Wednesday, January 15, 2014

Summer Holidays Part 4...

 As usual, Jake's granny and grandpa went camping in Kommetjie for the holidays.  Abi and Becky usually go too, with their mom and dad.  We have always driven out to spend Christmas Eve with them, but this year they were all ill and we decided not to risk catching any bugs.  It was weird not to see them all, but we made plans to go through on the 27th for the day with Marius and his two boys.  Jake was very excited to have Michael and Cameron with him and I think they all had a good day.  First things first though - sharing and opening of presents!

Marius and I headed to the beach with the kids.  The weather wasn't great, but that never stops kids enjoying the sea.  Tried to get a nice picture of all 5 kids on this log, but the boys just couldn't stand still for long enough...
 This is about the best I could get.  Abi's 13, Becky's 11, Cam's 8, Jake's 9 and Michael's 10.  Quite funny to see their height differences - I'm pretty sure the boys will pass the girls soon enough...
 Jake has a very special bond with Abi and Becky (below).  They're very nurturing and gentle with him...
 This photo of Michael cracks me up - love the hair...
 Fearless Jake, getting some sun on his skin.  We've both gotten so tanned this holiday, thanks to Marius' beautiful beach house...
 A ginormous log that washed up.  Look at all these silly billies doing different things...
 Abi started high school yesterday!  I can't quite get my head around it.  She loves the American flag, even bought this bikini with her own money.  It's hard to believe they're just 2 and 4 years older than Jake, they're both so grown up...
 Back at the campsite, our lunch had been cooked - we were so spoilt...
 Crayfish clowns...
 After lunch, we went back to the beach for a bit more fun...
 Abi and Jake started digging a hole to China...
 They didn't say much to each other, just quietly got on with their job...
 Hi Jake - you need a hair cut, but I love your tan and your smile looks just like your dad's...
 Marius' boys went for a swim in the icy water.  They're not scared...
 Meanwhile, back at the dig site, Becky had taken over from Abi for a bit and the hole was getting nice and deep...
 Jake was literally covered in sand from head to toe.  I don't like sand...
 When Jake ran out of length to get deeper, Abi stepped in to help him some more...
 Jake and Cam working together...
 And then Abi had another go at digging...
 I'm not quite sure what their joke was here, but I love this happy photo of Jake and Abi...

 A very happy, sandy boy...
 Michael and Cam decided to dig another hole, that could join into Jake and Abi's...
 And when Jake's hole was finally big enough, Jake climbed in and Abi buried him...
 Jake thought it was hysterical, I was itching just looking at all that sand everywhere...
 When she'd finished, she'd done this and there was nothing Jake could do about it (seaweed is for hair), except laugh...
 Abi laughed a lot too...
A group shot, excl Michael, of all the diggers.  The little blonde girl is Jake, Abi & Becky's 2nd cousin, Kira...
And that's all for today.  I might be able to squeeze all the last shots into one last blog, will try do that tomorrow if time allows.

Sending lots of love,
Sue XXX

Friday, January 10, 2014

Summer Holidays Part 3...

 Christmas morning finally arrived and despite Jake's change in views about the magic of Christmas, he was still very excited to wake up to open his presents.

 Nini and Pa were there to watch - Jake just loves to have an audience for his present opening...
Paper jets...
 Jake's sack was really very full this year, but mostly because what he got came in big boxes...
 Like this one...
 Oh my gosh, oh my gosh...
 Those of you who know Jake will know that he absolutely loves fire.  We don't have a braai at our house and he is very excited to have one of his own now.  Father Christmas knows this kid so well...
I think Jake had begun to doubt that this would be in his sack - he's been asking for it since June...
 And a new, waterproof swatch watch...
 All Jake's gifts - incl some from friends and family...
Lunch, as usual, was at my parent's house.  Corky and Bi were there to join us.  Unfortunately (for us), Rosie and Gareth were away with Gareth's family and we all missed them terribly.  The bonus is that they'll be with us next year - with their baby!  Santa Bi...
 Jake's really turned a corner with his little cousins.  He tries so hard to make it all fun for them and he managed to keep Christmas magical and exciting for them too.  He's such a good sport...
 A family snap...
 Another one of Jake and Bi-bi...
 Corky wanted to be in the pictures too, but he's at that silly stage Jake was at when Corky was born...
 OK, I give up...
 I can't blame the kids for not really wanting to sit still - there were more presents to be opened...
 Hi Jake.  Nice watch!!
 Paul's brother TJ was here from the UK for Christmas and he brought Corky this super cool Play Mobile Pirate boat...
 But the best gift of all for him was the Ninja Turtle from Nini and Pa...
 Jake's been dying for a t-shirt with a shark on it.  This one's surfing, so even better...
 Jake got braai goodies to complete his braai set from Rosie and Gareth...
 Bi was really into it - she loved Christmas this year and looked too sweet in her pretty pink dress...
 Once presents were unwrapped, it was time to get the bubbly going...
 Bi got a new bike and helmet for Christmas...
 So did Corky...
 Boxing day is my mom's birthday, so we were all back for left overs the next day.  Bi celebrated by using her potty for the first time - what a big girl, we're so proud of you!!
Phew... I'm getting there.  More next week, hope you all enjoyed these catch up posts.

I hope you have a happy weekend!

Love
Sue XXX