Day 8: Lazy Day

Hello!

Today, thunderstorms were forecasted to roll in around noon, so we planned to stay in for the day.  This morning, we played card games and did some coloring and word search activities.  Once we were all ready, we headed out to run some errands.  First, we went to Sportman's Warehouse to pick up some floaties.  While "N" is very comfortable in the water, he cannot swim on his own.  After that we went to Cresta (one of many gigantic malls here).  Cresta is big, and when I say big, I mean Rivertown times 5.  It has two full levels and a basement as well!  Anything and everything you can imagine is inside - from currency exchange, to stores like Walgreens, to Woolworths (I would compare it to Target with full grocery), and everything else you can imagine.  Even The Body Shop :)  We went to the toy store to pick up some more hot wheels cars and then got groceries at Woolworths.  We expected the thunderstorm to come in soon after that, so we headed back for lunch.

Well, the storms never came!  We played soccer and "rugby" (with a rugby ball the size of a hacky sack), and then Dad and "N" had some fun in  the pool.  Since I got a little sun yesterday, I thought it best add insult to injury and burn my burn.  I, instead, hung out along the shaded side of the pool and played photographer. Kevin was teaching him how to float and how to kick properly.  It was fun to watch!  Since the pool is a little chilly, the guys headed in to hop in the shower to warm up and then they played some games on the ipod and  also with "N's" new cars while I made dinner.

"N's" request for dinner tonight was chicken sandwiches with cheese, so that was what I made.  I must say that cooking in our guesthouse has its challenges, but I think I have adapted pretty well.  I am used to ample counter space and a full size stove, not to mentioned a dishwasher. :)  Here my counter space is pretty limited, I am the dishwasher, and my stove has 2 burners and is about the size of a crisper drawer.  I have to plan out the menu so as not to overcommit my appliances.  So, with the chicken sandwiches, I prepared another version of pap with sweetened condensed milk and sweet corn, and one of my favorites roasted potatoes with onions and peppers.  So far, everything I have made "N" has loved, which is awesome.  Tonight when he tried his pap he said "Mom, you should be a chef!"  Seriously, so cute!  So, I guess my South African cooking is pretty good! :)

After dinner, we did flashcards, reading, and spelling again.  It is amazing how much he remembers (even little details - so don't tell him anything you don't want him to remember!) and how quickly he learns.  He was having trouble with some of his subtraction and when he struggles, he starts to get pretty silly.  We showed him a few different ways that might help him.  He chose the one that worked for him and BAM!  There he goes, doing his math like a pro!  He seems to be strong in all the areas we have worked on, so we hope he will have a smooth transition into his new school.

After schoolwork, we had some ice cream and watched Toy Story.  At one point, he looked over at me and said "This is a deep story." :)  We snuggled through the movie and he is increasingly affectionate with both of us.  Having him practically knock us over to jump in our arms never gets old. :)

Tomorrow, we are planning to take him to an adventure mini golf place before we head to the office for our skype dates.  We continue to remind him that our time here is like holiday (vacation) and that we won't be able to hang out and have fun all the time once we get home.  I have a feeling it will be just as hard for us to get back to reality as it will for him.  We have so much fun together, and we don't want to miss out on all the funny things he says or his smooth dance moves!

One week down.  5 more to go.  We pray they will not fly by!  Our court date is next Thursday (coincidence?  I think not!), so one week from tomorrow, "N" will be legally ours!  What an amazing day it will be!

To those of you who have kept us posted on what's going on at home, thank you and keep it coming!!

Laura and Kevin