Tuesday, Wednesday- December 18-19

We just got "home" from touring the Cape Peninsula and seeing the cute penguins at Simon's Town. What a beautiful Country this is! We are continually amazed at the differences in the scenery as we travel around. One minute we're on the beach, the next, driving through a forest, and then we're up in the mountains! Check out the pictures and you'll see what I mean.

On Tuesday, we drove about Five hours to the beautiful ocean-side city of Knysna (Nies-Nuh). We had 2 condos right next to each other that were amazing. They had kitchens, washer & dryers, and 3 decks each with ocean views! We drove into town just in time for a great dinner at The Spur and a little shopping. It was just cool enough outside for sweatshirts. We've enjoyed excellent African summer weather since we arrived.

Wednesday morning, (Sami's Birthday!) Lewis was up about 5 AM and walked to a corner market to get food for breakfast. I woke up to the smell of toast, and couldn't for the life of me figure out how and why! We had wonderful, tropical juices, muffins and toast. Thanks, Lew!

Mom and Dad had to drive into George to meet a Missionary Couple that flew in the night before, see the missionaries in that town, and look at some property for the church. We took the kids and did some window shopping and decided to have lunch at the Spur again. All Samantha wanted was a Vanilla Ice cream cone, so that's what she got! We explained to the cute waitress that it was her birthday, so it's okay for her to have ice cream for lunch. Next thing we know, the entire wait staff is clapping and coming to sing for her! They stuck a sparkler in her icecream, which scared her a little, but she was all smiles by the end. Unfortunately, it all happened so quickly that we didn't get a good picture of the sparkler or singers. DANG!

As soon as Grandma and Grandpa got back from George, we let them change into P-Day clothes and then we took off for the Knysna Elephant Park. It was amazing! The kids loved to see the elephants so close. Sami-- not so much. She and Grandma were just fine hanging out away from the big animals. Andy, Matt, Megan, Lewis, Grandpa, and I all got to feed the animals some fruit! We'd put a bit of pineapple, beet, or carrot out on our flat hand, and they'd pinch it with the tip of their trunk and put it in their mouth! Lew & Grandpa were brave enough to hold the food high for the ellie to see- The ellie would then life it's trunk and open it's mouth for them to put the food right in! Yikes! We got to pet them and take many, many pictures with them, too.

Next we headed over to Monkeyland. Because it was already evening and we were short on time, we only went to the entrance of the park. We were able to see quite a few monkeys- plenty for me! I don't like the idea of these animals freely moving all around me! The kids loved it. Andy was begging to touch one. I think he only pulled the tail of one monkey. He wasn't intimidated at all! My favorite was the Mama monkeys with the babies holding on tight to their backs. So sweet! They have cute little faces and cute little clutching hands- neither of which I want too close to me or my kids!

Right next to Monkeyland is Birds of Eden. This place was amazing. We toured the place and saw more birds than I could have imagined. The colors were amazing. "Brutus" (named by Uncle Robby) is a white Cockatu that finds Dad every time he goes. He found him again- and tried to eat his buttons (again). He sat on his shoulder for a bit and then flew away. Mom and I are glad that he likes Dad and didn't come to us! Just as we were leaving, the South African National Bird, a blue crane pecked at Andy. That bird was BIG (almost as tall as Andy!) and intimidating! It was blocking the entrance to a pavillion that led to the only way out! Andy got too close and it nipped him on the back! He was a little frightened, but not really hurt at all.

That night we went to the Cattle Baron for their famous steak. It was THE BEST steak we've ever had. Amazing. The Chateubriand was as good or better than what we were expecting.