Knysna Cycle Tour Weekend - Photo Update

It's Friday morning, and as I'm painstakingly loading these pics (one at a time, because that's the only way they'll load) I'm thinking back to last week, and our extended weekend along the Garden Route for the Knysna Cycle Tour.

On Friday morning, way before the sun came up, 8 adults, 4 children, 4 bicycles, 2 cars and a trailer set off from Newmans Avenue along the N2 towards Victoria Bay. Annie and Natasha had decided not to come - Annie to fulfill some dancing commitments and 'avoid family drama', and Natasha in favour of a weekend away with her friend. In their place, we got Brendan, (originally) my friend, (now also) Andel's cycling partner, and a fast-becoming fully fledged member of the extended Hendricks family.

Getting packed

All bright-eyed and bushy-tailed, at 05h00 in the morning!

The newbie gets to do the work

So how long is this trip supposed to take?

Breakfast at Wimpy in Heidelberg

"Hey Pinky, are you thinking what I'm thinking? ..."

We arrived at Carmel in Victoria Bay just before noon. Once we'd checked in and unpacked, we all snuggled into the green bus, and head to Knysna to allow the Andel, Brendan, Pops and Ash to register for their race - and to stock up on supplies for the weekend.

Our home for the weekend

When the boys aren't close Jorj still gets a carry

I'll wait here in the car with my Yaya, thanks

Ethan has the same idea - wake me when we're moved in

More than enough room for this brood

The exquisite view over Victoria Bay

On Saturday, after a late and lazy breakfast, we took a drive into George before returning to enjoy the facilities at Carmel. We spent the afternoon on the tennis court and in the park, enjoying the warm winter sun and beautiful surroundings.

Jorja and I making breakfast for the famiglia

Matthew practicing rolling over, while waiting for breakfast

Tennis doubles: PJ and Brendan vs. Papu and Andel

Aunty Dom teaching Ethan how to see-saw

Yaya and Matthew enjoying some sun

Jorja and Ethan baking tea-time treats in the sand

Don't mind me - I'm just going to enjoy my bottle so long

Where's he? There he is!

That tennis must have been really exhausting!

Sunday morning for the cyclists started with a healthy breakfast and some possibly not-so-healthy concoctions. By 07h00 they were on the road to Knysna. The rest of us were left with a child each (all 4 years old or younger), house in disarray, and nursery rhyme dvd on repeat. I think we spent most of the morning trying to protect Matthew from some rather rough hugs and kisses from Ethan and Zac! We later drove down to Knysna and were able to catch Pops and Ash on the road just before they finished. In celebration of a really good race for everyone, we threw a braai feast!
(Even the most ardent red-meat fan experienced the effects of a slight hangover the next day!)

Ash eating the breakfast of champions

Of course Zac had to wake up to say goodbye

As did Ethan...

... and Matthew...

... and Jorja!

Ready to ride

Taking the kids on a stroll to pass some time

Like father like son!

Babysitter in training

Meanwhile, back at the ranch: Where'd everyone go?

When all else fails - resort to interactive edutainment *blush*

Ash and Papu on the home-straight

 So proud of their Mommy; even happier to see her!

Is this where Daddy was all morning?!

 Our champion cyclists - team JABA
(and boy do they!)

Preparing the post-race feast

Rob and Dom cycle?! Imagine!

On Monday, after a tractor ride and some breakfast, we packed up and started on the journey home.

Two mommies and three nervous kiddies board the tractor

Feeding the ducks and geese

Picnic takeaways for lunch on the road

It was rather sad to be leaving so soon, where there was still so much to do and see, but we had a good time, and I'm sure we'll be back there next year!

PJ wondering if we have to bring Bren back :)

Birthday Photo Update

I've just been reminded that today Zac is 1 year, 1 week and 1 day old - and that this post is late, so here it is.

Andel and I were adamant that we did not want to give Zac a 1st birthday party. We felt that it seemed a lot of money and hassle for something neither he nor his friends present would really remember. We were horribly mistaken. As it turns out, it seems the world is in agreement that a baby's coming of age is something that cannot be passed by without a significant celebration. And if the parents aren't keen to do it, the rest of the world will.

So, inspired by some birthday decorations sent from the UK, we planned a Under-the-Sea themed lunch for Zac and his school buddies on Tuesday, and family tea for the Sunday. Both were intended to be low-key... Neither really lived up to that!

 

On the menu for lunch was vienna sausage squid on a bed of spinach sea-weed and pasta shells, followed by blue jelly sea-water with suspended jelly-sweet fish.

Smiley Squid

Lunch time at Bonny Babies

Getting treated to a Daddy-feed



Look, I can pose and eat my jelly!

 

No birthday lunch would be complete without a take-home box

For the Sunday, we made (yep, made) starfish and sea-shell cookies (made from sand molds, thanks to every local baking store not having any cookie cutters), cupcakes with sea-world toppings, and chocolate-dipped marshmallows (originally meant to be octopops, but that lost their legs when the chocolate wouldn't pipe!).

Not quite as I had pictured it in my head, but ok in the end!

Piped icing - the difference!

This took practically all of Saturday, so thank heavens for my sensible sister who, foreseeing the carnage that would ensue, already ordered the birthday cake to spare me having to try that too.

The awesome birthday cake - yum yum!

Throw in some more cake (a swiss roll from Yaya, carrot cake from Ouma, and a few extra treats), and you have a party table!

High tea indeed

The day was entertaining, to say the least. Who knew a 1st birthday tea could be so exhausting?! (and it was the 30 adults, not the 6 children that made it so!) Zac had a lovely day, although perhaps it was a little overwhelming, because (like his mother at many of her own parties) after tears, tantrums and throw-ups, he had to take a sick day on Monday!

Mommy's big boy

Thanks to everyone for all the wishes and pressies from near and far. Zac is such a loved and blessed little boy, and we are so grateful for the role you all play in raising our little monkey.

Zac Turns 1!

As a child growing up, I remember getting birthday cards and notes from my mom that always started with something like "x years ago, on a night like this, I was waiting for you to arrive...". I never quite understood the nostalgia - until now. I guess as a mother you can't help but recall the events of your child's birth day, and in that regard, I suppose this apple hasn't fallen far from the tree!


Dear Zac, my almost 1-year-old boy...

When I think back to last year, just before you were born, I can't believe that it's only been a year since you came into the world - demanding its attention, and making your presence known. You haven't really changed much...

You're adventurous and entirely fearless. You trust implicitly and seem to believe in the impossible. You see no boundaries, and regularly test the reaction time of your guardian angels (and your parents!). You're constantly smiling - from the moment you open your eyes in the morning, to when they reluctantly close at night. You're smart and fascinated by the world, and never seem to tire exploring it. Most of all though, you're the epitome of love: you're a reminder of God's love, a product of our love, and a source of such unconditional love. Your generous hugs and kisses fill my arms with your sweet scented cuddles, and my heart to overflowing!

I'm so thankful for all the lessons you've taught us this year, and all the blessings you've brought us simply being part of our world.

We desire so many things for you: continued joy and happiness; health and abundant life; opportunities and favour over all your dreams. Most of all though, we wish you a personal relationship with our Heavenly Father who loves you even more than we do, and who created you in His beautiful image. To live your whole life for and with Him has a reward greater than your mind can imagine or your heart can handle.

You make us such proud parents, and I'm so blessed to be called your mommy. I look forward to each day I get to spend on this exhilarating journey that is, mothering you.

I love you endlessly my sweet, precious, beautiful boy.

Got myself a crying, talking, sleeping, walking, living doll...

So lately this old Cliff Richard song has come to mind quite a bit - especially when people comment on how big Zac is getting. We've definitely had the crying, talking, (sometimes) sleeping bit for a while already, but most recently, we have added the walking bit too.

Nearly 3 weeks ago, 11-month-old Zac decided to demonstrate his skills by walking across the room to greet his daddy after school. Prior to this, he had been standing comfortably and regularly cruising around the furniture, but taking one or two steps only when he thought no one was looking.

Since then Zac has been practicing furiously. He walks all day, every day. And fast too. If he could control his little legs any better, he'd be running from place to place. And as a result, I have not been able to capture any footage of this - until now.

At last I managed to get him to walk to me while recording it!

And now my exercise begins, I believe. I get to chase this crying, talking, sleeping, walking, living doll all over the place!

(Interestingly enough, Zac's walking has coincided with Ethan and Jorja's absence from Bonny Babies. Perhaps Zac thought he'd best find something to keep himself occupied while they're on holiday... Or maybe he and Ethan have plans to take over the joint once they're back?)

Rain, Rain, Go Away...

It seems that Winter has well and truly arrived here in the Western Cape, and at the risk of sounding ungrateful: I'm not at all happy about it. Usually, given the choice, I always take cold over warm, but it seems the last few weeks of mild, sunny weather and pleasant autumn evenings have spoiled me much.

Heading to 12 degrees, with a real-feel of 6 - Brrr....

Right now I want nothing more than to be at home, curled up on the couch in a labyrinth of arms, legs and duvet with Zac and Andel, listening to a good cd or watching a movie (because reading a book with the two of them around simply isn't possible). Instead I sit at my desk squinting at my screen, with frozen hands and feet, a nose that won't stop running, and a tongue that's still stinging from the hot soup I ate (too eagerly) for lunch.

My little Bat-boy Eskimo

And yet, I'm grateful for the seasons - they are proof that nothing lasts forever. Not only does it give us hope for the future, it also reminds us to appreciate what we have, with us, right now.


So I'll try not to dwell on all the negatives. Rather, I'll look forward to Sunday afternoons in front of the fire, my Mom's homemade bread, sharing hot chocolate and melting marshmallows with my siblings, nights in with Andel, and lingering hugs and cuddles from Zac - because who knows: next year this time, I may not be so fortunate...

Mommies' Pamper Party

In celebration of our motherhood - and as a good excuse to get together and relax for a bit - my sister Ashleigh and I hosted a little pamper party for our sisters, mom and local-living aunts last Saturday.

It was a beautiful autumn day, there was a selection of teas and muffins on offer, we were minus our children (who were being looked after by uncle Andel and Papu - yes, all of them), and we had Romy to work our feet and faces while we enjoyed some girl time over lunch - what wasn't there to enjoy?

A selection of tea and muffins for the morning

 My mom getting her eyebrows waxed

Dom and aunty Heidi looking on in amazement - or horror?

Dom's turn, and she's thoroughly enjoying the set up

Quality control? Or wondering about her kids?

The finished products...

(Can you guess who the feet belong to?)



Adventurous Auburn

Racy Red

Glamorous Grey

Lovely Lilac

Sole-ful Sangria

Like my aunty Heidi put so well, "When you've laughed and cried and loved and hated and skinnered and advised and passed comment on, and, and, and.... all within a 4 hour period... then you know you've spent time with people you love. Thank you for a wonderful afternoon"

If this is a benefit of motherhood, I can't wait for more of these!

ps. The feet (in order of appearance) belong to: Heidi, Bonita, Dominique, Robyn and Ashleigh :)

Crouch, Touch, Set

Literally, since Zac was born, Andel has been trying to teach him to scrum.

At first, it was as if he was reciting some kind of rhyme, and Zac would gaze up at his face with his then characteristic frown, as if wondering why on earth his father would think he needed to know this strange sequence of words. To be honest, most of the adults around us at the time (me included) were wondering the same thing.

Then Zac got a little older. He was able to hold his head upright, and later his upper body, and Andel started to show him how to set up for the scrum. He would bend Zac's legs, tap his forehead towards his, and guide Zac's (then) little legs to push off powerfully. At this point, everyone around us was wondering if we had another Richard Williams (father of Venus and Serena) or Earl Woods on our hands. I was wondering how a baby so 'regular' in size was going to play as a forward, if he wanted to play at all - and how I was going to deal with Andel's disappointment if he didn't!

Well, 10 months into rugby 101, all Andel's hard work has paid off, and somehow Zac knows what to do, when to do it, and (since Andel's been teaching Ethan how to scrum too) can do it against opposition.

If you don't believe me, here's proof: