Shew...almost 2 months ago we were getting ready to go on holiday back to South Africa. Justin was super excited about going on the 'airplane', mommy was dreading the 14hr flight and packing and daddy was still in two minds about joining us. This was towards the end of January....fast forward two months and we're back in Sydney, our holiday already becoming a distant memory.
The occasions that warranted this trip back to South Africa were my cousin's wedding, Row's cousin's wedding and the Fok famjam (my mom's side's reunion.)
Row had finally decided to join us for part of the holiday so he was coming for 3 weeks while Justin and I went for 6 weeks. D-Day approached and packing was done, snacks and entertainment for Justin was taken care of and I was still psyching myself up for the 14hr flight. Justin and I left first and Row joined us a few days later. I will admit that I had nothing to worry about....Justin was a star traveller and thank goodness the plane was quite empty so we had a spare seat between the two of us. Unluckily, it was a day flight which meant that out of 14hrs, Justin slept for half an hour and then 2.5hrs. Luckily, he was so well behaved and was quite entertained by his own TV and books and toys that we had packed. When he started getting antsy, we would do a lap or 3 around the plane. We left Sydney at 10am and arrived in SA at 3pm (with a 9hr time difference)....Justin must have thought it was the longest day ever! My in-laws met us at the airport and despite the jet lag and exhaustion, Justin was over the moon to see his grandparents and excitement soon kicked in. Thankfully, he fell asleep on the long car drive to my parent's house.
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| Justin super excited about having his own seat |
Justin and I spent the first few days getting over our jet lag and recovering from the 14hr flight. It also gave us time to see family from SA, Canada and UK and it wasn't too overwhelming for Justin, not that he had any problems taking to the family. Row joined us on Thursday and on Friday we were off to Haartebeespoort to celebrate my cousin, Yong's wedding to Nicole. It was a hot day but the venue was spectacular, the bridal couple were amazing and it was good to see family and old friends all celebrating this happy occasion. Thank you to Nicole and Yong for inviting us to share this memorable day and congratulations to you both. We truly had a good time and enjoyed sharing the day with you. We spent the whole weekend at Haartebeespoort so we organised a picnic with the Golden Aunties and brothers and sisters. Justin had so much fun meeting everyone and spent the entire weekend in the pool.
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| Our little fish |
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| Justin and all his cousins (really, there are only boys!!!) |
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| Spending the entire weekend in the pool is really their idea of fun |
Then we were off to Port Elizabeth for the week for Row's cousin's wedding. My mom-in-law flew down with us and we stayed with Row's gran, Justin's great-grandmother (1 of 3 great-grandmothers!!!!) Again, we spent the first few days seeing all Row's family and spending quality time with Row's mom and grandmother. We also took Justin to the lion park which he so enjoyed. Row's cousin, Danya's wedding took place at The Willows Resort where we spent the weekend. Again, so much family and old friends to see and it was nice that we were all staying in the same place which meant that Justin constantly had a friend to play with...never a dull moment! Thank you to Danya and Mark for inviting us to share in their special day and congratulations again. We, especially Justin, had a real fun time.
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| At the lion park |
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| Uncle B, Justin, Matteo and Row |
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| Justin and his cousin Nathan |
After PE, it was off to Cape Town for 5 days for leg 2 of the Fok FamJam. Justin was so excited about going to Cape Town because we had been telling him about this from before we left Sydney. We did some of the usual tourist things like the Hop On Hop Off bus and going up Table Mountain. We also got to see Row's cousin Lee-Ann and Terence and little Aidan (who had visited us in Sydney last March) so Justin and Aidan were like long lost friends. The only difference now was that Aidan is now mobile and can keep up with Justin which meant so much more fun and mischief!
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| Waiting for the cable car at Table Mountain |
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| Justin and Aidan bathing together |
Justin had so much fun that he slept the entire 2hr flight from Cape Town to Johannesburg. It was also Row's last week so we had to cram in lots of eating and shopping and golf. Thanks to all our friends who were able to meet up with us and to indulge in the eating marathon.
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| Justin spending time with his grandparents |
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| Justin and Sophie, his little 'cousin' |
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| Blowing into a vuvuzela and making such a noise with Popo |
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| Justin and his gang |
After Row left, it was a little quieter and more relaxed. We still got to meet up with friends and spend quality time with them but it also gave the grandparents time to spend with Justin and me some free time to get my hair done, go shopping and nap!
Thank you again to all our family and friends who always welcome us back with open arms and warm smiles. We had a really great time and so glad that we were able to see you all and share in not just one but 3 special occasions. We miss you all and hope that it won't be too long before we see you again.
