Addo Elephant National Park

Riley and his dad's first full day in South Africa was a Sunday. Since, they did not want to hunt on a Sunday, they went to a national park instead. Their guide picked them up from their hotel and brought them to this park where they spent the day. They saw several different kinds of animals. Although this is a protected park, Riley said that they saw more animals while out hunting than in the park.

One thing that they were only able to see in the park was elephants. Riley was amazed at how big they are in real life!

Three warthogs showed up at the elephants watering hole, and this baby elephant chased them off! He is a brave little guy and came trotting back to the herd looking very proud of himself.

Riley was able to get some great close-up shots of the elephants.

Guinea Fowl

King Cobra

Kudu

Monkey

Red Hartebeest

Warthog

Zebra and Cape Buffalo

Random Shots from around South Africa

This is a view of the airport in Johannesburg, South Africa. Riley and his dad flew in here first and caught a plane to Port Elizabeth the next morning. Port Elizabeth was the last stop before their guide picked them up and took them to their hunting camp. The plane ride took 18 hours! While Riley can sit still for awhile I am not sure his dad was so good at it. Riley got up to use the bathroom once, and when he came back he found his dad crouched down and standing on top of their seats!

Catching a Taxi

This is a view of the ocean in Port Elizabeth.

They spent an afternoon and a night in Port Elizabeth, and this beach was just down from their hotel.

Kids Playing Soccer on the Beach

Local Street Performer

...and the 'crazy gene' lives on!!!

For those of you who do not understand what the 'crazy gene' is, then all you need to know is that Riley and I are having a baby girl! That is right, not only did Riley get me pregnant without the help of trained professionals he also timed it right to get me a daughter. Who knew getting a daughter could be this easy! (As a side note: The 'crazy gene' is a term lovingly coined by my sister's husband Rodger and Riley. You would have to live with a woman of the Hayman / Waterbury decent to truly appreciate it.)

If you look closely you will see that she is actually looking at you with a fist poised and ready to punch at any minute. She was also squirming around and kicking at the ultrasound wand the whole time. She is already an independent and feisty country girl! I am pretty proud!

I bought this outfit down in Brown County when Riley and I were engaged. It has been sitting in my dresser for almost 10 years waiting for a baby to put in it. Can't you just imagine a blond headed little girl toddling around in it? Sweet, right?

Now, imagine a little girl in the dress! Not so sweet now, actually kind of scary. This is what happened when all I did was ask the boys to hold it up together for the camera. An all out screaming fit and tug of war started. Plus it was only 7:00 in the morning when this happened. Bruises and scars are cute on girls also, right??

A Baby Blessing

We went to Indiana this past weekend so that we could be a part of our new nephew's baby blessing. Curtis and Shayla welcomed Dax Morrison into their home on January 16th. He is a sweet and handsome little boy.

Riley's parents will be having 3 grandchildren born this year. Dax was first, followed by a boy from Kalie, and a girl from me!

More Weekend Fun

Riley's mom recently found this old football outfit of Riley's when he was Easton's age. It was one of Riley's favorite toys as a child and Easton was enjoying it as well. Riley's parents both thought it was fun to see another little boy running around the house in it!

Ruby dressed up as a princess and Easton dressed up as a football player. Just another difference between boys and girls, I guess!

Papa and Brady

The ICEE Run

About a year ago Melanie and I created a new tradition. On our last night together whenever we are visiting one another we go out for a late night ICEE run! Loni is always the designated driver, we listen and dance to my Footloose soundtrack in the car, and have a Chinese Fire Drill on the way back home! It may sound a little silly, but is always a ton of fun.

Our ICEE runs have grown to include any women at the house when we are heading out. This past weekend was our biggest one yet. It included an age range from 20 to 88 years old, two pregnant people, and one 3 week post-partum mom. We are all inclusive! The picture above is everyone getting ready to head out!

The whole crew and our ICEEs

Another part of the tradition is that Melanie pays for all of the ICEEs using only quarters that gets as tips from cutting hair. Luckily this sales clerk thought she was cute or he might have been mad to be paid $8.00 in all quarters!

Sledding

While we were in Indiana this past weekend, we took advantage of the big snowstorm that we had to drive through to get there. Everyone had a lot of fun playing and sledding in the snow. My Mom's 4-wheeler was a good investment!

Easton climbing up the big snow pile that my Dad made when he plowed out the driveway.

Easton and Brady at the top!

Easton and Emmie taking their first ride in the sled!

Brady mostly just watched. He took one ride with Riley, but I don't think he liked getting sprayed in the face with snow.

...and there they go!

Happy Family

Riley and Easton pulling Jared.

Jared was covered with snow when he got done sledding. He practically had to dig himself out so that he could stand up!

This is such a cute picture. I took it while sitting on the back of the 4-wheeler as Riley was beginning to pull Easton.