And so it begins...

This is it. 2011. We started the new year off with the Van Heerdens sipping appletizer on the deck watching fireworks (courtesy of the rich folk of Bunkershill). A few hours later we awoke to this:

I swear we're smack bang in the middle of summer.

On the 3rd we made the 10 hour car ride up to Johannesburg to do Temple work, visit with L's fam before they left for England, and spend time with our awesome friends that we wish lived in E.L. We only managed to capture these shots:

In short:

• We felt an added measure of the spirit from the Temple.
• Gained deeper appreciation for the priesthood and being sealed together for eternity.
• Met some of the lovely saints from Kenya who were also at the Temple. Seth was there too to be with them as they went through the Temple for the first time. Very special.
• Indulged in our favourite foods from Anat and Terriyaki wraps.
• Discovered the best pizza crust on earth at Parrots. Ate said pizza crust 2x.
• Kept up the tradition of dining at Nando's whenever we go to JHB Temple.
• First time not getting lost in that crazy city, all thanks to TomTom!
• Played board games with the Martin's, Crous', Gosling's, King's, and Beldon's = our favourite people.
• Decided to never have pets, especially cats.
• Felt grateful for the quiet streets of E.L and not having to pay tolls.
• Visited 3 malls: East Gate, Centurion, and Menlyn Park. Delighted at not having to pay for parking @ East Gate.
• Experienced ridiculous thunder & lightening storms and dodged a massive truck...
• Listened to more of L's type of music (first for J!)
• Grew closer as a couple!

We have a feeling 2011 will be a year of learning. Bring it on.

Christmas

This has been our 3rd Christmas we've celebrated together as a married couple. No matter where in the world we have lived, Christmas has always felt special, exciting, and happy. This year was no different. On Christmas Eve, we had our candlelight dinner (a tradition from J's fam)  consisting of roast chicken and all the trimmings. Afterwards we watched Mr. Kruger's Christmas (a tradition from L's fam) and reflected upon the Saviour.

   

Usually, J likes to sleep in, so not expecting to awake early on Christmas morn, you can imagine L's surprise when J's alarm went off at 07:00 A.M! J excitedly brought us our stockings and presents and we opened our gifts in bed. J's favourite gift: a flint, just like the one his hero Bear Grylls uses! L's favourite gift: a gift voucher for a neck and back massage at 'The Beauty Clinic' (what an original name...)! We then went over to J's parent's place for a tasty Christmas lunch consisting of turkey, christmas pudding, homemade nougat ice-cream, and Christmas crackers! It was a lovely day!

Family: It's about...TIME

This December - January period has been the most exciting time! From the 16th to the 23rd of December 2010, the Crous House (aka L's family) came to visit us! We had a brilliant time catching up, playing games, shopping, laughing, eating, and socialising together! In the words of Master Scott, having everyone together made it feel like "the very first Christmas to me!" (sing in high pitched voice). J's Granny, aunt, uncle and cousins were also down to visit from JHB, which made it especially wonderful as our entire family unit could spend time together. This is what matters most in life! We wish all our family could live closer so that we could have these get-together's more often than once in a blue moon. In addition, Johnny returned home from his mission to Uganda & Ethiopia! It was brilliant spending time with him again! He is simply great! Here are a few snaps of our good times with the fam:

The Fam



Look closely:  Looks like mum has a bird in her mouth! LOL!



J & Granny



R.M's Seth & Johnny



L & master Scott

They helped make us a special lil 'tree' to put our Christmas
gifts under!