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While in South Africa Charlie and I had the pleasure of staying with the Cilliers family at their little holiday home in Plettenberg Bay. We went down for three days around New Years and enjoyed every minute. The home is called Houthuisie which means little wood house in Afrikaans. It is indeed a little wood house, filled with charm.
The beach just in front of Houthuisie. I love this beach. It is magic.
On New Years Day Charlie woke up and looked out the window at the sea. He turned to me to say that he had seen dolphins. Before I even had time to say good morning we were both in our bathing costumes running into the waves. I couldn't believe we were swimming with dolphins! There were so many of them and they were swimming all around us. I was thrilled. We swam with them for over an hour and watched as they played all around us. At one point a mama and baby jumped out together not more than 10 feet from where I was. They were so playful and curious! The waves were decent size and as one was coming towards me I could see there were about five dolphins all surfing it together. I ducked under the wave just as the swam over the top of me.
How is that for a start of the new year! Here's to what is going to be a great year!
The Cilliers home is the little one all the way camera right.
This was our room. I think I slept better in this bed then any where else. EVER. The bed is super cozy and there is an amazing view of the ocean. There are no window panes so there is a lovely fresh breeze and the crashing of the waves lulled me to sleep every night. Pure heaven.
The greeting committee. Pika, Max and Mango. Max is the alpha dog, he even thinks that he is the boss of Jacobus which kept me laughing.
This was our room. I think I slept better in this bed then any where else. EVER. The bed is super cozy and there is an amazing view of the ocean. There are no window panes so there is a lovely fresh breeze and the crashing of the waves lulled me to sleep every night. Pure heaven.
The greeting committee. Pika, Max and Mango. Max is the alpha dog, he even thinks that he is the boss of Jacobus which kept me laughing.
The beach just in front of Houthuisie. I love this beach. It is magic.
On New Years Day Charlie woke up and looked out the window at the sea. He turned to me to say that he had seen dolphins. Before I even had time to say good morning we were both in our bathing costumes running into the waves. I couldn't believe we were swimming with dolphins! There were so many of them and they were swimming all around us. I was thrilled. We swam with them for over an hour and watched as they played all around us. At one point a mama and baby jumped out together not more than 10 feet from where I was. They were so playful and curious! The waves were decent size and as one was coming towards me I could see there were about five dolphins all surfing it together. I ducked under the wave just as the swam over the top of me.
How is that for a start of the new year! Here's to what is going to be a great year!
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Here is a sneak peak from their engagement session in November. The beautiful thing about Northern California is that November is still pretty warm and the colors in wine country are simply amazing.
These two were so much fun to photograph and so obviously into each other. I LOVED Tristen's laugh. And clearly, Kevin does to!
These two were so much fun to photograph and so obviously into each other. I LOVED Tristen's laugh. And clearly, Kevin does to!
The fall colors were out in full force on the wine farm. Stunning!
This is that moment that I love. Not the kiss, but that moment just before the kiss. That perfect moment.
Kevin, what a handsome fella. Looking pretty suave, I couldn't help but take advantage of the barn, the perfect manly background.
Tristen and Kevin, thank you for letting me document a little bit of your love. I wish you the best in your wedding planning!
Megan:
these are great!!!
(01.20.10)
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Tristen and Kevin are engaged!
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This is Simonstown. More specifically this is the view from Charlie's parent's home in Simonstown. Aside from the beautiful views of False Bay, warm weather and proximity to Cape Point Nature Reserve, Simonstown is renowned for it's penguin colony.
This is the penguin colony on Boulders Beach. A single pair of African Penguins settled into this little beach in 1982 and since then the colony has grown to somewhere around 3000 breeding pairs.
I love penguins. I love their waddle. They always look like they are a little hung over and a little bit bewildered by all of the strange humans around them. So cute!
This shot makes me laugh. The little lady in the middle was clearly a bit late in shedding her winter down. I can just imagine all of the other penguins remarking on her inability to keep with the trends. 'Down was sooooo last winter!' hehe. Yup, this is how I entertain myself. Animals have conversations in my head.
And finally, Charlie spotted an egg. This little mama was happily nesting, though she didn't mind letting us have a peak at her chick to be.
Mary:
Charlie, if that is where my parents lived I would of never left. It is sooooo beautiful there and penquins are such neat animals.
(01.15.10)
Peri:
This is beauuuutiful! And don't feel alone in how you entertain yourself! My husband and I spend each evening making up the commentary of our 3 cats and 2 dogs. They have much to say! Our foster daughters have even gotten in on the fun. I wonder what they would REALLY say and sound like should they actually be able to speak? Hmmmm? Thank you for sharing your beautiful work with us.
(01.15.10)
Sara Atkins:
Mary: No kidding, right? But I promise you, moving to the US to be with his wife was probably the best decision he has ever made. Right? Charlie?
Peri: It is good to hear that I am not the only one! I am sure most of the critters I come across would say something like... ok ok, I get it, you like me.
(01.15.10)
Uncle Bill:
Thanks again, Sara, for the nice hand carved pelican that you brought back for me from way down there - such a nice Christmas present. Also, nice to learn about its origin and Charlie's parents' place. You are so fortunate to be a part of all of that!!!
(01.16.10)
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We made it back from South Africa... minus a few selected items from our luggage. Apparently Charlie's watch and the perfume that he gave me for Christmas were just too nice to pass up. Oh, the joys of traveling. But we made it back and I suppose that is enough to be thankful for.
When we got back Uncle Bill picked us up from the Airport (that's right, 92 is not too old to drive!). We went back to his house to pick up the kids and when we walked in to the house we were greeted by a rather rotund Franklin. He was 14 pounds when we left him. Now he is topping the scales at 17 pounds. I think it might be time for a kitty diet. My mind is whirling with images of our not-so-little Frankie sweating away on a treadmill... not likely. I suppose it is time for a diet.
Uncle Bill:
Frankie is just like the rest of us, if there's food left in the bowl you just have to eat it -- and eatit Frankie did. Sorry Sara, I just gave them one level cup of food twice a day. I guess Frankie ended up eating too much of Linus's helping. Good luck, Frankie, on your treadmill regimine.
(01.16.10)
Uncle Bill:
I guess Frankie is just like the rest of us, if there is anything left in thr bowl you just have to eat it. Good luck Frankie on your treadmill regimine.
(01.16.10)
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There are hikes, and then there are hikes with the MacWilliam family. Last year Charlie and I went on our first hike with them. It was a fairly short hike that required a little bit of climbing. It was by far the most fun I've had while climbing Table Mountain. This year the hike that we climbed was on a scale of an entirely different magnitude.
The Du Toits mountain is a rather foreboding range in the Western Cape within direct view of the sea. The vegetation is primarily fynbos and the rest of the landscape consists of steep cliffs. The start of the hike is straight up a pretty steep grade. Thankfully, we started early enough that it was pretty cool during this portion of our adventure. It was probably the most physically exhausting part of the whole hike.
The entire hike took us up three peaks,and to about 1,500 meters above sea level. But the view was worth it!
There was quite a bit of scrambling over rocks, rock climbing and finding our way over cliffs. Thank goodness for the vegetation on certain portions of the hike. If it wasn't for such strong roots I think we all would have tumbled back down the mountain.
Charlie, enjoying a good climb.
I love this shot of Russell. This was toward the end of the hike when we had conquered the most difficult part of the climb. Just taking the world in.
In all, the hike took us about 10 hours. It ended with a cool stream and some of the best water I have ever tasted. Finally, a quick drive to the shop for an ice cream and a coke. What a perfect day. Thank you to the MacWilliam's for dragging us up and down that mountain. I loved it despite the fact that I couldn't walk for several days after. You are an incredibly strong family and I consider myself lucky to get a peek into your life of adventure.
The Du Toits mountain is a rather foreboding range in the Western Cape within direct view of the sea. The vegetation is primarily fynbos and the rest of the landscape consists of steep cliffs. The start of the hike is straight up a pretty steep grade. Thankfully, we started early enough that it was pretty cool during this portion of our adventure. It was probably the most physically exhausting part of the whole hike.
The entire hike took us up three peaks,and to about 1,500 meters above sea level. But the view was worth it!
There was quite a bit of scrambling over rocks, rock climbing and finding our way over cliffs. Thank goodness for the vegetation on certain portions of the hike. If it wasn't for such strong roots I think we all would have tumbled back down the mountain.
Charlie, enjoying a good climb.
I love this shot of Russell. This was toward the end of the hike when we had conquered the most difficult part of the climb. Just taking the world in.
In all, the hike took us about 10 hours. It ended with a cool stream and some of the best water I have ever tasted. Finally, a quick drive to the shop for an ice cream and a coke. What a perfect day. Thank you to the MacWilliam's for dragging us up and down that mountain. I loved it despite the fact that I couldn't walk for several days after. You are an incredibly strong family and I consider myself lucky to get a peek into your life of adventure.
Nicole:
These are beautiful.
(01.09.10)
Mary Brien:
Oh Please be careful
(01.09.10)
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Wow! Great beach photos! Darren and I are thinking of having our honeymoon in South Africa, we definitely have to talk!
(01.22.10)Yes, please let me know! I have lots of favorites that you will have to see =)
(01.22.10)Absolutely beautiful pictures Sara! I particularly like the one of the dogs.
(01.22.10)Thanks Jacobus! Thank you again for having us!
(01.22.10)