We have a "tame" Groundscraper Thrush (Gevlekte lyster). For two days now, it has been tapping against our bedroom or study window, but I have not yet managed to get a video clip. I would like that so that we can capture his call as well. It is fun to have our own special thrush, but it did wake us this morning with its tapping...

Yesterday the F's celebrated their grandmother's 90th birthday. Ouma Duifie is our chldren's Pretoria cousins' grandmother and as such she has always been part of our Christmas feasts and other family celebrations. She and my mother were close friends. (Ouma Ethie passed away a month before Franco was born. She was almost 92.)

The festivities started with drinks and a photosession. Franco was very interested in my juice. I had to really hang onto my glass or he would have grabbed it. "Nee, Franco, as jy nie jou bottel wil vashou nie, kan jy nie 'n glas kry nie!"

Last year we prayed that these three cousins would fall pregnant. And here they are together with their babies for the first time: Nelia with Urielle (2 1/2 months, Dorette with Franco (7 months 1 week) and Thelwyn with Martelize (one day short of 4 months)

Frans, Thelwyn and Martelize. Frans just had a very painful elbow operation. Martelize wore her sequined party dress again.

Martelize playing very purposefully with her toys. Her grip is quite strong.

The F's: Jansie, Ethie, Eugenie, Lalie, Gene, Jopie, Nelia with Urielle and Ouma Duifie in front.

Franco is a hungry little boy with a big appetite.

Franco is very fascinated in his father's sparkling grape juice.

"Oumagrootjie" Duifie with Martelize.

Franco drinking water out of a wine glass - it really was only water.
Martelize in her pram.