Here the lions are carefully watching us.
It was so exciting to be close to this elephant. It was HUGE!
Here the girls are hanging out at the house.
Sunday, March 14, 2010
Lion Park- up close and personal to an elephant!
Here the lions are carefully watching us.
It was so exciting to be close to this elephant. It was HUGE!
Here the girls are hanging out at the house.
Lions and Elephants
We had a pretty busy weekend. The girls had two birthday parties this weekend. One for Ronan and the other for Jaryd. On Saturday, I had to go to Johannesburg to meet with Thandi Tutu. She is Archbishop Desmond Tutu’s daughter. He is an amazing man- very instrumental in ending apartheid in South Africa. She is very nice. I was meeting with her to see if she would be interested in coming on the board. She is very interested. I flew there in the morning and met her in the airport. Then I was back in Durban by 2pm. Tammy watched the girls. She took them to Jaryd’s party and then let them swim in the afternoon.
Then today (Sunday) I had wanted to take to girls to the beach but when we got up it was rainy. So, I decided to take them to a lion park that is about an hour away. It was pretty hard to find. The directions on the internet were not right so I drove in circles in some little villages for about ½ hour and then as I had almost given up, I got on the right road and found it. It is in the middle of nowhere. When we got there, the game warden told us that the weather was making the lions very “naughty” and to be careful. He said if they chase the car, just keep going. He said that they had been chasing many of the cars that morning. I guess the cool air makes them feisty. We drove for about an hour through the bush. We saw zebra, guinea, mice, birds and then this huge elephant. We came up on this hill and a guy who worked in the park was standing there. He asked if we wanted to see an elephant and the girls said yes. And then here one came out of the trees. It was absolutely huge. The girls said he was tall as uncle boo but I would say he was twice as tall. He had two huge tusks too. I tried to get a picture of him from the truck and the guy told me we could get out and get our picture taken with him that he was not dangerous. He said that he was born there in that game park and used to people. So, the girls excitedly got out and we went near him. The guy got some pictures of us. The girls wouldn’t stand too close to it. They were eating some candy and the guy said that we could give the elephant a few if we wanted. So, I held my hand out and he put his wet slobbery trunk on my hand and inhaled the candy. It was pretty neat. After a few more minutes we said goodbye to the elephant- he had already gotten tired of watching us and started to leave anyway. And we drove until we finally came to the lions. They have the lions in this huge fenced area. You drive up to the gate and a guard opens it. You drive in and it closes and another gate is opened by another guard. There were about 5 lions standing guard in front of the gate and the guard had a bit of trouble trying to get them to move. Once we were in, one of the females was trotting beside us. Then we came up upon about 7 lions laying the grass in front of us. Before we had reached the lions the girls had been saying all along that they did NOT want to see the lions. It was because they had heard the game warden warning me about them being naughty. Sofia particularly was not happy we were going to see them. And Sienna told me I had two choices- to turn the truck around or go home. Anyway, once we were in, they were so excited. They didn’t want to leave. We stayed with the truck parked for a while just watching. And we drove around for a while. Then they did really start getting a little too frisky for my liking so I decided it was time to leave. They were pouncing on each other and rolling in the grass fighting. And then one male acted like he was going to charge a car. The car back up real quick and the lion lost interest.
After driving back towards Hillcrest, we went to the mall for lunch. Big mistake. It was so full of people, that you couldn’t even walk. The girls wanted to eat at McDonalds so we did. Then we bought a few groceries and came home. They were very tired and went to bed just after 7pm
Then today (Sunday) I had wanted to take to girls to the beach but when we got up it was rainy. So, I decided to take them to a lion park that is about an hour away. It was pretty hard to find. The directions on the internet were not right so I drove in circles in some little villages for about ½ hour and then as I had almost given up, I got on the right road and found it. It is in the middle of nowhere. When we got there, the game warden told us that the weather was making the lions very “naughty” and to be careful. He said if they chase the car, just keep going. He said that they had been chasing many of the cars that morning. I guess the cool air makes them feisty. We drove for about an hour through the bush. We saw zebra, guinea, mice, birds and then this huge elephant. We came up on this hill and a guy who worked in the park was standing there. He asked if we wanted to see an elephant and the girls said yes. And then here one came out of the trees. It was absolutely huge. The girls said he was tall as uncle boo but I would say he was twice as tall. He had two huge tusks too. I tried to get a picture of him from the truck and the guy told me we could get out and get our picture taken with him that he was not dangerous. He said that he was born there in that game park and used to people. So, the girls excitedly got out and we went near him. The guy got some pictures of us. The girls wouldn’t stand too close to it. They were eating some candy and the guy said that we could give the elephant a few if we wanted. So, I held my hand out and he put his wet slobbery trunk on my hand and inhaled the candy. It was pretty neat. After a few more minutes we said goodbye to the elephant- he had already gotten tired of watching us and started to leave anyway. And we drove until we finally came to the lions. They have the lions in this huge fenced area. You drive up to the gate and a guard opens it. You drive in and it closes and another gate is opened by another guard. There were about 5 lions standing guard in front of the gate and the guard had a bit of trouble trying to get them to move. Once we were in, one of the females was trotting beside us. Then we came up upon about 7 lions laying the grass in front of us. Before we had reached the lions the girls had been saying all along that they did NOT want to see the lions. It was because they had heard the game warden warning me about them being naughty. Sofia particularly was not happy we were going to see them. And Sienna told me I had two choices- to turn the truck around or go home. Anyway, once we were in, they were so excited. They didn’t want to leave. We stayed with the truck parked for a while just watching. And we drove around for a while. Then they did really start getting a little too frisky for my liking so I decided it was time to leave. They were pouncing on each other and rolling in the grass fighting. And then one male acted like he was going to charge a car. The car back up real quick and the lion lost interest.
After driving back towards Hillcrest, we went to the mall for lunch. Big mistake. It was so full of people, that you couldn’t even walk. The girls wanted to eat at McDonalds so we did. Then we bought a few groceries and came home. They were very tired and went to bed just after 7pm
Friday, March 12, 2010
Another week has gone by
The days go by so quickly here. I guess because I stay so busy. It hasn't been an eventful week other than the girls really acting up. Not sure why, they are just going through a stage of testing their boundaries. Today they had a birthday party in the afternoon. It was for Ronan- his 5th birthday party. It was really nice. His mother, Janine picked the girls up at school since it started at 2 pm. And I arrived around 3:30. They had been swimming. I didn't know they would be swimming there so I didn't pack their "cozzies" (costumes or bathing suits). So, when I got there, they had on some of Ronan's swimming attire. So cute! There were lots of kids there and lots of family and friends. The girls were pretty shy and played mostly with a little black girl who has cerebal palsy. She was by herself so Sienna and Sofia went to her and were trying to teach her to jump and play with them. She is in their class at school. The them was firetrucks. Everyone already loves the girls and gravitate to them.
I had a parent teacher conference this week. Janci, their teacher, said she is also having problems getting them to obey. When it is time to do something, they just run outside or lay in the floor. But she said she thinks it is getting somewhat better. And they are also really trying to get the girls to integrate with the other kids. They will hardly leave each other. They are learning to ride bikes at school. And some of their friends are Holly, Zoe, Quinn, Tai, Jaryd and Ronan.
Tomorrow (Saturday), I have to fly to Johannesburg for the day to meet with Archbishop Desmond Tutu's daughter. She is interested in coming onto our board. That would be incredible. He is such an icon- even at almost 80. He was instrumental in helping end apartheid here in South Africa. I leave at 7 and get back at 4. I'm not sure what we will do on Sunday. I keep wanting to take them to the beach. We'll see
I had a parent teacher conference this week. Janci, their teacher, said she is also having problems getting them to obey. When it is time to do something, they just run outside or lay in the floor. But she said she thinks it is getting somewhat better. And they are also really trying to get the girls to integrate with the other kids. They will hardly leave each other. They are learning to ride bikes at school. And some of their friends are Holly, Zoe, Quinn, Tai, Jaryd and Ronan.
Tomorrow (Saturday), I have to fly to Johannesburg for the day to meet with Archbishop Desmond Tutu's daughter. She is interested in coming onto our board. That would be incredible. He is such an icon- even at almost 80. He was instrumental in helping end apartheid here in South Africa. I leave at 7 and get back at 4. I'm not sure what we will do on Sunday. I keep wanting to take them to the beach. We'll see
Sunday, March 7, 2010
My birthday
Today is March 7, 2010. My 37th birthday (or my 5th according to Sienna and Sofia). I think I like their proposed age better. It has been a hectic week and I am usually pretty tired in the evening and don’t have the energy to write. On Tuesday, Sofia woke up in a horrible mood and didn’t want to listen at all. So, I put her in time out in the bathroom. Well, in her attempt to open the door, she turned the key and locked herself in the bathroom. I was panicking. She couldn’t get it unlocked. She tried and tried to turn the key but just couldn’t. After about 30 minutes (which seemed like hours), I decided to get a screwdriver and try and dismantle the handle of the door. As I was unscrewing it she finally was able to turn the key just right and unlock it. It was so stressful!
On Thursday, they started ballet class. It is once a week at school. They are really excited. There is a play in June.
Yesterday, we went and visited the Bracken’s. Where we stayed for 2 weeks when we got here. The girls wanted to see their cats and dogs and play a little there. Afterwards we went to the Hillcrest Aids Center. The first Saturday of the month they have a fundraiser and it is a nice place to go and spend the morning. There was traditional dancing and singing. They also have beautiful beadwork made by women with HIV/AIDS. The women come to the center once a week on Fridays and sit together and work. It is a steady income for them. Afterwards, the girls were hungry so I took them to Wimpy’s. one of the little places they like to eat. We did a little shopping and then came home.
Today, we spent the morning at church (where the girls also go to school). The girls went to Childrens Church and then to class. They did pretty good. Until Sofia lost a little frog she had taken. In the afternoon, we went with Gavin, Kirsty and their kids to Makaranga Lodge. There are some very, very beautiful gardens. This place is very near to where we live. It is like a sanctuary. There are parts that are jungle and other parts that are little ponds and statues. You could walk around in the park for hours. I took lots of good pictures of the girls. Later, we had some yummy milkshakes and snacks. It was a nice afternoon
On Thursday, they started ballet class. It is once a week at school. They are really excited. There is a play in June.
Yesterday, we went and visited the Bracken’s. Where we stayed for 2 weeks when we got here. The girls wanted to see their cats and dogs and play a little there. Afterwards we went to the Hillcrest Aids Center. The first Saturday of the month they have a fundraiser and it is a nice place to go and spend the morning. There was traditional dancing and singing. They also have beautiful beadwork made by women with HIV/AIDS. The women come to the center once a week on Fridays and sit together and work. It is a steady income for them. Afterwards, the girls were hungry so I took them to Wimpy’s. one of the little places they like to eat. We did a little shopping and then came home.
Today, we spent the morning at church (where the girls also go to school). The girls went to Childrens Church and then to class. They did pretty good. Until Sofia lost a little frog she had taken. In the afternoon, we went with Gavin, Kirsty and their kids to Makaranga Lodge. There are some very, very beautiful gardens. This place is very near to where we live. It is like a sanctuary. There are parts that are jungle and other parts that are little ponds and statues. You could walk around in the park for hours. I took lots of good pictures of the girls. Later, we had some yummy milkshakes and snacks. It was a nice afternoon
Saturday, February 27, 2010
Monkeys in the house!!!!!
Today is Saturday, February 27, 2010. We got back to South Africa late Tuesday night. All of our luggage arrived with us. The girls were pretty good on the planes. We were able to get bulkhead on the long flight and that always helps. At least we don’t have anyone in front of us that the girls can bother. And there is a little more room. Sofia slept a few hours. Sienna slept almost 7 hours. On Wednesday, they didn’t go to school because I knew they would be tired. I went into the office for about ½ day and Mavis watched them.
Thursday and Friday we were back to normal at work and school. Everyone was happy to see them at school. All the little kids ran up to them and surrounded them. They were trying to hold their hands. Sofia didn’t want to stay and cried quite a bit on Thursday. She was better on Friday and just teared up a little. Thursday afternoon after school, the girls and I went to the nearby movie theater to see Princess and the Frog. It is pretty cheap to go to the movies here. I think I spent less than 10 dollars and bought our tickets, popcorn and juice. They enjoyed it. They had already seen it before leaving the US.
Today, we didn’t do much. I just wanted to stay around the house and rest because we are all still pretty tired from the time difference and long trip. It was rainy most of the day. We only went to the grocery store, the Mica (like Home Depot) and got gas for the lawnmower. We came home and were in the back part of the house. I heard a bang and went into the living room. I didn’t see anything so I went back into the back. The girls were being quiet and playing. Then I heard a “ooo oooo ooo”. I went to the kitchen and there were 3 monkeys in the kitchen. They were eating our bananas. They dropped one and left a big mess of peels. They ran out. I called the girls to come and see. The monkeys hopped out the top part of the door (the door has two parts- you can close the bottom and leave the top half open). They sat outside on the wall and clothesline watching us. The girls were so excited. The banana they dropped had already been bitten into so I took it outside and put it on the ground. And one of them came and got it. He sat there eating it on top of the clothesline pole just staring at us. I went to get my camera and they were already trying to come back in the house for the apples and other fruit. For the longest time afterwards, they sat in the avocado tree near the kitchen and just watched us. I guess they were waiting for us to leave so they could come back in.
I guess I will have to be careful from now on and not leave the door open so much. Now that they know they can get in, they will be trying to get in all the time. One of them was pretty big. When he stood up, we came to my waist. The other two were smaller. Of course they had the blue balls. And Sofia was talking about their “blue toys” hanging on them.
They girls talked about it the rest of the afternoon. Sofia said “Mom, I guess we need to put a sign on the door saying- NO BANANAS, DON’T COME IN MONKEYS”. It was so cute.
Sofia seems like she is getting sick again. She is losing her voice a little and her eyes look a little red. I just hope she doesn’t get sick like last time. Maybe it is just the traveling and germs she picked up on the airplane.
Apart from the monkeys, the ants are just horrible. I constantly battle them. They go everywhere. They are only the little ones. And they usually are sparse and not the long lines. But they drive me nuts. Then on Thursday night, we had a long millipede in the house. I was trying to get it before the girls saw it. But Sofia kept stepping around it and she didn’t know it. I finally had to tell her to look down and get back. I think she jumped 3 feet in the air and started screaming. She asked why the “worm had spikes on it”. I took it out and tried to squash it but it was pretty tough. Not sure if I killed it because the next morning it was gone- but that could have been because of the big ants took it away. They devour anything left outside. Already today when the banana peels were on the ground, they had started running towards them.
Then on Thursday at work, there was a little baby snake in front of my office door. It was so tiny we couldn’t tell what kind it was. But it had me worried because if there is one baby, there are probably more.
The girls have been carrying around their Billy Ray Cyrus CD cover for the past couple of days. They are so funny.
Other than our excitement around the monkeys and other critters, life is back to normal here. The girls have had their KFC already. They love the popcorn chicken. They play with their Barbies and have been dressing up like princesses. All is well. We miss everyone back home.
Thursday and Friday we were back to normal at work and school. Everyone was happy to see them at school. All the little kids ran up to them and surrounded them. They were trying to hold their hands. Sofia didn’t want to stay and cried quite a bit on Thursday. She was better on Friday and just teared up a little. Thursday afternoon after school, the girls and I went to the nearby movie theater to see Princess and the Frog. It is pretty cheap to go to the movies here. I think I spent less than 10 dollars and bought our tickets, popcorn and juice. They enjoyed it. They had already seen it before leaving the US.
Today, we didn’t do much. I just wanted to stay around the house and rest because we are all still pretty tired from the time difference and long trip. It was rainy most of the day. We only went to the grocery store, the Mica (like Home Depot) and got gas for the lawnmower. We came home and were in the back part of the house. I heard a bang and went into the living room. I didn’t see anything so I went back into the back. The girls were being quiet and playing. Then I heard a “ooo oooo ooo”. I went to the kitchen and there were 3 monkeys in the kitchen. They were eating our bananas. They dropped one and left a big mess of peels. They ran out. I called the girls to come and see. The monkeys hopped out the top part of the door (the door has two parts- you can close the bottom and leave the top half open). They sat outside on the wall and clothesline watching us. The girls were so excited. The banana they dropped had already been bitten into so I took it outside and put it on the ground. And one of them came and got it. He sat there eating it on top of the clothesline pole just staring at us. I went to get my camera and they were already trying to come back in the house for the apples and other fruit. For the longest time afterwards, they sat in the avocado tree near the kitchen and just watched us. I guess they were waiting for us to leave so they could come back in.
I guess I will have to be careful from now on and not leave the door open so much. Now that they know they can get in, they will be trying to get in all the time. One of them was pretty big. When he stood up, we came to my waist. The other two were smaller. Of course they had the blue balls. And Sofia was talking about their “blue toys” hanging on them.
They girls talked about it the rest of the afternoon. Sofia said “Mom, I guess we need to put a sign on the door saying- NO BANANAS, DON’T COME IN MONKEYS”. It was so cute.
Sofia seems like she is getting sick again. She is losing her voice a little and her eyes look a little red. I just hope she doesn’t get sick like last time. Maybe it is just the traveling and germs she picked up on the airplane.
Apart from the monkeys, the ants are just horrible. I constantly battle them. They go everywhere. They are only the little ones. And they usually are sparse and not the long lines. But they drive me nuts. Then on Thursday night, we had a long millipede in the house. I was trying to get it before the girls saw it. But Sofia kept stepping around it and she didn’t know it. I finally had to tell her to look down and get back. I think she jumped 3 feet in the air and started screaming. She asked why the “worm had spikes on it”. I took it out and tried to squash it but it was pretty tough. Not sure if I killed it because the next morning it was gone- but that could have been because of the big ants took it away. They devour anything left outside. Already today when the banana peels were on the ground, they had started running towards them.
Then on Thursday at work, there was a little baby snake in front of my office door. It was so tiny we couldn’t tell what kind it was. But it had me worried because if there is one baby, there are probably more.
The girls have been carrying around their Billy Ray Cyrus CD cover for the past couple of days. They are so funny.
Other than our excitement around the monkeys and other critters, life is back to normal here. The girls have had their KFC already. They love the popcorn chicken. They play with their Barbies and have been dressing up like princesses. All is well. We miss everyone back home.
Monday, February 22, 2010
In the States
A brief break in my blogging while I was in the States. Gary, my dad, passed away January 30th and the girls and I had to rush back to the States. We stayed there until February 22nd. He will be so greatly missed. May you rest in peace!
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)
