Family, farms and getting fat

As you might or might not know, the past weekend was Easter Weekend. There are public holidays galore — okay, there are two of them. Whatever. — and that means that people can have a jol. Ordinarily, though, this means very little to me. Why? Because I’ve worked every Easter Weekend for the last six years (being a journo can be tough…).

This year, though, it was different. I took leave — SHOCK! HORROR! — and spent the weekend with my family in the Swartberg at Tedding Adventure Farm, which is owned by Brad and Ronelle, friends of my brother’s (they’re lovely people, and this is a lovely place. You really should check it out).

We spent some time quad biking, fly fishing (well, my eldest brother, Andrew, did, anyway — check out his blog, Another Word For It…), sitting around the fire, talking, hiding Easter eggs for the young ‘uns, going for a run (more on that a little later, but suffice to say my legs are still sore thanks to altitude and kak-loads of hills), playing garden cricket, hosting a Murder Mystery in the on-site pub, playing Call of Duty (blame the three teenagers — and me, the oldest “child”), and other such tomfoolery.

Oh, and I ate a lot. Like, lots and lots. Chocolate. Bread. Sweets. Easter Eggs. You name it, I ate it.

It was a rocking weekend.

If you are so inclined, check out the pics below.

I tried to get Jordy to see how many more Cheese Curls he could get into his gob. He didn’t want to. Next time…

The rainbow seemed to end on a beef farm — fitting, given that beef is heaven-sent deliciousness.

The Easter Bunny is real, okay!

We even managed to get my mother to walk through the bush to flat rocks at the rivers edge.

Megan even made some bunny prints. No! Wait! I mean, the Easter Bunny left some prints.

Hannah learnt how to quad bike. Over the course of the weekend, she slowly started looking less terrified.

While my mother and Jordy played rock-paper-scissors, Ryan decided he wanted to jump in. He got the idea — kinda.

Older brother, Mark, and his two offspring, Jordy and Ryan.

Jordy and Ryan, in Ninja Turtles beanies (made by my mother).

If it looks like child labour, the chances are it is child labour… But don’t panic, Megan returned the favour and did Hannah’s feet.

Older brother, Mark, and his two offspring, Jordy and Ryan.

My oldest bro, Andrew, landing a rainbow trout. He’s kind of good at it.

Aaaaaaw. Isn’t Jordy the cutest.

Meg and I, mid-quad ride.

The three nephews, Daniel, Jordy and Ryan.

My Mrs, Megan, riding a quad like a champion!

Convinced the mother to pose for a selfie!

My niece, Hannah, being tormented with tickles by, among others, my nephew, Jordy. Yep, tormented with tickles. We’re that kind of family.

Megan and I woke up early on Sunday to hide some eggs. Ryan was rather excited.

Yes, I was having as much fun as the picture seems to suggest.

Yes, I was having as much fun as the picture seems to suggest.

This little river feeds into the mighty Umzimvubu. Makes sense, given that Teddington is closer to the former Transkei than the nearest town (Underberg).

My oldest bro, Andrew, landing a rainbow trout. He’s kind of good at it.

Mark, being “attacked” by his lighties.

The rainbow seemed to end on a beef farm — fitting, given that beef is heaven-sent deliciousness.

Hannah and the mother.

Shock. Horror. Photobomb.