What we've been up to...

I know I've been really bad about keeping my blog up-to-date lately, but, to be honest, I just don't seem to find time during my working day to do much else, besides work. And my computer at home has been broken (something about the motherboard - don't ask me), so I haven't been able to use that either. Actually, my home PC's sitting on the floor next to my desk at work, waiting for Simon, our techi at work, to finish repairing. It's been here for something like 4 weeks...

So, it seems the silly season is literally upon us, as life is getting busier by the moment and my poor diary is actually being used for the first time this year. There's dinner club year end dinners, book club picnic lunches, office parties, school parties, Uncle Paul's party (our annual kids Christmas party in aid of charity - photos to follow after the event on 15 Dec for those of you not in the know), it just goes on and on. Do you realise that tomorrow it's only 5 weeks till Christmas?? And 6 weeks till 2009?? Thankfully, I'm nearly through with my Christmas shopping, but there's always a few things that you just have to leave till the last minute. Things you forget. I'm sure there's going to be lots of Christmassy news coming your way from me soon...

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This weekend past was nice, but really busy and I'm still feeling the effects. Think I'm going to have a really early night tonight - I must be getting old. On Saturday we went through to Lourensford wine estate for a local music event, K-Day. The music was really good and the event was really well organised, which was surprising. Except for the parking - it took us nearly an hour to get out at the end; we literally stood still (and we left before the last act) for a full hour. The weather was unbelievably hot though and we were only allowed to put up our sun umbrellas in between acts for a couple of minutes. It was almost unbearable, especially for the kids. We retreated to the shade alongside the stage, which meant not being able to see, but it was SO much more pleasant.

This is the view across the entrance to Lourensford...

The view of the stage from our picnic spot...

The view of the crowds from the safety of the shade. There were 11 000 people there. And take note of that huge blue & yellow climbing thingy in the background for later... There were less people sitting around in the shady area. The kids had fun running around and getting rid of some energy. It was just too much for them to be expected to sit quietly in the baking sun all day long. They had great fun wetting one another with a bottle of water...

And they ate lots of ice-creams. This was Jake's 2nd and he had another later... And after all the ice-creams, Jake tried to join in a soccer game, but the bigger kids didn't want to know his troubles. He was most put out!! Shame, check him trying to fit in. At least he tries. I mean, he went right up to them, without me needing to convince him that he should go and play and trying to get noticed. Most kids would just shy away. My baby's growing up... Remember that big blue and yellow climbing thingy from earlier? Well, this is my "baby" climbing it. Seriously, my nerves would feel a lot better if he'd just concentrate on his hands, instead of looking down at the boys below. It only cost R10.00 for his first two trips up, when I went back with him later, they charged R10.00 for 4 trips!! Bonus, since a day pass would've cost me R60.00 and only included 4 chances to climb. Jake just couldn't get enough, he's fearless... I mean really - look at your hands!! Phew - that's better. Least for your mother's poor nerves. Seriously, I'm already having nightmares about the ginormous jungle gym at his new school...

This is coming down the other side of the climbing net... Ready for another go! I wish I had half his energy... This is Rebecca. She's Jake's 6-year old cousin. Jake & Rebecca have a real love/hate relationship, almost like siblings. They drive one another mad and are forever teasing each other, but they're as thick as theives. They're the two, we're already anticipating, who will be sneaking smokes together behind granny & grandpa's (or worse, the school's) garage. Here, Rebecca's trying to get Jake to do something he doesn't want to do. Look at that strop..

A quick discussion and agreement's reached... And it's all sorted... On Sunday, Jake decided that he wanted me to cut his hair. And he wanted it SHORT. So, I shaved it on a number 3. He told me it wasn't short enough, so I did a number 2 - I wasn't prepared to go any shorter, he already looks like a convict... But he's happy and it made him smile for my camera for a change... Sunday saw Jake celebrating his 4 1/2th birthday. Yip, we're on the downward spiral to his next birthday. When I realised and told him that he was officially 4 and a 1/2, he insisted on getting a "cake" (milk tart), having a candle (didn't have any small ones) and having us all sing happy birthday to him. We also had a braai. I mean really, look how excited he is... That's my sister, Rose... On Monday evening, we were all feeling lazy. The weekend had been busy and I think we all just needed some time out. I was watching something on TV (just quickly) and Jake disappeared off to his bedroom. When I went looking for him 30 mins later, I found him browsing through his books...

Jake's trying his best to read. They learn Letterland (http://www.letterland.co.za/) at school these days and I have the beginners book at home. He loves the stories that go along with each character, so I do read them every now and then. They're sweet and he may as well get familiar with the characters. And don't worry - I'm not one of those parents, who push their kids to be the best at everything. I never will be. I'll only show him if he's interested, as he is in trying to write his name at the moment. My personal belief is that kids are kids for such a short time in their lives, they need to enjoy being able to just play and have fun. Anyway, Jake's just recognised "Sammy Snake" on the page in front of him. Looks like a really sweet scene, doesn't it??

Until you look at mayhem of the bigger picture. It wasn't that bad really, but still - all it takes is 2 minutes for Jake to create a mini war zone in his bedroom... Oh and just for giggles, this is Amber with my dad's hat on...

Sending lots of love to you all, promise to try write more again soon!!

Sue xxx