Monday, June 16, 2008

Reconnecting - Part 2

Morning view - You can see the city of Johannesburg in the distance

We woke up to cloudy skies on Sunday, the second day back home in Johannesburg. If there is one thing that I've always enjoyed was the fact that from our house we could see the city skyline, it's especially beautiful at night. Since we had the barbecue the day before, we settled on one of my all time favorite meals and one which I never have here in the States......Crab Curry!


*Drool* There is NOTHING like crab curry, just look at all that yumminess


Nicholas, Colby and Dylan having lunch

Since we have such a big family, we can't all fit on one table so the kids usually eat first in the kitchen. You can see my sister in law Hayley on the left trying to hide away from the camera LOL


My dad, my grandmother Jacinta (mom's mother) and again Hayley off to the side LOL It actually became a joke between us because she always seemed to be caught in the photos.

My oldest brother Paul and my sister in law Lilian

Me and Curt.....I have to tell you that I HATE having my picture taken, I always look horrible so don't laugh LOL

As the lunch began though I noticed a plate on the table that brought tears to my eyes, and you may be thinking I am crazy for saying that but you have to understand that this was my greatgrandmother's plate. This was the ONLY one she ate on, she had her own fork and knife and glass etc.....we used to laugh about it but now seeing it and knowing it belonged to her, it just brought back so many great memories.

Greatgrandma's plate

My stepmom, grandma and uncle

My poor Nicholas. He was the only one Jet Lagged when we arrived in South Africa, hence the reason he kept falling asleep at any time of the day....here he is trying to eat dinner only to have the sleep win.


And that was the end to our second day in South Africa. The very next morning we set off towards Durban where the kids would encounter the ocean and the beach for their very first time. I'll share all the photos and stories tomorrow so don't forget to check back.

17 comments:

Michelle said...

how funny that Hayley was in the side of the pictures...lol.It's just wonderful seeing all of your family...I love the one of Nicholas sleeping..poor guy..have a great day.

Cheri said...

That is so cute with Nicholas falling asleep at the table.
I was more like you, everytime we had to travel to Russia for the girls adoptions, I did fine going- it was the coming home that was tough!

Michelle said...

thank you for sharing your journey home with us!

Jill said...

I've been waiting to see your photos and read all about your trip. I can't even imagine what it felt like walking off that plane after 10 years. I know this was such a momentous trip for you and your whole family. Looking forward to reading more!

Anonymous said...

Sandra,

Thanks for visiting my site. I'm glad you're having such a great trip!

Allie
Learningtobefrugal.wordpress.com

Jen said...

How are you adjusting to home sweet home? Poor little Nick.....

Susanne said...

Aww, poor little duffer. I love the pictures of kids falling asleep in their soup, though.

I was thinking how happy and lovely you look in all these African pictures.

Anonymous said...

Wow! Looks like so much fun and you look great Sandra!

Mari said...

Poor little Nicholas - what a cute picture though! I can see a resemblance between you and your brother.

Bonnie said...

Poor little guy !! That jet lag, it's a drag !!

AlaneM said...

Welcome home Sandra!!
I'm so glad you had a wonderful time with your family...the pictures are great! They seem like a fun & loving bunch, what a blessing.
You got me all teary-eyed with your previous post, when you came off the plane...your heart must have been overflowing!
I'm really looking forward to more vacation posts & I'll be praying for your jet lag to cease :)

gail@more than a song said...

Looks like y'all had an amazing time!

Anonymous said...

First of all - you look beautiful in every picture!

Secondly - I love seeing such a close-knit family. It's so very touching.

I'm glad you had this opportunity! I'm sure you have so many awesome memories.

Hugs,

Sherry

Anonymous said...

Don't you just love being in the 'warmth' of your own family? You guys look so comfortable and enjoying your time. By the way dear...love you and your picture, your are just gorgeous!! And... you and your hubby are the cutest.

Enjoyed seeing these pictures..with stop by again;-))

XOXO~Jeannene

Mozi Esme said...

Susanne (http://susannesspace.blogspot.com) just clued me in on your blogging about your trip to SA. Looks like you had a great time! We recently made the reverse trip (from Mozambique to US for a month) - in May, so I can relate to Nicholas' jet lag and the rest!

Christina said...

How completely adorable, Nicholas trying to eat while falling asleep at the table. Those are some precious memories and you captured them all in pictures.

Lavinia said...

Ah, I found it...the crab curry post. Worth the drive to South Africa! So cute with Nicholas falling asleep....I imagine the air was so fresh there....

You look so much like Monica Bellucci, the Italian actress. Every time I see your photo I think "there's Monica again!"