Saturday, June 13, 2009

12 June 2009 Meeting up with Mark and Rietha in Sevierville TN

 

Today we are meeting up with our SA friends after a long wait. Michelle was in ecstasy, because her friend Ashley was coming through. After the call from Mark the previous evening Michelle was in “cannot wait” mode. Hair had to be done clothes had to be ready etc. Usually I struggle to get Michelle up in the mornings, but this morning when I said get ready to shower, it was like a bow out of an arrow.

We were to meet Mark in the parking lot and then we would go to Gatlinburg to have a picnic with the kids at the river, seeing it was little Denise’s 3rd Birthday.

So off we went to the river. When we arrived there out of pure coincidence we met another ex- South African couple from South Carolina that were on holiday with their 4 kids. What are the odds to meet the nicest people with the same age and kids in all of the places. Wim and Erna came over to the States as Students (15 years ago) after being drafted by the US as Physiotherapists. After that they just never returned to SA and made their lives in the States.

It was good to have a nice group of South Africans all together to exchange valuable information about SA and the USA.

Rietha unpacking picnic goodies at the river P6120005

Birthday girl Denise Johan , Mark's partner. Our new friends from South Carolina. Wim and Erna Finding a nice spot. Michelle and Ashleigh playing in the rapids, shortly before Michelle was dragged down the rapids after not listening to me to come back out of the current. This is where Michelle lost her footing and was dragged down the rapid. Fortunately for her Sven came to the rescue and tried to help her, but was washed doen as well, causing myself and Mark to dive in (with all our clothes) and save them all. Note tha panic in Michelles eyes! P6120019 Michi as usual fishing. Believe it or not, Michi caught this fish with his hands P6120004 Denise's Birthday cake   P6120029

P6120024 After the rapid episode Michelle decided to wear the Life jacket. Tubing down the river is very popular Sven the river life saver! Amelia and Rietha The river was so clear that Michi and Mark went snorkling and actually saw nice fish and even trout. The day's excitement makes you tired if its your third birthay! Kids hunting for tadpoles and just plain having fun!.

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