For those of you that do not know Durban here are a couple of facts.

My hometown, you know you're in Durban when:
-The best parking space is determined by shade instead of distance.
-Hot water comes out of both taps.
-You learn that a seat belt buckle makes a pretty good branding iron.
-The temperature drops below 35c and you feel a little chilly.
-You discover that in January/February it only takes two fingers to steer your car.
-You discover that you can get sun burnt through your car window.
-You develop a fear of metal car door handles.
-You break a sweat the instant you step outside at 6:30am.
-Your biggest bicycle wreck fear is, "What if I get knocked out and end up lying on the pavement and cook to death?"
-You realize that asphalt has a liquid state.
-Farmers are feeding their chickens crushed ice to prevent them from laying hard-boiled eggs.
-The trees are whistling for the dogs.
-While walking back barefoot to your car from the beach, you do a tightrope act on the white lines in the car park.
-You catch a cold from having the aircon full blast while you sleep during the night.
-You learn that the Pavillion isn't a shopping centre it's a place to worship air-conditioning.

Now you see them, now you don't!

Peter's parents aka oma and opa visited us from CA and although we didn't get out and do much, Ethan and Chloe loved having them here. 2 days after they had left Chloe still walked around the house calling for opa.

Tank wanted to also be apart of the action!

Welcoming Home President Bush!

As far as the chain of events, my pics are completely in the wrong order! We started in a large hanger where there was food and music and then we were put on buses and moved about 10 steps to the area where President Bush finally landed. He gave a great speech and then hopped on a helicopter and disappeared into the night!

It was great to share in that experience but man it was freezing cold and tiring! Thank goodness i didn't haul the kids along with us (thanks Michelle!).



Cheering as he exited the plane!
Oma and Opa patiently waiting in the freezing cold!
Crawford School Band!
The press.
Inside the Hanger.

2008 White House Christmas Card

Well 2008 has ended and for us the end of a very long and exciting chapter. We will soon welcome a new president and will also be saying goodbye to one. With that being said, this is the last year we will receive a Christmas card from President George W. Bush and his amazing wife, the First Lady, Laura Bush. However, I must say that this year is certainly the most beautiful card they have had thus far, so I thought I would share it with you.

Better, Batter, Baseball!

One of Ethan's favorite gifts this Christmas was Better Batter Baseball. Peter got it set up and took Ethan and Chloe outside to give it a test drive! Ethan had a blast, and well Chloe did too, however she smacked it so hard she knocked the velcro piece that holds the ball on, so that put an end to that!

Daddy got it all glued back together and it is now ready for round 2!

Swing batter batter!



Oh, oh, Chloe knocked the velcro off!

I want the bat, I want to swing again!


Ok, I'll
push baby doll around!







Lots of yard work to do!


Playing is hard work!