Ouabache State Park...

Having first visited Ouabache State Park back in 2017, we made a stop at this picturesque park on our way back to Michigan earlier in March. Riaan was not yet two years old when we were last there, and the girls had never visited before. We wanted to show the children the bison that live in the wildlife enclosure, and it was lovely to have a brief stop here to split up the drive home. :)

Candace and the children loved seeing the bison.

One of them even charged at us!

This one was more relaxed.

The bison head across the enclosure.

Flying Trip to Daviess County, Indiana...

We loaded up the children and took a quick trip down to Washington, Indiana, in the middle of March. Our primary purpose in heading down there for three nights was to see many good friends in The Promise, the musical production highlighting the story of Jesus from birth to resurrection. It was a really powerful play!

We also spent time with friends and family, went to story time at the Washington Library (pictured here), and visited our favourite Cherry Ghost Coffee House. We stayed at a friends' Airbnb, which was absolutely lovely.

Heading down to Indiana.

Visiting Nancy, a very dear friend of ours.

Hanging out at the Cherry Ghost.

Scene from The Promise. One of my good friends was a Pharisee.

Jesus heading up to heaven after his resurrection.

The lovely Airbnb on the morning of our departure.

Leaving the Airbnb and about to drive back to Michigan.

The Wonder of Spring...

It's lovely seeing new growth appear as spring approaches. Plants that were dormant over the winter are now returning to their summer-like appearance. I'm inspired to see this wonderful transformation through the eyes of my children - as they look upon this transition with such wonder and joy.

'And why do you worry about clothes? See how the flowers of the field grow. They do not labour or spin. Yet I tell you that not even Solomon in all his splendour was dressed like one of these.' 

(Matthew 6: 28-29 NIV)

Tiny flowers grow amongst the grass.

Another Cycle Tour Ride...

In honour of the Cape Town Cycle Tour, held this year on Sunday, 10th March, I went for a brief cycle in cold and blustery conditions that same day in Michigan. My parents and brother safely negotiated the 109 km route around Cape Town's Cape Peninsula - and I was very proud of them. I'm hoping that I will be able to cycle this iconic event again in the future!

First Braai of 2024...

We had our first braai of 2024 on Sunday, the 3rd of March. It was a small bonfire with some charcoal added to it, and I just cooked a few pork strip pieces over the fire, making sure that there was a nice crunch to the crackly. It may have been small, but it still counts as a good old braai. :)

Honestly, this will probably be the last pork I braai. I'm moving towards cleaner meats. :)

Chinese Lunch...

New friends at our church invited us around to their home for traditional Chinese food recently. It had been a long time since I had eaten a homecooked Chinese meal. It was delicious!

A cat made out of an orange.

Amazing food!

Clan Lindsay Kilt...

We came across this authentic Clan Lindsay tartan kilt at a thrift store earlier this month. It's 100% wool and made in Scotland, and since my ancestry is in Scotland, this was a must-have! Incidentally, both Clan Lindsay and Clan Crawford are closely linked, and my brother's name is Lindsay, too. :)

Made in Scotland. :)

Lower Huron Metropark...

We visited the Lower Huron Metropark on the last Sunday in February (25th). This is an area that offers camping (in warmer months), playgrounds, hiking, cycling trails, sports facilities, and more. Friends of ours joined us for the afternoon and we had a lovely walk - and the children loved the spaceship-themed playground!

Eliza brought her dog for a walk.

Anya loved the playground.

Hiking trail map.

Walking along past the creek.

Huron River.

Climbing a hill with the children.

The children loved the river.

Crossing the pedestrian and cyclist bridge.

Lufthansa jet climbing out of Detroit bound for Frankfurt, Germany.

First Cycle of 2024...

The last fortnight has been lovely in southeast Michigan. The sun has shone more often in this two-week time frame than in the previous two months! I have been able to get out on my bike four times, with my first ride of 2024 being after work on Wednesday, 21st February. I just rode 20 kms (12 miles) that first time - and I could certainly feel how unfit I've become in terms of cardio exercise!

The sunset was quite pretty on that first cycle.

Eliza's Sixth Birthday...

Eliza Lucy turned six years old on Thursday, 8th February. Unfortunately, Eliza's day coincided with a nasty tummy bug doing the rounds in our family. We were all sick, but Eliza still enjoyed her special day, and received video calls from family in South Africa, Scotland, and Indiana. Two weeks later, I took her out for a traditional birthday hot chocolate! You can see how much she has grown since her birthday last year, by clicking here.

Birthday cookies from her grandma in Indiana.

Opening her presents.

A Lego unicorn set...

... And a unicorn helmet!

Hot chocolate date with me. :)