Solveig at 3 months

Our lovely photographer Leonie was back in town over Christmas and New Year, so we took the opportunity to have some more photos done, before she flew back to the UK. Leonie also did Anya's baby photos so we were keen to have a matching set for Solveig. We don't want to be accused of having 2nd child syndrome later in life (ie having made no time to take photos of the 2nd baby). There are more photos up on Facebook, but here's a couple for the blog anyway.

Anya was working to her own agenda during the photo shoot. She spent most of the time trying to take photos with her little pink plastic camera. She also spent rather a lot of time jumping on our bed. In fact bribing her with smarties seemed to have the opposite affect to what we hoped. It just meant that not only was she super excited - but she was super excited on a smartie high.

Despite feeling like we had done 10 rounds of wrestling with Big Daddy, the photos have turned out really cute. Our favourite are the action shots - Anya looks her cheeky best and thankfully not a double chin in sight - must be that camera angle!!

Lunch with Colin & Penny

Not much has been happening at Chez Kistner this last week - mainly because it's been too stinking hot to do anything except peel ourselves off of our backsides and head to the gym - which has the added bonuses of having both a creche and air conditioning. Wednesday night date night was a very low key affair (only the 2 bottles of wine then) so we had to make up for it at the weekend. Colin, Penny and their kids Amy & Rebecca popped round for a light lunch, and while the girls went for a swim, we sipped wine and had the odd G&T. Lovely. And when 5pm came and everyone left, it was such a nice evening that we decided to carry on with the white, and when that was finished, we started on the red. Hermann very kindly tried to sober me up with a round of cheesy toasts but to no avail. At least he woke me up when it was bedtime....

Rhetorical Question

Why is that every week I lose a kg...and then every weekend I find it again...

Photos from Hermannsburg

The Kistner cousins and families

Jo's 80th Birthday

We're just back from Jos's 80th birthday party in Greytown. Oncle Albrecht & Tante Wietske came down for the weekend, as well as all the Kistner first cousins. It was great catching up with everyone again. We all stayed at a very rustic farm B&B. However, it wouldn't have been a Kistner weekend away without a few challenges - the first being the lack of soap on the premises; the second being the shortage of red wine (both sorted by a trip to the shops); and the third being the sleeping and ablution facilities. Our bedroom didn't have an ensuite bathroom. Or even a bathroom in the house. We had to go to the toilet on the veranda! A strange place to put a bathroom...but at least it had a nice view..... The sleeping arrangements were a different matter. Let's just say that my bed wasn't that comfortable. Getting into bed sounded a bit like I imagine the Titanic sounded shortly before it sank....screeching metal followed by the sound of low groans. Luckily Hermann took pity on me and swapped for the 2nd night so that I could get at least a little sleep.

Neverthless, being in the sticks had its advantages. Anya & Luca were just loving being in the countryside and seeing all the animals, despite Luca getting bitten on the nose by a goose. The kids had loads of space to run around - inside and out. It was just a pity that the weather was horrible - cold rain and mist for the whole weekend.

On Saturday we visited some steam engines, then the Hermannsberg Schule & Museum for a spot of reminiscing. Then it was back to the farm for Jos's party.

Preparing for the weekend was a mammoth effort. Hermann and Tinus manned the bar like they were made for the job. Gitty decorated the hall beautifully. And we all chipped in to prepare the food and clean up afterwards. No-one went home hungry! We slightly overestimated the amount of food (and drink) required for 30 people - resulting in a mini KZN potato salad and trifle mountain... any suggestions on how to dispose of 11kgs of home made potato salad will be gratefully received. In the meantime, we know what we will be having for lunch this week...

It was a cracking weekend, despite having to cram all our luggage, and the kids, into the Hyundai Atos on loan from the garage. Our car is still in the garage waiting for a new handbrake! All I can say is that if I ever want to drive with my knees directly under my chin, then I know exactly which car to choose!

There's no photos for this blog, as I spent the weekend videoing the proceedings instead. It was great - meant that I didn't have to feature in any photos or videos until Georg got hold of the camera. But just remember - I have editing rights!!!!

Until then (editing with minimal skill takes some time)...

Happy Birthday Opa! We love you! We hope you had a fantastic weekend! Anya sends you her best big hug and kiss! And, I can't wait to get my hands on all that dodgy video.

PROST PROST PROST!!!!!

Happy New Year

Here's wishing all our family and friends a happy new year.