SA Part 3 - Magoga

Exactly 6 months ago we had just arrived in Magogong to spend 2 weeks relaxing with the Mullin clan. It's a part of our annual trip to South Africa that we always look forward to as it means relaxing on the farm with my family and life long friends. It's especially exciting now that the new generation is growing bigger (in age and size). 6 out of the 8 kids and 4 out of the 5 grandchildren were together last year. So quite a good turn out. Unfortunately we didn't take any of our BIG famous family photos.

This set of photos is from the Mullin Christmas celebration. The older generation had great fun with Secret Santa, a new tradition we introduced two Christmases ago, which works like a charm. There was a great deal of excitement as the kiddies opened present after present after present. Thanks to everyone for spoiling our boys so much.


The de Munniks joined the mad house for new year which was a great idea as it meant the kids could 'play' together and we could 'party' together. It was a small but fun party and it felt good to watch the sun rise for a change except for the fact that the kids woke up very soon afterwards. Nothing some fun in the swimming pool couldn't fix though.


Daniel and Tyler met each other for the first time. I have a feeling these two are going to be the best of friends. They already got on like a house on fire even though they were still wee babies. Travis joined them for the photoshoot. The 3 of them were born within 3 weeks of each other. It is great having a cousin and a friend so close in age.

... to be continued ...

Veggies

Inspired by Claire and Phillipa we ordered some free veggie seeds from the Cbeebies website about 6 weeks ago. The whole planting process was loads of fun for both boys. Watering the plants and watching them grow is also very exciting for Nicholas. Imagine what it's going to be like when we start harvesting and eating the veggies. Besides the fun part it's also a great learning opportunity for the kids. So I guess we'll be growing something every year from now on.

Nicholas making a sticker poster about our veggies

Preparing the patio planters for the courgettes, carrots and lettucePreparing some more pots for the tomatoes, beans and basil

Proof that Danny helped

A bit of wrestling on the lawn afterwards

Identifying the plants about a month after planting

Harvesting the first of our lettuce crop

(Nick loves picking, washing and eating a few leaves every evening)

We also planted some flower seeds that Gogo gave to Nicholas when she visited us last year. They are growing beautifully and we are eager to see what the flowers will look like. According to Nicholas Gogo's snail and his hedgehog are having a race and the hedgehog always wins.

Horse Riding

On sunday the Jacksons kindly invited us to take Nicholas horse riding with Phillipa at Ridgeway Stables in Richmond Park. At first Nick refused to get onto the horse but after leading Pumpkin along for a little way he decided he would give it a bash, and guess what, he loved it and didn't want to get off in the end. He has only been horse riding twice before (in November at Phillipa's birthday party and in March in the Drakensberg) so we should have expected him to be a bit on the cautious side. He especially enjoyed seeing the deer and doing a bit of trotting and he is already enthusiastic about going again.


Daniel also enjoyed the outing. He was quite taken by Phillipa's pony which admittedly must be one of the cutest little ponies on earth. He wasn't afraid at all and couldn't get enough of touching Comet's nose.

Richmond Park really is a stunning place and with it right on our doorstep we really should go there more often. Both our boys just love being outdoors and in nature. I guess it must be the South African in them.

Happy Father's Day!

One thing is for sure, these little guys adore their Daddy, more than words can say!