of the year again.

Sunday Braai

Last sunday we spent a lovely afternoon at JP&Erica's house ... sunshine, football and braai ... what more could you want ... maybe a win for England but then again maybe not. The kids had a ball eating ice cream, sliding into the splashpool, riding the donkey and just playing together in the garden.