We are going to the States!

The Free State! Actually we went last weekend. Johan loves saying that we are going to the states! The Free State!

The Free State is a province in South Africa. Provinces are sort of like our states, but not really. Johan's parents are from the Free State and most of his uncles and cousin still live there. I wrote a post about visiting his cousin Charl and his family, plus we saw his grandparents. Ooh and played with lions, you can read about it here.

This weekend we headed to the FS for one of Johan's cousin wedding. The venue was gorgeous and the bride breathtaking, of course. Greta always looks beautiful, so it was no surprise that she'd made a stunning bride.

The venue

The Scheepers

Me, Greta and Ria

Ava and her daddy

I always get a laugh thinking about the time we were invited to his other cousin, Ria's wedding.

Johan and I at Ria's wedding. 

Johan and I were only dating at the time, and he asked if I would like to join him to his cousin's wedding. I agreed and asked where it was, Paris, he said. PARIS?!? For a wedding?!? AWESOME. He gave me a look like I must be crazy. I even called my sister Amanda to tell her the good news. Me, Paris and the love of my life, for a wedding? Sounds perfect. I asked how much the plane tickets would cost... Then the laughter began and I was afraid he'd never stop. Not Paris, Parys in the Free State. Lost in the accent.

The good news, is that the bride and wedding was just as beautiful and fun as if we had been in the real Paris.

I actually love the Free State. Whenever we are driving there or through there, I get the same feeling I get when heading up I77, past Statesville, toward Hamptonville. It's a feeling of belonging and yearning to stay forever. Unfortunately, it's not my family we go to visit but, if I had to choose anyone else, it would be Johan's family.

Ava turned 8 months last week. She is so close to crawling, that I think she actually made one tiny movement forward tonight. She is, however, a pro at moving in circles and backwards, rolling over and falling over. Ava definitely does not like to sit in her car seat or highchair.

Her daddy went out and bought the cheapest highchair made (without mommy), so I like to blame him for her not wanting to sit in it but, we have a Peg car seat, which isn't cheap, and she hates that as well. So there goes my cheap theory. Don't tell Skip. I need someone to blame for my child's misbehavior.

I can't choose which picture I love the most.

Maybe this one...

The sweetest thing!

Did I tell y'all I got to meet Al Gore? Yeah, the first year I was old enough to vote, I voted for him. It was awesome. I'll probably tell you again at a later date.

Al, if you're reading this, you're the man.

In case you didn't see it...

Skip, if you're reading this, you are my favorite man. And I won't let you forget that you promised to take me back to Clarens or to the real Paris.

Blogger, if you're reading this, get a new iPad app! It's almost 2012, bru!

On the way there. I just love Instgram.

Night ya'll,

Blair