Kruger was great! It was hot, and on the last day reached 42 deg C by 10am! We were quite relieved when we hit the highveld on the way home and it started cooling down. The children were so good, and although we only strapped them around their waists (left their arms a bit free) they stayed in their seats the entire time, and we only had relatively minor squabbles over toys.
They loved the animals, and really got so excited when we saw things. We obviously started teaching the words and showing pictures before we left, but a small picture just doesn't do the real thing justice! Now that we are home, they can go up to the poster and identify them, which is lovely to see.
They know impala, giraffe (pronounced 'a-wup' by Daniel), monkey, baboon ('a-boon'), elephant (eletint), kudu, hippo, rhino, bird (referring to all from sparrow to ground hornbill), lion (accompanied by a roar), zebra and bushbuck (bu-buck).
Our accommodation was lovely, and although we all shared a room, they slept really well.
The next big event was the party! On Saturday we went to a friend of theirs (Kylie) party, which Daniel in particular loved. He was on his own mission, and although didn't know any of the other children, he happily pottered about among them. Emma was stuck to my lap for about an hour, but then relaxed, and also pottered off. When she plays, she is far more interactive, and needed to find someone to play with, while Daniel found a bike, and rode around on it on his own. Emma came back about every 5 minutes for reassurance though!
Their party was on Sunday, and we decided not to have a big 'do'. The theoretical guideline is to invite one child per year of age, and it worked out unintentionally with 4 children coming to play. Andrew was there with Sharon, Kylie and her parents (Colleen and Gareth), Erin and her big brother (Jarryd) and parents (Nadia and Gary). We all used to go to Mums and Tots together when we were on maternity leave. My sister Caroline was also here, as it is also her birthday on the 30th.
We worked hard getting this place ready - with Steve tidying up and setting up outside (luckily the weather cleared, as the day started out very mis) and I made cookies, cheese puffs and a choc cake, which Caro iced when she arrived.
In the morning before everyone arrived, we unveiled their swing, which was a joint present from us, Granny Lesley, Granny Jo, Aunty Judy and our family friends Ed and Kathy. Thank you to all who contributed! They loved it and squealed with delight when we brought it into the garden. Daniel immediately jumped on it, but Emma is a still a little hesitant. She did, however have a go later on her own.
Bed time for now, before it is really their birthday! We are going to Granny Jo and Aunty Judy for supper tomorrow night so that they can also celebrate with us!
They loved the animals, and really got so excited when we saw things. We obviously started teaching the words and showing pictures before we left, but a small picture just doesn't do the real thing justice! Now that we are home, they can go up to the poster and identify them, which is lovely to see.
They know impala, giraffe (pronounced 'a-wup' by Daniel), monkey, baboon ('a-boon'), elephant (eletint), kudu, hippo, rhino, bird (referring to all from sparrow to ground hornbill), lion (accompanied by a roar), zebra and bushbuck (bu-buck).
Our accommodation was lovely, and although we all shared a room, they slept really well.
The next big event was the party! On Saturday we went to a friend of theirs (Kylie) party, which Daniel in particular loved. He was on his own mission, and although didn't know any of the other children, he happily pottered about among them. Emma was stuck to my lap for about an hour, but then relaxed, and also pottered off. When she plays, she is far more interactive, and needed to find someone to play with, while Daniel found a bike, and rode around on it on his own. Emma came back about every 5 minutes for reassurance though!
Their party was on Sunday, and we decided not to have a big 'do'. The theoretical guideline is to invite one child per year of age, and it worked out unintentionally with 4 children coming to play. Andrew was there with Sharon, Kylie and her parents (Colleen and Gareth), Erin and her big brother (Jarryd) and parents (Nadia and Gary). We all used to go to Mums and Tots together when we were on maternity leave. My sister Caroline was also here, as it is also her birthday on the 30th.
We worked hard getting this place ready - with Steve tidying up and setting up outside (luckily the weather cleared, as the day started out very mis) and I made cookies, cheese puffs and a choc cake, which Caro iced when she arrived.
In the morning before everyone arrived, we unveiled their swing, which was a joint present from us, Granny Lesley, Granny Jo, Aunty Judy and our family friends Ed and Kathy. Thank you to all who contributed! They loved it and squealed with delight when we brought it into the garden. Daniel immediately jumped on it, but Emma is a still a little hesitant. She did, however have a go later on her own.
Bed time for now, before it is really their birthday! We are going to Granny Jo and Aunty Judy for supper tomorrow night so that they can also celebrate with us!
'A-wup'
'Eletint'
Waterbuck with the paint ring from the loo seat
My most favourite bird - Ground hornbill
A beautiful fever tree
A calm dam at Berg-en-Dal camp
Emma 'just checking' that the can is empty!
CAKE!
Emma waiting for her guests to arrive.
Daniel licking the icing off the little cakes.
Look Granny - no dummies!
The birthday girls and boy!
Us 4!
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