Sunday, 4 May 2025

Saturday Afternoon at Fair Lane...

On Easter Saturday, we met up with good Mercy Ships friends and explored Fair Lane Estate, the country home of Henry and Clara Ford - a beautiful place close to home. We love to walk along the many trails in the vast grounds.

On this particular day, we spotted several deer, four snakes, a solitary great blue heron, Canada geese, ducks, and at least 44 turtles sunning themselves on various logs in the lake. Riaan was sure to count them as we walked along the lake's shoreline.

It was a fantastic day in Dearborn!

The house at Fair Lane.
Looking over the lake. A hiking trail goes all the way around.
Beaver activity by the Rouge River.
The markings from the beaver's front teeth are clearly visible.
Garter snake - one of four we saw on our walk.
Common snapping turtle.
Painted turtles sunning on a half-submerged log.
Great blue heron.
Mallard having a rest.
Tulip shooting up from a flower bed.
The garden was full of daffodils!

Tuesday, 29 April 2025

Easter 2025...

Our second Easter in Michigan was a wonderful time of fellowship, connection, and remembering what Christ did on the Cross for us. We are thankful for our church friends (who are like family to us) here in Michigan.

Riaan and I went to the men's prayer breakfast (pictured at right) on Good Friday, which was a good time of fellowship and remembrance for what Christ suffered on the Cross. There was also a combined service at a nearby church on the evening of Good Friday, with five area churches coming together. It was quite special to see the unity of the Church in Dearborn.

We all woke up early on Easter Sunday to attend the sunrise service (pictured at left) at church, followed by another lovely breakfast and a time of worship. Once back home, Candace and I organised a little Easter egg hunt (with South African marshmallow eggs!) for our children. We wrapped up the day with a family braai.

I pray that wherever you are, your Easter was a fantastic time with friends and family, remembering Christ's sacrifice for YOU!

Men's prayer breakfast.
Good Friday combined service.
Easter service at church.
Candace made her amazing hot cross buns!
Breakfast at church.
Easter egg hunt in the back garden - with Dusty's help, of course.
Anya spots some treats in the lilac bush.
Braai for a late Easter lunch.

Sunday, 27 April 2025

Titanic Anniversary in Lego...

14th April 2025 marked 113 years since the RMS Titanic struck the iceberg that sank her in the frigid North Atlantic waters. She sank just two hours 40 minutes later, at 02h20 on the 15th April 1912, taking with her over 1,500 lives. We commemorated this tragedy by building a tiny Lego model of the ship approaching the iceberg. 

Photo Recreation...

Eliza and I recently explored a route that we enjoy on Hines Drive. We even recreated a photo that we had originally taken back in August 2023. That time, it was with Rusty on a bridge over one of the Rouge River tributaries. This time, we headed to the same place with our sweet Dusty. It's amazing how life can change in 20 months!

Thursday, 24 April 2025

Martian Marathon 2025...

Riaan and I were up early on Saturday, April 12th, to help with the annual Martian Marathon. We volunteered at the water station right next to our church, and it was a great time of fellowship and serving the community.

Setting up the tables early in the morning.
Supporting the runners on the marathon route.
These are either 10 km or 21 km runners.
Selfie with Riaan on this chilly April morning.

Tuesday, 22 April 2025

Indiana Trip...

We visited Daviess County, Indiana, on the last weekend of March. There was a family wedding in Evansville, but we also took the opportunity to catch up with friends in the area. The weather was lovely and mild, and we spent lots of time outdoors.

Daffodils blooming in Odon, Indiana.
Amish horses enjoy the sunshine.
Fun outdoors with family.
Coffee at the Gathering Table in Odon.
Playing at the East Side Park - one of our favourite places to visit when we lived in Washington.
Sunset over the lake at East Side Park.
Selfie with my girls.
The children loved drawing and colouring with their friends.
Anya enjoys a quiet moment...
While Eliza connects with the farm cat.
Spending time with good friends in Washington.
The wedding in Evansville, Indiana.
Heading home after picking up Dusty from good friends.

Wednesday, 16 April 2025

Candace's Kitchen Helper...

Candace had a sweet helper in the kitchen the other day. We love seeing our children's servant-hearts at such a young age. :)