Monday stories

My draft box is full but I am just not getting to posting anything...

So first the news:

We are still sorting out things with E. I seem to be spending my life in Doctor's waiting rooms. This is not a cheap experiment I promise you. Bills are heading towards the R20000 mark and we are not yet finished. Final appointment is on Monday with the Pediatrician. To be honest I am not even sure what we are looking for anymore. Nobody seems to be finding any issues and since the start of this term he has been getting full marks in all his tests and has stopped swapping his letters and numbers around. Yet they keep pushing that he needs OT. I really don't know anymore.
To top it all off his front teeth are not coming out and the adult teeth are out and being pushed sideways. So dentist on Wednesday. Poor little guy. He is only seven and the schools just seem to expect so much from them now. On the plus side he is really happy and loving every sport he is doing this term. The school has a brand new astro turf they are playing hockey on. He plays twice a week and looks forward to hockey days. The olympics has pushed the love further. Swimming is continuing to be a favourite and although he is not as obsessed with Phelps as I am, he loved watching all the races with me. So some good and some bad in the term so far.

Z just carries on with her happy little life. That kid is the happiest little soul I know and I hope she stays that way.She has an awesome little group of friends in and out of school. She runs to school in the morning to hug her friends and I love watching the super cute moments. The other day I told her to put her shoes on the right feet. She gave me a very cross look and said, " They are my shoes and my feet, so on the right feet." I can't argue with that. Toddler logic is awesome.

We just spent the weekend at Bonamanzi near Hluhluwe Game reserve. I have to highly recommend this spot. Huge campsites with individual bathrooms and kitchenette. We spent the weekend driving around the nearby game parks. A highlight for the kids was watching the huge bonfire that is lit next to the restaurant and pub every night. Be aware that its a popular wedding venue so the restaurant area is generally closed for a private function on Saturday nights. The braai area at each campsite is clean and well maintained but you will need to bring your own braai grid.

Mkhuze was very sad. The reserve is dry and they have massive construction going on. We saw a few giraffe, impala and a small pod of hippos. A warning about Mkhuze, just because the map says toilets and picnic site, doesn't mean there is anything there. Z wanted a pee so we drove a long way up a dirt road to find a rubbish bin and a small clearing. No tables or toilets in sight. I would avoid this reserve until the construction is finished and the rains have come.

Charter's creek is not worth the drive or the fee at the moment. The lake is dry and the buildings have been left to fall apart. We found broken glass in the bathrooms from smashed windows and the whole place had an abandoned feel. The jetty needs to be replaced, the reception area rebuilt and bathrooms fixed. The road was in decent condition but the drive to St.Lucia is short and there is very little to see.

Hluhluwe was fantastic as usual. I love the reserve and the chance that something exciting will be around the next corner. We spent two days exploring the park. Saw huge herds of elephant and about 40 rhino. The kids have each got a tablet and they had great fun taking photos of the wildlife. I had to park to get just the right angle. There is a playground at Hilltop and another at Mpila if the kids get tired of the car. The Centenary center offers great value meals (Burger R35) and a decent selection of beers and ciders if you want to eat out. Avoid Hilltop for food. the prices are high and the food is very average.

I am reviving www.katinafrica.co.za and it should be filled with articles of mine, travel ideas and awesome photos. I will let you know as soon as its ready. I already have a few giveaways and competitions lined up for the site to make your December holiday fun for kids and adults. Think date night for Mom and Dad:)