I'm back

The blog has been on the back burner for over a year now. I've dusted off the cobwebs and I'm back.... Slowly I'll catch up the missing year. Enjoy!

JHB trip September 2007

After much secret arranging with friends and teachers we managed to keep our trip to Johannesburg from the girls. Adrian and I checked in the baggage and met the girls at the airport Spur for supper with Carla, Pam and Anton. They were completely taken aback when we handed them their boarding passes. Bianca even wanted to cry! The flight didn't get off to a very good start. We were originally suppose to fly at 20:30 which would have allowed us to reach Jacqui's place in Midrand before midnight. Eventually our Mango flight took off at midnight and we arrived at our destination at an exhausting 3:15am! We went to visit Ouma who hasn't seen the girls in a long time. They were very happy to see her.

We spent Friday night in Springs with Joan and Tony. PASTA for supper! Yah! The best pasta in the world. Even the girls couldn't get enough. Every now and again we'd hear the squeak, squeak of the pasta maker in the kitchen as Michaela would give it a turn.


We had a HUGE gathering at Sam and Brian's place on Sunday. It was wonderful to see everyone again. All the kids got along famously. It was the perfect family gathering!


Hmm, who was playing with fire or at least with the charcoal?

Jacqui was the ice cream lady...


For someone who doesn't like ice cream; Francesca sure looked like she was enjoying it!

Adrian thought he was at home on his favourite couch....

And then it was marshmallow time :

Lory Park Zoo in Midrand.

The girls went ice skating at Northgate shopping centre.


We had to find some creative ways to keep the kids away from the TV while it rained. I don't think they ever had so much fun with Jelly Tots and tooth picks.


Kevin and Ann came through so see us at Jacqui's. Even Ann tried her hand at the JT's & TP's.

Sasha is the latest addition to the Herman's Herd. She was spoilt rotten by the kids - I don't think she realises that she has legs because whenever we saw her she was in someone's arms.

We had a great time in Johannesburg - next time we might even stay longer! But it was great to get home again - Mango was early this time! It was back to school on Monday with lots of news to tell all the friends.

Mickey Monkey!

Michaela all ready and waiting to go out.....

As always, she can't sit around waiting so decided to entertain herself......

Ratanga Junction

Friday the 13th - the sun is shining and it's the Collins Mob's last full day in Cape Town. We decided that Ratanga Junction would be a great way to end off the holidays. Juliana and Julie joined us for the day. Jordan joined the Collins Mob.

Twirling around....


Shake it up.....

Brian's enjoying the wind in his hair!
Michaela, Julie and Bianca enjoyed the Carousel whilst the rest of the mob were on the Boat.

After that we went on The Cobra. It was the first time for Brandan, Dylan and Jordan. Bianca had braved it once before. Juliana very firmly offered to look after Julie and Michaela. Watch out Juliana; Julie's not going to remain short forever!! ha ha Samantha and I got to sit right in front. It was awesome. What a view!

The day had warmed up, so it was time to get wet....

On to the Monkey Falls.... I think that this was one of the kids favourite rides!




We also went on some slower rides.

Sam is practicing her "Royal" wave - the Queen better watch out!

Bianca pleaded for more; but alas the day had come to an end. No worries - it will be open in September again!

Ten Pin Bowling

After an eventful SPUR dinner - with Brian ending up with Chinese takeaways - we hit the ten pin bowling.
Next time I'll have to play with the kids because I was the gutter girl - I did manage to get a few measly points - only just!

An early Saturday morning

Brandan and Dylan didn't even have a chance to catch up on the sleep they missed the night before because of their midnight flight into Cape Town. We fetched them early on Saturday so that they could join us for ice skating. Robyn slept over so she came along for the fun. She did very well considering that she has hardly skated before. It was hard to tell that Brandan and Dylan had only been on the ice once before - they skated like pros.

Look out Wimpy - Skating makes us all hungry.....