Hello South Africa

We greeted with rain drops when we arrived in South Africa on Sunday, and it has been raining ever since
[so much for the African sun kissing my face], at  least it is warm and we are short sleeves and shorts amid the rain.

I am so happy to be home and so happy that we made it in one piece.  Let me just say that an almost twelve hour flight with two toddlers [3 1/2 and 1 1/2] is no joke.  I am still a little shocked that I have all my hair, and I didn't have to consume any alcoholic beverages to remain calm, relaxed and together.

The kids did as great as they could, but let's face it after ten hours sitting in a plane, the last two is the worst because everyone is so over sitting still, being somewhat quiet and considerate.  I would also like to make sure that my family know how much I love them, because I would certainly not go through all this for just anyone!!

Iphone picture of me looking like crap, courtesy of my dad!

The kids were so happy to get off the plane and so excited to see oupa and oupa, even though when we finally spotted them in the arrival crowd, Ian became extremely overwhelmed and insecure.  I think lots of it has to do with how people speak here, they don't really understand the English dialect here, but we will be working on it.

My mama and I were so overwhelmed with emotions when we were finally able to hug each other again.  We do this every time, we sob and sob happy tears.  The last time we saw my parents in real life [we she them on skype all the time] was September 2012 shortly after Hayleigh was born.  It felt good to be embraced by my parents and to realize that we will be spending two months with them.  I am so excited.

We are still adjusting to our new environment, and everything that comes with it.  The kids are doing pretty good, even though the have a lot of overwhelming moments, but are working through it and the are figuring it all out just fine, growing and learning.  It is hard for them to completely express their emotions and uncertainties, for one Nate is not here yet [he is joining us in April], the climate is completely different, the food is so different, the sleep arrangements are different, and there is so much more stimulation.  But all in all they are doing pretty great for their ages.

I have been slow on downloading pictures from my camera, I will be working on it today and adding it as soon as I find time.  For now I am going to embrace being home, spending time with my mom and dad, and mentally archive all the sweet memories that are being made right now.

We  are enjoying the beautiful and giant yard, playing in the rain puddles when the rain stops, and loving on oupa and ouma.

Another sweet picture courtesy of my dad.

Stay tuned for more of our South African adventure.

Happy Wednesday