Wednesday 26 June 2013

A weekend at Goudini Spa - AGAIN!

We spent the past weekend at our usual winter getaway - Goudini Spa. We were very lucky to have been booked into the lovely scenic Slanghoek villas once again (well, mainly because we can no longer fit into the more affordable - yet still comfortable - rondawels).

Even though the accommodation stretched our budget a bit, it was well worth it.








Each bedroom has its own balcony or porch, from whence we were able to enjoy the most breathtaking views. Being surrounded by these wide open spaces left me feeling peaceful and rejuvenated.

View from Shakeel's bedroom


from the girls' bedroom





and from our bedroom




the lounge





Shakeel found some furry friends, to whom he sneaked our food whenever I wasn't looking.




We spent a peaceful weekend eating...





....swimming in the warm pools at night (despite the icy temperatures outside)






















...and swimming by day








We relaxed


when we weren't playing monopoly,


and snuggled under the warm covers to escape the freezing temperatures






As usual we were sad to leave and resolved to return as soon as possible.

Tuesday 18 June 2013

A laid-back and non-lethal Father's Day for Mo this year


This year's Fathers Day was much simpler, more laid-back - and far less potentially disastrous -  than last year's (remember this post?). There were no fires, flammable liquids or life-threatening situations providing colour and excitement to the day, but somehow, the kids' efforts were still as memorable as they always are.

On Saturday afternoon the kids and I roamed about Canal Walk mall to find him a present on their limited budget. I'm really proud to say that they paid for his gifts with their own money, which they earned from their bird-breeding business (which I blogged about here a while back). 

Fortunately their dad was easy to please - we knew that he had been planning to get himself another pair of cufflinks for a while now. Everyone also knew about his love for Pringles and Ferreira Rocha chocolates. So, carefully counting their pennies, the kids managed to scrape together enough for his Father's Day gifts.

Nuha (8) put in so much effort with the decorations


The rest of them prepared breakfast


and wrapped the gifts


Nuha also made a lovely card for her dad
  

and, in Nuha's own unique and thoughtful style, she included "something nice" for him in the card

Nuha's card



Not forgetting her medal to "the best daddy in the world"


Though getting it over his head presented a bit of a challenge




Mo admiring his cufflinks


The rest of the day was really relaxed, which was exactly what their overworked dad needed.

Wishing all hardworking and loving dads a belated Happy Father's Day!!