Busy, Busy, Busy

Well, we're in that busy time before the big break.

On Friday night, the twins went off to Tim and Sharon's and we had dinner with my colleagues at Moyos at Zoo Lake. Not the same as Moyos at Melrose Arch - most of the restaurant is under big tents - which was interesting when a Highveld thunder storm hit us. We didn't get wet but it would have been more pleasant inside.

Then on Saturday, Emma and Daniel went off to Granny Jo while their parents went to the 46664 concert at Ellis Park (we were given free tickets a few days before hand by Liz - a colleague of Stephen as she could not go).
Well, it was our first concert up in the stands, instead of on the field, and it was actually quite nice, as we had a great view of the stage. It was very hot though, and then quite cool after the sun set.
The music was awesome with virtually every top SA band playing (Cassette, Prime Circle, Louise Carver, Freshly Ground, Johnny Clegg, Malaika, Just Jinjer, Arno Carstens), and then we also got to see Peter Gabriel, the GooGoo Dolls, Anjelique Kidjo and Corrine Bailey Rae. We thought that Peter Gabriel and the GooGoo Dolls were completely outclassed by the SA bands who seemed to have more energy and actually had better voices. They also had the American rapper Ludacris who was interesting to watch but ultimately got pretty boring as he went on a bit. Interesting to watch people of all races enjoying the white and black music.
Annie Lennox closed the long day off just before midnight - it was a great pleasure to hear her voice reveberate around the stadium - after 24 years of being an ardent fan of hers! Another "sweet dream" come true. And she still looks great!
The best moment of the concert was when Johnny Clegg ended his song about freeing Mandela (from the 80s), to be followed by Mandela himself walking onto the stage. For Johnny Clegg, it must have been a very emotional moment.
Mandela is now very old and walks very slowly. But he walked to the podium to the very loud cheers of the crowd and then gave us a short speech on AIDS prevention. A great man still giving leadership in areas where our current leaders just don't seem to be able to even lead. I still get chills down my spine just thinking about it. One of those moments in life that one never forgets. I've had three of them now - wonder if there will be any more?

We got home rather late and on Sunday we did the SAMBA year-end function which went quite well as we knew some of the people there. Daniel absolutely loved swinging in a bucket swing, and playing on the trampoline. He came out of his quiet shell and went off meeting the other babies and couples - even sharing their food with them! Emma, to our surprise, stayed close to us all of the time. Both enjoyed going on the plastic motorbikes (you know the plastic black ones that you push with your feet) but they need to put on a bit of length before they will be able to do anything on them.
I was interested to see how outgoing and independent our two are compared to twins of a similiar age. The other children seemed to stay more with their parents than did our two. We were one of the last couples to leave as we were having so much fun.
Left with lots of toys and other donations for poor families with twins. Fiona is starting to get requests for stuff. The latest is a set of triplets in Attridgeville whose father has just become unemployed. The people at SASOL Nitro are also doing a collection for them so there should be lots to make the month a little easier.

This morning we had a loud thunderstorm at 3 am which scared both twins. So they joined us in bed - Emma promptly took over the bed which eventually led to Fiona moving them back into their cots. Despite a very loud lightening strike nearby, they slept soundly after that - as did Mom and Dad.

Today we gave Norose notice as the twins will be going to nursey school next year, and she goes off on holiday on the 14th (we'll pay her for the month plus a Xmas bonus). Not easy but in their best interests as we think they are a little behind in certain skills. It'll be interesting to see how they develop socially. I think they will both surprise us.

Emma is doing a little walking every now and again. Daniel continues to be his happy self.

Fiona's boss has gone to the USA and is then on holiday so her year is starting to slow down. After this week, my year should also slow down - we need it as we are both very tired.

Isn't it interesting to watch the ANC choose a new president. Despite all that has been said about Zuma, one must give it to him that he is a brilliant persuader - to get the ANC Womens League to vote for him - months after they bayed for his blood in the rape case, is an unbelievable achievement. He is so sure he is going to be elected President that he has already gone on a world tour to pacify the markets. Get ready for President Zuma ... At least shower sales will go up!