Great Day

We had such a great day today as a family.  Sheldon and his running group ran a 46km run out to our friends' farm.  It was Werner's birthday, so the wives and kids met up with the guys (well, one husband drove to meet up with his running wife) and we stayed at the farm for a braai and relaxing day.

This place is awesome.  It's, like I said, 46km from town, so it's not that far, but once you're out there you feel like you're in a different world.  Its so peaceful and quiet.  It's not a working farm, but more of a 'game' farm with Kudu and giraffe and I dunno what else... oh,  a leopard, but I've never seen it! (dangeroos!)  There's no cell phone reception, no electricity, not much other than beautiful scenery and peace and quiet.  It was really an awesome way to spend the day.

It was a 'training' run for the group, so they didn't push themselves like they did last week at the Assegaai Marathon, which allowed themselves to not be utterly exhausted and able to enjoy the day too. We drove to the river for a swim, back up to the chalets for braaiing (BBQ), then the guys took the kiddies for another game drive while the ladies lounged and chatted.

The best part about my day, though, was Hannah.  Not only did she start the morning with looking in the mirror and saying, "I look goooooood," but she also pushed herself and rode 7km on her new bike.  She's never ridden anywhere to close that far before.  She rode on a loose-gravel road, often times it was covered with soft sand. Both are hard to ride on, especially when you're 5 and not an experienced rider. The rough surface wasn't the only challenge- there were many hills, and the others left her behind. She was the last kid.  But, other than Kai (3yrs older), Hannah made it the farthest. Furthest? She just pedaled her bike as steady as could be and kept her eyes on the road.  I drove next to her and did my best to encourage her. She wouldn't take her hands of her handle bars even when her nose was super itchy- she was just so focused.  Finally the road got to the point where the stones were just too loose, and the hills too steep, so I made her stop.  She got in the car and said, "Mom, I did the best I could."  I said, "Hannah!!! You did an AMAZING job! You didn't give up or quit, Mommy MADE you stop and get in the car."  Wow. I'm so so so proud of her. 7km might not sound like much, but as we drove back over that 7km on the ride home, I was shocked and proud all over again.

You go girl!!  I'm so so so proud of you.

Ah, what a great day!

Until next time...