Before I start this bumper edition post about our holidays (overdue!) – first a HUGE milestone. Hubby and I celebrated our 10 year wedding anniversary on the 23rd of December. A huge milestone, because he survived me HAHA, no murder as yet :p Luckily for him, I still adore him! Being a parent of two little ones is hard work and we really have to fight to make time for each other, may the next decade be filled with more happy memories!
On the first of December Holly our Jolly Elf made her appearance again! We had fun with her mischievous shenanigans this year now that the kids could both participate. Much sadness when she departed and even Shae asked after Holly. Wondering how much longer Jamie will believe in the magic …
And it was so much fun to put our Christmas tree up – every one participated!
On the 16th we started our holiday by doing a family photoshoot. I can highly recommend One Two Tree Photography if you are in PE. Here’s a few favourites:
Then we were off to Oudshoorn for a few days for our gorgeous godson’s christening and much needed family time. We had a lovely couple of days with my two siblings and their families who resides there, and my parents and other sibling & family who also made the trip. My godson made me broody (but not THAT broody!)
The rest of the holidays were filled with lots of quality time for us 4, beach time, ice-cream, play time, time with friends and family, some more ice-cream and other excursions in and around PE.
Christmas was special – we had Johnathan’s side of the family over and it was a good evening. Before bedtime the children sprinkled magical reindeer food on the lawn for Rudolf and his gang to spot our house easily; and had some truffles and milk ready for Santa; and carrots for the reindeer. Christmas day was spent at home, just the four of us. It was actually a calm and relaxed day. The kids was overjoyed with the Christmas presents underneath the tree and they spent the morning playing with their new toys. Then I prepared our Christmas lunch, we all had a nice nap/quiet time and afterwards dessert.
New Years Eve was spent with friends – we haven’t had so much fun in a long time. We stayed over so that we can be off the dangerous roads and the plan was to have lunch the next day before going home, but unfortunately we had to spend New Years at the emergency rooms with my unwell mom – she had extreme chest pains and my dad didn’t know what to do. Luckily she was helped with xrays and medication and is on the road to recovery. My MIL’s arthritis also worsened so much that she had to be admitted into a care facility shortly after New Years. Not a good start to the new year, but I pray that both of them will get much better, very soon…
So December and the first half of January was jam-packed. I almost feel like I need a holiday to recuperate just from that! :p
Life with Jamie & Shae 
Aw man, congrats on the milestone.
Such beautiful pictures of you all. Liam is also asking after his “elf on the shelf” Sam. I love that they still believe in this kind of magic. It really is special. I must say though, I’m waiting for some horrid little child at school to ruin things for him.
I’m a bit more spoiled than all your other bloggies coz I get to see your kids in real life now. Nearly everyday in fact. J actually greeted me by name yesterday so my stalker secret is out, LOL
On my goodness on the 2 Mum’s. I hope both are on the mend now.
Good luck with Grade 1. It is a bit hectic in the 1st term. Parents meetings tonight hey
Thank you Helen!
So glad hubby remembered your name… I sometimes wonder if he hears anything I say :p
Eeeeeeek, yes! Parents meeting… I’m petrified, especially after a red letter in J’s homework book yesterday.
Perhaps we’ll bump into each other tonight as I see we make use of the same gate.
xx
Ag red letter……….Liam got 3 last year, for chatting. I hope yours wasn’t too serious. I think the teachers take the first term easy because the kids are still getting used to the rules. Good luck for the meeting
She moved Jamie to sit on his own because he was interfering with other children according to her. Jamie said he was just touching the girl’s shoulder next to him to tell her something… so I’m freaking out a bit.
Don’t freak out. It takes a while for them to settle down. And you never really get the truth out of them when they’ve been in trouble ………… “But Mom, I was just………..” you know how it goes
And don’t for one second think it’s because of Jamie’s “problems” He is just a kid. He will get the hang of things. He’s only been there a few days. They aren’t all perfect angels you know.
You are so right, thanks Helen xx
Congratulations, 10 years, that is awesome to see in today’s crazy world.
Love seeing all the piccies of you and your family, your kiddies are growing up so quickly.
Hope both mothers feel better soon, it is hard dealing with sick parents xx
Oh em gee, you are blogging again, yay! Now I have some reading to do!
Thanks for your kind comment and popping in :). xx
Congratulations on your 10-year wedding anniversary! I didn’t know that you guys live in PE 🙂 Lovely photoshoot, so special. And so sorry to hear about your mum and mum-in-law.
Thank you, Jodie! Yes, for the past 8 years or so 🙂 Originally from Uitenhage and apart from 5 years in Pretoria before we moved to PE, this will always be our home ❤ xx
My in-laws are from PE and we visitat least once a year 🙂
Lovely photo shoot. Need to organise another one soon. We have parents meeting tonight to meet the new teacher so mine is an easy one. The kids do need about a whole term to get it together. Busy busy holidays!
Congrats on your anniversary! Honestly we should have done one when we were in PE! Next time we must meet up – and did PE not have the best weather ever this year?