Two Birthdays just like the Queen ...

Happy Birthday Sir N !  We have certainly had loads of fun celebrating your 7th birthday this year.  Just like Queen Elizabeth we are having more than one birthday. 

We had a birthday celebration last Sunday in South Africa at the end of our holiday and yesterday Mr T arranged a surprise birthday party for Sir N.

Was so proud of you watching you cut the cake and then hand out slices to all those at the party before serving yourself and you did it without any prompting from anyone !

Just look at the view from the veranda !  We had such a lovely holiday at Trackers in South Africa.

Just look at this awesome cake my Mom made for Sir N's surprise Birthday Party yesterday.  Big brother Mr T organised it all himself and invited everyone as we were still on holiday in South Africa till Friday. 

Watching the candles burning.  It was so very good to see everyone after being away for two months.

Today we will spend a quiet day at home and then the week will begin in earnest as we prepare to go back to official school next Monday.

Blessings my special gift from above you are truly one who was asked for and brings much joy.
Love
Mom.

A day discovering Mariepskop Picnic site

We went with Dave to explore Mariepskop on Thursday last week.

On the way we found a Chamilion.

Here is a smorgsboard of what we saw and did

Some of the flowers we saw.

Mariepskop Picnic site

A little stream.

Looking up stream at the view points

Sir N enjoying the freedom to climb and explore

Paul enjoying the swinging rope :o)



Taking a moment to enjoy the sights and contemplate.



The view upstream



There are beautiful little streams all over adding to the tranquil feeling.

The view driving home after a wonderful day of memories.

It's been so wonderful watching Sir N explore and discover both himself and his surroundings.  I am enjoying watching him gain confidence with his own abilities.

Blessings from Africa

Chareen

A walk to the waterfall

On Wednesday last week we decided to take a walk up the mountain to look at the waterfall / stream that feeds the house fresh stream water with Sir N. 
In the beginning of the walk he complained bitterly but we persevered and had a wonderful time together.   This experience taught me not to give up too soon with young kids when going on a nature walk.

Here are a few of the sights we saw

The start of our walk

I love the shapes of the trees

Sir N found this rock and wanted to sleep there for the night !

Nearly there

Sir N exploring to find the best way up

Experimenting with shutter speed while the boys explore the mountain

The sun has disappeared behind the mountain. Time to go home.

I'm thirsty Dad!

This place holds special memories for Paul and I as we courted up here.  20 years ago we used come up here with his Dad and the school groups who had come to the farm for outward bound camps.  Paul and his Dad used to rig up abseiling ropes and the classes would climb up here and enjoy the day exploring.

Blessings
Chareen