Christmas greetings

May God bless you and your family 

during Christmas 

and in 2011!

To the tune of the old-old song "White Christmas", 

shares with me the following lyrics by James Ryle,

as a confirmation 

of our faith and hope 

during the coming holidays...

"I’m praying for a Christ Christmas

Just like the ones we used to know.

With the Babe in the manger,

People being friends with strangers,

And helping every needy soul.

I’m praying for a Christ Christmas

Just like it was that holy night.

May your days be filled with God’s light

And may all your Christmases have Christ."

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korannaberg adventures

The Korannaberg(-mountain) near our town, 

is a nature lover’s playground, 

with extensive grasslands on the mountain plateau and 

lush valley forests in several areas.

Indigenous animal wild life roam the grasslands freely.

We passed some zebra.

The striking pattern of stripes of the zebras is different in each animal.

The road to our destination took us across 

an exciting 4×4 off-road route called "Widow's Hill".

It curls and turns like a mad snake...

...loose stones and pieces of sandstone rock ... like riding on marbles ... 

Casper (3rd son) is driving a 4x4 for the first time
with "co-pilot", dad Henk, at his side giving advice.
Nina, our daughter, on the backseat...

Henri, our oldest son, was enjoying the view from the back of the vehicle. 

We headed to "Holkrans" (meaning "hollow cave")

an overhanging cave - this was our overnight "room"!!

The cave is surrounded by aged old trees and plants 

and is secluded by a waterfall!

Can you see the waterfall at Nina's back?

No electricity or cellphone reception - we built a big campfire...

...we talked, told jokes, made music and sang till late with

guitar and African drums - magic !!!

Hammocks were rented to experience the real outdoors!

While Nina was looking where to hang her hammock, Casper was already trying to get 'the hang of things'!

 We kept the fire going all night and morning arrived
with the smell of Henk's bacon and eggs for breakfast.

We decided to eat the watermelon back home, but...

the children dropped it whilst carrying it back to the vehicle.
That initiated a "big time" watermelon fight!!

Nina, Barend and Annelize(a friend).

A perfect end to a perfect day!

Did YOU ever participate in a watermelon fight?

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monique's wedding!

My brother Casper, and his lovely daughter, Monique. She married her Primary School boyfriend, Walter, on December the 4th.

"I know I gotta let her go, 

but I'll always remember 

every hug in the morning 

and butterfly kisses." 

(Butterfly Kisses by Bob Carlisle)

We attended my niece's wedding

on December the 4th!

The venue for this breathtaking wedding was

"Onze Rust" (meaning "Our Peace"),

located about 18 km south of Bloemfontein,

right in the heart of the Free State.

My older brother, Casper (photo below),

accompanied by his lovely wife, Amanda,

has three beautiful daughters,

including the bride, the newly named Mrs Barnes.

My gorgeous sister, Retha (photo below),

who is a only 17 months older than myself,

has a handsome hubby, Daan,

1 son, (the new) Dr. Malan, and 3 lively daughters;
the apple doesn't fall that far
from the tree after all...

.

This best (for us!) family in the world (photo below)...
myself, Henk - the love of my life - *ooh...aah*!, 

and last, but certainly not the least,
our 4 precious children.


Together we form the lean mean "le Grange-machine", 
who wouldn't want to be a part of such a  precious thing, a family!

Our own sparkling, healthy and soft hearted
mother, aged 81, 
is truly our angel-on-earth!
We all love her so-o-o much!!

The fresh outdoor air filled the wedding with

a distinct sense of peace.

The white and green flower arrangements

which blended in with the surrounding trees,

set the perfect stage for this beautiful wedding 

every woman would die for!

A feast was waiting ...

The reception was in a canopied tent.
The menu kicked off with the starter above...

...and ended with super yummee Chocolate Mousse Cakes!! 

This is Ester, 

a beautiful elderly Xhosa lady

who had worked for almost 20 years at my brother's home.

She adores all their children.

She will never miss one of the girls' weddings. 

All dressed up in traditional Xhosa clothes...
...the white spots on her face is a symbol of celebration.

Even though my husband and I had to
wait up for the children until 3 o'clock,
it was a unforgettable wedding
and the groom a welcome addition
to the family!
--------------------

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