We flew to Jo' burg for Christmas with the family. It was a wonderful break but rather busy as we wanted to spend time with both the family and catch up with friends. Jessica met a lot of people for the first time, but loved every minute and smiled happily at everyone. I was wondering how hectic it was going to be to fly with her, but she was quite relaxed and had a little nap during the flight. She got hungry just before we landed, so I fed her on the way down and that took care of decompression and ears. First up was lunch with my brother Anton, his wife Oksana, nephew Sasha (now six) and baby Anastasia who was just over a month old here:
We spent the day before Christmas with Sam and Ian, and their three kiddies (Hannah, Joshua and Abi). Note Abigail chewing on Jessica's arm. A great new toy - it wiggles too if you bite hard :)
Christmas Day took place at my parents' home. It was lovely to have all the grandchildren together, a whole new generation to grow up and share new traditions. Adam's mom and brother came to join us in the afternoon for gifts under the tree. Here's Dad and Mum with the littlest kiddies. Anastasia is working herself up for a good yell...
Tea outside under the gazebo with Jessica after church:
Jessica was only interested in one thing... the wrapping paper...
And then on Boxing Day we went over to Adam's mom's plot. We shared a delicious turkey with all the trimmings with Jane, Craig and the animals. Raksha, the large exuberant German Shepherd, finally cooled it a bit and Jessica stopped crying every time there was a loud woof or wet snout snuck in her direction.
During the week we saw lots of friends, but here's the one that started it all off. Graeme introduced Adam and I nearly 10 years ago.
And of course, no trip to Johannesburg would be complete without an escape to the Magaliesberg for some time out. Accessing the kloofs via Mountain Sanctuary Park, we took Jessica down Cederberg (note the large smile)...
Stopped for a swim in the largest pool while Madam had her morning nap...
And then kloofed out through Lower Tonquani, which had lots of pools we had to wade through and a very deep one that we almost had to swim...
Despite being carried above Adam's head through the deepest pool, the smallest member of the expedition chuckled throughout and thoroughly enjoyed a swim to cool down in the final pool.
Weary but happy, Emile and Nadia drove us home for our last night in Johannesburg. We met Jane for breakfast the next morning and packed our bags. Despite the fact that we missed the flight as I got the time wrong, we made it to Cape Town regardless. There were a few hectic moments like Jessica screaming her way onto the plane and Adam audibly muttering "Shhhhhh, you're embarrassing me!" as he grimly headed to the back of the plane, but once she settled down everyone on board sighed in relief and the flight was uneventful.
We landed, drove out to Noordhoek for a quiet and special New Year celebration with Mike and Gill, and collapsed into the 1st of Jan at about 1.30am.
The next morning, Jessica surprised us by sitting unassisted...
Yip, a new age has begun! Best wishes to you all for 2008.
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