Food, Family, Birthdays, And Cousins

Weekends are the best.  Our little family is not use to weekends due to Nate's schedule, so we don't really live for weekends, but we live for K-days.

While visiting my parents, the kids and I live for weekends.  Weekends means, ouma and oupa are home all day, we do fun things, and naps are few and far between, but that is ok we roll with it.

This weekend delivered just like every other weekend.  We went back to the Hazel Food Market, and this time I actually got to enjoy some food and looking around.  Ian finally conquered his fear of bees and all things flying, so there were no dramatic screams and break downs.  I am sad to say that I couldn't take any photos of all the fabulous food [the vendors don't like it] but I did get a shot of my favorite food sign (with permission) as well as my little people devouring a pretzel (we miss the bakeries.)  I just wanted to buy all the yummy things, but I contained myself.  I can't wait to to go back.

I had to lock myself in the bathroom to eat these beauties in peace.  Call that mommy problems.

We also had a chance to see Louis and Charlotte again.  Man, do I love these two, it is always so much fun to hangout with them, and so much laughter, constantly.  The kids love seeing them, and I love seeing them with the kids.  I am so thankful to have such great friends.  I am will sure miss them when we go home to Germany, especially my coffee and tea dates with Charlotte during the week.

Sunshine and warmth have joined us in full swing, and we are so happy about that.  It feels good, we feel good.  With the beautiful weather we can't help but be outside.  The kids yearn for it, and the dirtier and sweatier the better.  This day we were joined but bubbles.  How fun! My mom rocks, she loves playing with them outside, and the bubbles was a special bonus.  Watching them figure it out, was a blast.  Instead of blowing, they would spit.  They had so much fun, did I mention that we love the sunshine?

We also had a great day with family.  My uncle, and aunt, and cousins came over for the day.  We were lucky to see my cousin Christopher in December/January for a week, but I haven't seen my cousin Suzanne and my uncle and aunt since Ian turned one.  It was so fun to see them and spend time with them.  Christopher also turned 21 on Saturday, so we had to celebrate with him, I wish my brother could have been there, it is only the four of us on my mom's side of the family.

I was curious to see Ian and Hayleigh's reaction towards Christoper, and I was a little shocked and sad that didn't want anything to do with him, but they finally warmed up, I  might add only after my cousin drew some dinosaurs with sidewalk chalk, that was the ice breaker, the moment they became best friends.

The kids were so attach to my cousins, and I could sit back and watch the sweetness unfold before my eyes, especially Hayleigh and Suzanne, it was the cutest thing.  I also reminded me of myself when I was younger and Suzanne was still little, what she and Hayleigh did, is exactly what we use to do.  Hayleigh loved all the attention, she loved playing with her, and I think she was pleased with herself because she was carried everywhere, and also got everything she wanted.

We spend the afternoon outside, eating great food, having great conversation, great laughs, walks down memory lane, and new memories being made, what more can you ask for?

Happy 21st birthday, Christopher.

I have to admit the older I get, the more I appreciate my family and the more I miss them, and the more I yearn for sweet reunions.  Mostly the ones I grew up with.  The three of us were inseparable growing up, always playing and exploring.  My brother was more of an inside kid.  Most days I want to kick my butt for not cherishing my family like I should have, for not appreciating our time together more.

I am hoping to change this through every single visit, and to make every new memory count.  I am so bless with such a sweet family.

These pictures that I am about to post, captures everything perfectly, these my favourite, so my girl all loving with my baby cousin.

I am so excited.  Next week Nate will be joining us!

Happy Monday!