Cape Town, Day 2

Our 2nd day in Cape Town was spent on a tour that took us from Cape Town to the Cape of Good Hope.  It was a chilly blustery day for the most part, but we loved getting a chance to see so many different things.

 

It was gorgeous.  The buildings, the beach, the fog...

 We stopped at Mariner's Wharf during the morning.  The sun was streaming through the clouds, we loved seeing all of the African wares on display and the seals were showing off in the water.

We took a lot of jumping pictures

Our next stop was Imhoff Farm where we saw this lovely peacock, goat cheese and chocolates being made, and a sweet sculpture garden.

We rode "The Flying Dutchman" cable car to the lighthouse at the Cape of Good Hope.  It was raining a little bit and we could see a rainbow out over the water.  The views were absolutely stunning.  While at the top, it became really windy and rainy and we rushed to get down to the bottom.  Soon the sun emerged again and we were able to walk on the rocks and see the waves breaking against the shore.

Wild ostrich along the road

One of the many baboons in this area known for raiding houses, cars, and stores.

We went to see the African penguins!

Our last stop was the Kirstenbosch Botanical Society Conservatory.  Because it was winter, many of the plants were not in season, but it was still a beautiful place.  It was so green and vibrant and I could have spent many happy hours there (especially if it had been just a teeny bit warmer).

Cape Town, South Africa - Day One

And now what you've all been waiting for...Africa pictures!  It's taken me such a long time to get around to posting about this amazing trip, so I will try to do these posts quickly!  For Christmas, my parents surprised us by deciding to take my whole family to South Africa to pick up my brother Alex who was serving a mission for our Church there for the past two years.  We were thrilled, although we were a little nervous and sad about having to leave our sweet Max for that long.  Luckily, he was in good hands with my aunts and I don't think he really even knew we were gone (although I won't admit how many times I cried because I missed him!).

Our fortune cookie proved prophetic!

We drove to San Diego and flew out with my family.  We had a layover in New York and then began the interminable plane ride to Johannesburg.  Seriously, you feel like you will never get off the plane.  We passed the time by watching a lot of movies and trying to sleep.  We arrived in JoBurg just as the South African Olympic team got there.  All of the customs agents stood up to cheer, clap, and sing them a welcome.  It was so fun to see the huge crowd that was waiting to greet these athletes.  We grabbed our luggage and hopped on another plane to Cape Town.

Our hotel lobby in Cape Town

Colorful South African money

We got to the hotel and slept for a few hours before enjoying a nice dinner buffet at the hotel.  It was the first of what was to be many delicious buffets on our trip!  Our first full day was spent visiting the beautiful wine country.  We raised some eyebrows by declining to taste any wine, but enjoyed the spectacular views.  It was winter in Africa and so it was colder than we expected but we didn't let that stop us.  We were blown away by the greenery and the sheer beauty of the land.  We kept looking at each other in disbelief and excitement saying, "Remember how we're in Africa?"

Brown family reunion at Bear Lake

We used to go to Bear Lake for reunions with my dad's side of the family quite often when I was younger, but had to stop as the family continued to get bigger and bigger.  This was the first year in a long time that we were able to go and we were thrilled!  It was so fun to be there with Jeff and Max share those memories with them.  Between the family talent show, playing at the lake, riding the wave runners, the yummy food and conversation, the testimony meeting and the raspberry shakes...we had a blast!

Max turns one!

My darling little man turned one in July!  I may or may not have cried.  It really does go by so quickly.  I always knew that I would love him, but I had no idea just how much.  Being his mommy is one of the greatest titles I could ever have.  The first year is filled with so many "firsts" and it's been thrilling and tender and sweet to experience each one with him.  We threw a fun nautical party to celebrate this cute boy with our friends and family.

We celebrated at home on his actual birthday with his first free Slurpee from 7-Eleven

A look back at his first year in pictures

Opening presents from our dear friends and family.  A huge thank you to Chelsey for hosting.

That's my boy!