Our First Christmas in South Africa

Christmas is sure different here than in the states. First of all tree is no hustling through the stores, while Christmas music and decor are everywhere. It is very laid back, as if it wasn't Christmas at all. Most people here go away for the holiday and celebrate with a vacation and not so much focus on gifts. Plus, most stores and businesses close down or cut back on their business hours for the entire month of December. Since the school calendar here ends the first week of December, the kids are off of school also. They seem to focus on the real reason we celebrate Christmas and attend church and enjoy their families, which is what it is all about anyway, right?

 Gia celebrating Christmas at her school, Cradle to Crayons.

 Our first Christmas package arrived!

 Santa found us!

We bought Gia this necklace with Dorothy, from the Wizard of Oz on it, 

so she will always remember that "There's No Place Like Home"

Thanks for the hat Judy!

 Black & Veatch Christmas Part at Rosemary Hill

 We visited Santa and the fairies at the mall.

Swimming Christmas Day :)

 I attempted to make the girls Christmas PJ's since I could find none here.

Not bad for a beginner.

 Grandma & Pap sent us a Christmas book with their voices

PRICELESS!

 Swimming and hanging out by the pool in December. 

A luxury us Pittsburgh folks never thought we'd see.

 Twinkle found us in South Africa.

 Christmas Eve with the Hartsfields.

Pilanesberg, South Africa

Pilanesberg is a great game reserve that is located just two hours from Pretoria. You can stay the weekend or make a day of it. We went at the perfect time, because we spotted lots of baby wildlife and even drove upon a wildebeest finishing giving birth!

Our First Thanksgiving in South Africa

We tried to make the best of our American holiday and celebrate it here in South Africa! We were fortunate enough to make some good friends already and we were able to celebrate twice.

 Thanksgiving at The Terrell's

 My first try at roasting a turkey and preparing the whole Thanksgiving meal.

 Not too bad for Ex-Pats!

Elephant Sanctuary & Bush Babies

We took a trip to the Elephant Sanctuary and Bush Babies in Hartbeespoort, South Africa. We stayed the night at the Sanctuary, which was a nice relaxing getaway. We were able to eat dinner and breakfast as we watched the elephants play. We woke up to feed them, brush them and walk them, all while learning a lot of great facts about elephants. We also were able to hike to the top of a mountain, which overlooked Bush Babies next door and enjoyed sundowners. Bush Babies was not what I expected at all. Having a small fear of monkeys, I was taken a back because I had no idea that they monkeys freely roam once you enter the sanctuary and can jump on you at any time. LOL! If you are a monkey lover, this place is for you! Beautiful hike through the sanctuary and lots of monkey business, lol!

 on the way up the mountain

 top of the mountain

 hometown pride! GO STEELERS!

 Sundowners

 our room

 waking up the elephants

 Showing our Steeler pride from afar

 elephant kisses

 the monkeys tried to take Kenley's cup and baby doll

 They were very mischievous. They took a little boy's shoe and destroyed it!

 These are from the Chameleon Village Market down the road. Great place to stop for souvenirs.

 Our room at the Elephant Sanctuary

 Breakfast with the elephants...awesome!