The Brits Clan
“Behold, children are a gift of the Lord… Like arrows in the hand of a warrior…How blessed is the man whose quiver is full of them;” Ps 127:3-5
At Over the Mountain guest Farm we encourage guests to use our facilities for fun and activity filled family events. We recently had the opportunity when our children and grandchildren travelled from Johannesburg, Paarl and George to spend 4 nights with us at Over the Mountain Guest Farm. From Wednesday the 12th of July to Sunday the 15th effectively closed the Guesthouse so that we could spend time together as a family.
The Family and the Fireplace
It happened to be the coldest weekend of this winter, so in the evenings we all enjoyed the cosy warmth of the fireplace in the Police Station living room and during the days we created many memorable adventures for our grandchildren.
Discovering one of the clues
On our first morning together we lay a trail with arrows, sticks and stones and clues for a treasure that awaited them at the end of the trail. A little later we all went together on the 3km Treasure hunt hike. The kids were so excited that they ran out front for most of the way. When we all arrived back at the Guest house an hour later the kids quickly deciphered the clues and to their absolute delight, found the treasure.
Ready to go Meerkat viewing
Early on Friday morning, before sunrise, we all bundled into the vehicles and set off to Schoemanskloof, an hour away. Here we wrapped ourselves in blankets and warm jackets, gloves and beanies and boarded an open game viewing vehicle that would take us to view a family of meerkat as they woke up to a new day. On the way to the meerkat family we saw all kinds of game, but unfortunately the meerkat family were much too shy to allow our very noisy family to photograph them.
Celebrating our 38th Anniversary
Friday evening all the adults were treated to a lovely 3 course meal, prepared by our chef, Liezl, to celebrate our 38th wedding anniversary. During the meal, we shared affirmations with one another and found it to be a very emotional and uplifting experience. It was such a privilege to share with our children how proud we are of them as parents and spouses.
Cycle and Rest
Saturday morning saw us all set off on a mountain bike trip, Estelle had the two-year-old Logan and his 11-month-old brother, Benjamin with her in the support vehicle. The adventure for the rest of the kids was that we would all be rewarded with a lovely picnic along the way. The 5km round trip was quite a challenge for the children (and even some of the adults), but they all thoroughly enjoyed it.
Saturday evening, we all competed with our knowledge of music, ranging from the sixties all the way to the ‘noughties’. It was a close call in the end, Esti won with Wesley and Frans in a close second place. Needless to say, that Estelle and I were not even in the picture.
Breakfast
Sunday morning we enjoyed a delicious full breakfast that our staff prepared for us. The packing and goodbyes started shortly thereafter. It wasn’t long after that, that Estelle and I felt the quiet and emptiness from all the noise and activity, when one after the other, the families left.
I know I am truly blessed to have a full quiver.