August 2012 Update

Update.. Whew. Where to begin?? We have unpacked and started to settle into the new house. Still lots to be done. So you are probably wondering what we have been doing all summer, so here goes... We did lots of fun things, attended a rodeo, went to a Nashville Sounds baseball game, went bowling, to see a couple movies, boys have been golfing, hung out at the library, checked out some other play places around town, went to the zoo, visited family in Texas, Baltimore and Minnesota, tried to get boys ready for school, went to a couple concerts, went to a great winery, Aiden started football and ... lots of other things that I can't think of right now!!! So here are some pics of our summer. Enjoy!!

We've had a wonderful and hot summer!!!

First Day of School, Aug 10, 2012

The boys are off to their new school, Allendale Elementary!! Evan is going into 1st grade with Mrs. Smith and Aiden is going into 3rd grade with Mrs. Barnes. It is going to be a great year!!

Ok, so Evan doesn't look real happy in the photo... But he's just nervous. They came home all smiles!

Our New Adventure......

We are onto a new adventure now. We have left South Africa and returned to the USA. It was an incredibly sad day but exciting as well. South Africa has become more than just a place we stayed for 3 years but a true home. South Africa has touched our hearts in so many ways it is hard to list them... From the people we have met, the places we have seen,and the culture we have embraced.. It all adds up to a country we truly love. Yet we are onto our new adventure. We have moved to Spring Hill, Tennessee which is about 30-40 south of Nashville. It is a great small town right next to the big city. So lots of things to do and see. And trust me, we will take advantage of all it has to offer. It is hard to come back from living abroad and not appreciate your home and see things differently. Also I really want to explore my own country more. So stay tuned!! Lots more to see here. And as a great man once said... "Don't cry because it's over, smile because it happened." Dr. Seuss

Iron Man

Our Last day in South Africa was spent watching the amazing event Iron Man South Africa. It is a GREAT event!! So inspiring to watch all these amazing athletes swim 3.8 km, bike 180.2 km, and run 42.2 km. I was tired just watching!! It was also very special to be able to watch a very special friend of ours, Stan, participate! GO STAN!!! It was also amazing to spend our last day with friends. We also had the perfect spot to watch the whole event, stay warm and fed thanks to our friends the Young's. Thanks for a great day!!!! The Start... all the racers waiting to start the swim.

All waiting for Stan to go by on the bike.

Stan posing for us as he goes by... YAY!!

Gorgeous photo!! Way to go, we are so proud of you!!!

Couldn't have spent our last day any better...

Blanco... one last time...

Well as I said in an earlier post, we had the boys make a list of the things they would like to do before we left South Africa. One of those things was to visit an amazing guest farm, Blanco, one more time!! And of course, we couldn't refuse that request :). So after our wonderful Easter weekend the ladies and kids packed back up and headed to Blanco without the hubbies! The hospitality of Blanco is just amazing. It is always such a relaxing and fun time there. The kids are occupied and sleep hard, we have lots of alone time and fun time with the kids. Here are some of my favorite sites of Blanco... Simba...

A gorgeous mother son moment

Daniel on a horse

Lucky and boys

Vuyo, and the boys found girlfriends!

Megan on the lawn

Hilary playing pool...

Paula & I with blue noses

playing uno...

Evan riding

We had a photo shoot with the kids....Cute pics, especially the one that they all have "mad" faces.. that was for Evan because he didn't want to get in the photo!

Such great memories!! Blanco.. we will be back!! You have a special place in our hearts.

Easter 2012

We had a wonderful Easter with some great friends this year!! We headed to one of our favorite places, Kleinemonde, with our dearest friends... The Whitakers, McCartys, and the Goldbergs. We hung out at the beach, went out on the boat, saw lots of flying fish :), did some fishing, played lots of games, and had lots of fun!! Oh, and were visited by the Easter Bunny. What a great way to spend our last holiday in South Africa. Enjoy the photos of our adventures. Playing in the mud.... Hunter and Daniel - Dirty boys!

Driving the boat.. very serious work!

A wild lizard we saw along the banks of the river

A gorgeous owl..

Boys got a great gift of springbok skin rugs from the group! Lovely!!!!

The troublemakers... Love them all!!

As always, we had a great time!! Thanks friends!! Happy Easter!

Ladies Luncheon

Ok - a bit late but I did promise some photos of my ladies luncheon... These ladies have been amazing friends and I absolutely love them all!!! Miss you dearly!!!!

An absolute fabulous lunch with my girls! Thanks for everything!!