After spending Friday morning at home around the house, Ellen was off to Lark's birthday party in the afternoon, while Ian and I spent a good bit of time playing football out in the garden.

Then spent Saturday and Sunday doing another couple of cooks on the BGE - first a reverse seared bone-in ribeye and then a low and slow cooked lamb shoulder. Sunday was also the Easter Egg hunt around the house for the kids which they thoroughly enjoyed :)

Yesterday morning was just at home and then Ellen had Lana's birthday party in the afternoon, so after packing mine and Ian's bikes onto the car, we headed off to Lancing, dropped Ellen and Una, Ian and myself made our way to the beach. While Una round a comfy spot on the beach, Ian and myself took a cycle towards Widewater and back, before all grabbing an ice-cream and then picking up Ellen and heading on home.

After a rather relaxing long weekend, it was all go this morning with Una heading into London and the kids back to school and after-school, and myself back to work. But at least it's only another four day week which is nice :)

Last Friday we had an invite to the school assembly to see Ian get the Star of the Week award, which was very cute to see him up front accepting his certificate.

After dashing home, I very excitedly received my pallet delivery of The Green Egg which I had ordered the previous week. Since the outdoor kitchen area probably won't get built anytime soon, Una pressured me suggested I order it now with the table and start using it while waiting on the build. Unfortunately it was raining all day, but cleared up nicely on Saturday so got it all built and positioned in place behind the garage, and started off with chicken wings as my first cook.

On Sunday we picked Ellen up from Lila's house after her sleepover, and then with her bike on the roof rack and Ian's bike in the boot, we headed over to Brooklands for a cycle around that and some time in the playground. With it being rather chilly and a bit rainy, we headed back home and attempted my second cook on the Big Green Egg, this time a roast chicken.

Still getting used to the Kamado cooking, and attempted steak this week as well as pizza, which turned out quite well. So certainly a few more of those again.

We have the Easter long weekend coming up, so all looking forward to an extra couple of days off work! :)

On the Friday before last, on the 13th, was Ellen's 8th birthday with her party in the afternoon after school. So at pickup time, Una fetched her and the girls from her class and brought them and Ian back home for the party. After some fun and party time, I took Ian to go swimming and then to McDonald's while the girls did some crafting at home, then returned back in time for cake and Wicked the movie.

Saturday was rather busy, with us getting out the Lego again and both kids (and myself) really got into it with some good building. Then we had the afternoon Irish rugby game before heading out to Fatto O Mano for Ellen's birthday dinner and back again for the final game between France and England where France managed a win in the dying minute to clench the title away from Ireland.

On Sunday we had the morning at home for Mother's Day, and then the afternoon out to Splashpoint for some swimming. This past weekend was really sunny, it feels like Spring has arrived, but we all know it's just the Spring of Deception where it's meant to turn cold this coming week, but at least we got the sunny weekend to make the most of it. So Friday evening we had dinner at Longshore and then spent the majority of the weekend out in the garden which was great.

Then as expected this week has turned rather chilly and windy, but at least we got good weather in over the past few days!

After getting back from SA a couple of weeks ago on Wednesday morning, the drop in temperature took a bit of adjustment as it always does. So that weekend we headed out to Devil's Dyke for a walk around there and got some fresh air and then on Sunday drove out to The Marina to watch Zootropolis 2 at the cinema, followed by some time at the arcade there.

Last Thursday I had an early start heading into London to meet up with Keith before work. He was over for a couple of days but with Una in London last Tuesday and Wednesday, I decided to head in early on Thursday for breakfast and coffee before work. We met at Liverpool Street Station and grabbed something over at The Breakfast Club before he headed to get his flight and me off to work. Can't believe it has been almost 7 years since we last caught up, how time flies by!

Saturday morning was nice and sunny, so while Ellen was at PQA, I took Ian over to the Rec with his new football for a bit of a kick around and some goal kicks, which was good fun.

The afternoon was the second last weekend of the Six Nations, with Ireland playing Friday night and the other two games on Saturday. Which meant projector movie(s) for the kids and rugby for us :) Then yesterday was nice and sunny, especially for early March, so we ended up being out in the garden for a good bit of the day which was nice.

After getting back from Mabalingwe on Friday late afternoon, the next few days were just out and about around Edenvale, with Papachinos on Saturday morning for a few hours there as well as lunch. And then up to Greenstone on Sunday to get a few things from the shops as well as a Mugg and Bean visit. And then yesterday we all headed up to Fahrenheit for lunch which is always a favourite of mine.

As with any good holiday, time always flies when you're having fun, and today is our last day, so after dropping the car a bit earlier this afternoon, we're just finishing up the last bits of packing and heading off the airport in the next hour or so, after a lovely couple of weeks out here :)

From Monday until today, we’ve been away at Mabalingwe, which really was fantastic. It was quite a late booking the folks managed to organise a few weeks ago, but we were happy to get accommodation for the week - and it turned into a really enjoyable few days away in the bush.

On Monday morning, after the usual rush, we left home - stopping first at the Petroport over the freeway for a snack, then heading on to Toeka se Dae where we met up with the folks for lunch. After that, we made our way to Mabalingwe and checked into the chalet.

On Tuesday, Wednesday, and Thursday mornings, Una and I managed to get up early for sunrise game drives, which were great - the perfect time of day to head out and still be back in time for breakfast. During the day, we mostly relaxed around the resort - by the pool, on the restaurant deck, and fitting in a few afternoon game drives too. Yesterday afternoon, we stopped in at the Kalahari Oasis Bush Pub for a beer, which was a nice surprise tucked away in the bush. Then each evening we had a few sundowners back at the chalet, followed by a braai for dinner.

The kids had a fantastic time too. Some of their highlights were having their own room and space upstairs, the visits from the warthogs, the bush pig, and mongooses running around - but mostly being in Granny and Grandpa’s car, driving around without a seatbelt on!

This morning, we packed up, checked out, and headed back to Joburg - once again stopping at the Petroport for lunch at Spur before making our way to Edenvale ahead of the Friday afternoon traffic. Very happy with our few days away in the bush :)

On Wednesday, after picking the kids up from school, we had a quick turn around to get ready and head off to Heathrow. Traffic wasn't too bad and managed to park up, catch the bus and get through security in good time. After a bite to eat at Five Guys, we boarded the plane for the overnight flight, landing in Joburg Thursday morning. As we were leaving the plane and walked past the cockpit, the pilots motioned for the kids and us to have a look which was quite amazing - the kids got to sit in the seats and we were shown around the controls and the various flying instruments.

After a while at passport control, we collected our bags, met up with the folks and Bev, and headed on back to number 54. There was a bit of rain that afternoon, which we didn't mind as long as it was just a passing shower and not for any longer. On the Friday we headed over to Isando to collect the rental car, and then yesterday we drove out to Monte Casino - a long time request from Ellen to go back there. We wandered around a while and then decided on lunch at the Palazzo Hotel, before heading back in time for the Ireland vs Italy Six Nations game.

This morning we took the kids to the Kidz Fun House Play Centre for a couple of hours of play there, and then being back at home this afternoon, packing a few bags before we head off to Mabalingwe tomorrow until the end of the week.

After a rather quiet week at home, we had the excitement last night of the American Rumble Wrestling Spectacular at The Barn Theatre here in Southwick. We had never been before but decided it could be a fun night out, but really was brilliant - as far as amateur wrestling goes.

The kids got into it, but not as much as Una and I did, it was quite the entertainment, especially when local hero Barry came out!

For a local venue and entertainment, was a great evening out, will certainly go back again when it returns.

Got a few days left of work this week and then we're off to SA on Wednesday night so looking forward to that...

After getting back into the swing of things in the first week of this month, the usual busy Saturdays continued with Ellen returning back to PQA and Ian at tennis. However the rest of that weekend was very much spent indoors avoiding the cold, wet and windy storm outside. We introduced the kids to Nintendo Wii - Mario Kart which was received with mixed results - Ellen wasn't a fan of the competitive edge and Ian kept getting super frustrated... so it might be one we slowly introduce again over time :)

On the 15th, which was my birthday, we had afternoon cake and celebrations at home, but with the heavy rain outside we decided against going out that night. So on Friday myself and Una popped to Flour Pot bakery for lunch which was nice.

Then the weekend before this one, it was back to back with kids birthday parties for Ian - he had Raphi's party on Saturday at Monkey Bizness and then Zak's party on Sunday at Portslade Sports Centre. That evening, with the weather better than Thursday, we all headed out to Fatto a Mano in Hove for dinner.

Last week Una was over in Ireland for the week from Monday to Friday, so I was counting down the hours sole-parenting with the kids while she was away. So then last weekend, after Ian was back from tennis, we headed out to Brighton Marina for a late lunch at Five Guys and then Sunday just at home.

Yesterday was slightly better weather with a bit of sun and less rain, so while Ellen was out at Liana's party in the afternoon, Una, Ian and myself drove over to Hove for a walk along the promenade (but more like a mad run for Ian), followed by coffee and cake at Yellowave Cafe which we hadn't been to before. Then the rain returned again today, so it was just a lazy indoor day at home.

Last Wednesday was New Year's Eve so mid afternoon we took a walk down to Lady Bee Marina which is along the main shipping canal by the port, which always has some great views of the marina at sunset. Despite the cold, it was good to get out and walk along the footpath, before heading back to the New Port Arms for an evening drink and then back home. We had thought we'd try to pop into The Ship Inn, but it was full and figured we'd delay that for another evening. We didn't have any plans for that night, just watching the various celebrations on TV, finishing with the London fireworks display at midnight.

Thursday and Friday were just at home, prepping the house for a last-minute New Year's party which we'd decided to host on the 2nd. We figured since we hadn't done anything on the 31st, and hadn't caught up with too many people over Christmas, it would be a good way to see most people and do something to unofficially welcome in 2026. In the end we must have had around 40 people here that evening - the kids had an absolute ball and it was good to catch-up with those we hadn't seen over the holidays.

Yesterday we drove over towards Widewater Lagoon and stopped in at Shoreham Beach for a walk around for sunset, as well as a fair bit of rock climbing with the kids. It was good to get out for a bit, especially after a couple of days of party prep and cleanup.

Today was back to work for myself and Una, but not the kids just yet, they both had an inset day so an extra day of holiday for them both. We were woken up to a light dusting of snow outside, not enough to actually be of any use, but always looks nice first thing in the morning.

With Una in London the next two days for work and the kids going back to school tomorrow after a lazy two weeks off - not looking forward to the morning routine tomorrow, but sure I'll manage... hopefully :)