Day 99

WOW! Today, was unbelievable!

To be honest, with the way it began, I didn't think it was going to be anything special. I got up, got ready, and went to sit with the boys while they watched the end of Wall-E. Heloise came down at the end and breakfast was almost ready. We went to eat out by the pool. Yogurt, Fruit and a muffin. Perfect. Once that was finished, I thought we'd be on the road. But we weren't. No one had decided what we were doing. There was talk of a couple of different things, but plans were yet to be set in stone. So we sat. And we waited. I listened to a bit of Michael Buble - pretty loud - in my room and danced a little while looking at the view. I read by the pool. I watched part of "Elf" with Zach as he wanted to see it again. Later, he got in the pool and I watched him swim around. We "played" Pirates of the Caribbean. He was under the inflatable boat, and would tell me what I had to say, and when to say it. It was cute. Finally! A decision had been made! Zach got out of the pool, and everyone got ready to go out.

We got into the car and headed to Spier. We passed many cows, and some Ostrich, along with some other animals of which I forget the name. When we pulled up, I could tell I was going to like this place. Like everywhere else, it was beautiful! So picturesque! We walked into the picnics and deli store, grabbed some cheese, meat, crackers, olives, salami, popcorn, and drinks, and headed out into the garden. First we ate. Then Zach went for a horseback ride. The boys played in the park, and we had a minor mishap. All of the adults and Josh, were sitting at the table, and Nathaniel came running over. He explained that Zach had tried to use the monkey bars, and now he was stuck...hanging, needing help. I began to go over, and as I approached, I saw his little fingers slip, and his little bum wriggle. He fell to the ground. He began to cry so I sprinted over hoping he hadn't broken anything. He was alright. Probably more scared than anything, but I am sure he will have a bruised side by tomorrow. He was running around again within a few minutes.

We finished up at the picnic table, and walked up the pathway to the Birds of Prey. I decided not to go in, as I hate birds and it would be a waste of money. Besides, the owl that I could see, was already creeping me out...and that was while he was on the opposite side of the fence. Heloise and I sat on the grass and waited a bit. To avoid upsetting the boys, I decided I would go into the Cheetah enclosure before they came out of the birds. They had pet an adult cheetah a couple of years ago, and Tim told them they didn't need to do it again. So in I went. I was more excited than I've been in a long time. I paid for my ticket, and anxiously awaited my turn. I was going in to pet the cubs! The boys weren't old enough to do that. The Cheetah keepers (if that's what you call them), fed the babies before I went in, which only made my excitement escalate. I stood there watching these cute little furry things...there must have been about 5 of them, and I couldn't stop smiling. What amazing animals! At last, a guy showed up and brought me in. It was myself, and one other girl who were doing the cub encounters. We put our bags to the side, sanitized our hands, clipped on our passes, and got a briefing on what to do, and what not to do. In we went.

It was one of the coolest experiences I've ever had. My favourite cub was Heathcliffe. His markings were like nothing I'd ever seen. When you think Cheetah, you think spots. But he had dark stripes as well. He laid there wagging his tail as I stroked him. He was the coolest! I wanted to bring him home! They were so cute, and so calm. There were 2 that I pet. I can't remember the other ones' name, but it was just as sweet. I would have settled for taking either one home really. When I finished, Josh, Nathaniel and Tim were waiting outside the enclosure. The 2 boys were going to pet the adult - Joseph. I took a ton of pictures there, and then we headed out. We decided to walk a little further down the path in the opposite direction, to see if we could get some ice cream, but everything was closed by then. Nathaniel had seen something he wanted to buy at one of the stalls along the path, so he went back to see how much it was. While he was there, Tim pointed out "the most impractical handbag ever made". I, ended up buying it. :D It's two records. One on either side of a bit of leather, and it is so me! I love it! Tim doesn't think it will last 5 minutes. He thinks I'll smash it. I told him otherwise. (Let's hope I'm right) :p

We got in the car and started home. We didn't get too far. Just past the ostriches in fact, and we got pulled over. It looked like a routine check. They were stopping every other car, if not more. I guess the people that drove the rental before us, had a ticket of some sorts, and hadn't paid it...so they stopped us to get their money. Tim sorted that out, and off we went...again.

We got home and dinner had been made for us. The lasagna was in the oven, and a really nice salad was in the fridge. Garlic bread and Jalapeno ciabatta got heated up, and dinner was served. Some fruit afterwards, with a little cupcake and a cookie. Delicious. I cleaned up a bit, and then went to do my work out in the gym. I did some crunches, and then got on the olyptical. I'm guessing the boys were playing with the knobs earlier, cuz it's not working now. Instead, I got on the treadmill. I put my ipod on, and did a walk, jog, and a run for 50 minutes. It was great! That's the first time I've been able to run, in almost 3 years, pain free! It was amazing! One of the best feelings ever! I can't wait to do it again tomorrow. Provided I have time after whatever it is we're doing during the day.

Because the pictures don't work that great with the blog, I've only posted a couple at the top. As usual, you can find the rest on Facebook :) Good Night xx