Thursday, November 21, 2013

Since we last posted...

We had such a great time with Michele's parents in South Africa the past 5 weeks!

We flew to George and then drove along the Garden Route, ending in Cape Town:

Mom at the Robberg Beach Lodge, Plettenburg Bay
The beautiful beach
John did lots of bodyboarding

Church in Knysna.  Fantastic, friendly people!
View of the Indian Ocean from The Heads, Knysna

Dad at Swellendam

Spectacular whale watching in Hermanus





Beautiful drives.  ...Such a change from Joburg traffic!

Avondrood Guest House in Franschhoek

Two Oceans Aquarium in Cape Town

Table Mountain with the Rogers

Penguin Colony at Boulders Beach

THEN,
A week later, we went to Morukuru Lodge in Madikwe Game Reserve

A highlight was following this new mama lion for an afternoon.  She was tired and it was hot, but she needed to find food.  We watched her rest, track, rest, track, etc.  A day in the life of a lioness.

For Kate, the highlight was working in the kitchen with Osia and Isaac!


In other news:  Jeff and Michele both turned 48.  Forty.  Eight.

Jeff celebrated in our back garden.
 Ephraim & Nomthi; Charnell (Jeff) & Andrew; Caryn & Ryan

Michele celebrated in the bush at Madikwe.
 She was surprised with this cake and singing and dancing by the employees of the lodge.  Awesome!

Kate's school had a family fun day.  They had so many original games to play…wish I would've known about these when I was planning PTA carnivals!

 Kate and her amazing teacher, Mrs. Middleton

Jeff spent a week in Nairobi including a service project in the largest urban slum in the world

We wished our friend Corbin well as he left for mission in New Zealand

John and Grandma passed the Lindt Chocolate "Art of Mousse Cakes" class with flying colors!

And I found this on the floor of the dining room today.  It's called a Parktown Prawn.
http://2summers.net/2013/04/22/close-encounter-with-a-parktown-prawn/
There are LOTS of them here and they come into homes when it rains.
It's the rainy season.

…Well, life can't be perfect, hey?!

9 comments:


  1. So, Michelle, can you eat the prawns? :O) I think the cakes look more appetizing. What wonderful landscapes

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    1. sure, if you're into locusts and that sort of thing

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  2. I haven't posted comments, but its not because I haven't loved reading your blog! So glad you had such a wonderful time with Michele's parents!
    Dan and I are talking about the possibility of visiting for our next big trip. How long will you be down there? He would like to revisit his old missionary stomping grounds!
    Happy 48th Birthdays! We are waaay ahead you!

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    Replies
    1. Not sure how long we will be here. At least another year and we are open to longer. We'd love to host you and Dan! Come on over!

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  3. So fun!! We just got M & D's gifts in the mail today from Africa. Looks like it was a great vacation. I just love your blog. Can't wait to be a part of your next adventure in Seattle. Woo Hoo!!

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  4. How did you ever return to "normal" life after that wonderful trip along the Garden Route? So glad you were able to share Africa with your folks Michele! We are so missing you all!! Can't wait for our Utah reunion! Love to all. John and Kate, my kids are counting down the days. :)

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  5. Love the photos! Such beautiful land/oceanscapes, such glowing, happy people, fascinating wildlife, and yummy looking foods. Thanks for sharing a taste of So. Africa with us shivering Idahoans!

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  6. So fun to see your adventures! Glad your parents were able to visit. Mine just got called to the Minneapolis, MN mission where they will live in our basement (sound familiar?)

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