Monday, September 21, 2009

R&R Weekend

This weekend, Ben was graciously given Friday off by his Case Team Leaders, who knew that everyone really needed a break from all the hard work they've been putting in. It was SO great. Ben was even so recharged that he was excited to go back to work today. Friday we had a good big workout (putting all 3 events together back-to-back for the first time), relaxed, then headed to Pretoria to see some of the city and sites.

The City Center had some neat buildings and architecture that you really don't see here in SA.


This is the "Palace of Justice" where Nelson Mandela was sentenced to life in prison for being an anti-apartheid activist:


The Union Buildings:


After the city, we went to the National Botanical Gardens with a lunch, blankets, and pillows and took a seriously relaxing nap in the shade and perfect weather of SA. It's summer now and it's sooo nice. After that we went to see my triathlon route and then headed to a mall for dinner and a movie. Super fun.

Saturday, we had one of our YSAs get married (we are the YSA couple). Didier Kambolo, he is such a neat guy and he found a beautiful bride from the Congo, Annick. It was the first Johannesburg Temple wedding we've been able to participate in and it was really special. I told them I'd take their pictures and they were so excited.

Before the wedding we had fun hanging out with our favorite little 4-yr old, Erin. She, her little sister, and awesome parents Olivier & Marcia, are our good friends from the ward.




All our favorite people:




The reception was from 3-8pm at our church and man was it a PARTAY! They sure aren't like this back home! I love how much they love to make noise and dance!




Our little friend Taquan:




Erin & Leonni:


That's our bishop with the bow-tie:


Of course Ben got his dance on! He went into the middle and really got down, it was hilarious and everyone LOVED it.








It was such a great wedding! (Pictures on my photo blog soon). We love our ward SO much. They are such great people and we're so happy for these two. There is another YSA wedding on the 10th of October! We can't wait!

To top the weekend off, we set up our tent on the porch last night and took our couch cushions and pillows in and watched F.R.I.E.N.D.S! What a great way to end a great weekend. This weekend is Spring Break here in SA...should be wild! And we get another Friday off! Hooray!

9 comments:

Rachel said...

Looks like a fun weekend! I'm crossing my fingers that you get a spot in the mini-triathlon. What a cool wedding, BEAUTIFUL photos, as always!

Laurel said...

I loved your photos! That wedding looked like so much fun. Good luck with the triathlon, I admire you for doing that. Can't wait to hear how it goes.

Tawnya said...

What a fun wedding. I should have partied like that!

Chelsie said...

what a fun wedding. i love what a party it was. i'm so glad that you guys love your ward! i'm sure it makes all the difference when being away from family

Sara said...

That sounds like the longest reception ever! But from the looks of it, wow! Fun! Glad you guys could have such a fun weekend. Oh, and FRIENDS is a nightly staple in our house. Especially on nights that tv sucks.

Steph and Brady said...

Wow! What a fun wedding! I can't believe they party so long! I bet it was just a blast! I hope you guys have another wonderful weekend this next weekend! I bet you are loving the time you get with Ben!

Sammy said...

That looks like quite the wedding! Wow, so amazing, you look beautiful! love your hair ;) also, erik at least got africa about ben's mission! ha ha but not close enough! pretty cool

Jordan said...

Hey looks like you guys are having way too much fun! Steve and I are both excited for you guys and your tris! They will be so much fun! Take lots of pictures!

Mariah said...

That's so cool that you got to go to a temple wedding down there! I'm glad that you guys got to enjoy the weekend together!! And I'm jealous that it is summer there. :)