Neil's actual birthday and Miekie's gala

Yesterday was Neil's actual birthday, which was a more subdued affair than his party last Saturday. We woke up slightly earlier than usual so that we could give him his presents. He likes getting presents!

Neil enjoyed Miekie and Pieter reading their cards to him

Nice toys!

Having fun on his new wheels

Later in the afternoon he got some more presents from Oupa and Ouma

Neil has a penchant for sneaking away to eat some soil

Later yesterday Miekie had her first swimming gala at Midstream College (the previous one was at Orca). She took part in the 25 metre freestyle and 25 metre butterfly events. I managed to attend the freestyle event. She did well in both (Marisa attended the butterfly event too) but her energy fizzled out a little towards the end each time, due to being a little unfit. She's very keen that she and I embark on a fitness program together so that she'll be in good shape next time there's a gala (or any other sporting activity, particularly where she's competing as an individual I think). We're planning on starting on Saturday morning with a light jog (I'm in Botswana at the moment).

A nervous Miekie, second from the left

A merged panoramic showing various stages of the freestyle race; Miekie is in the second-closest lane (click the photo to enlarge it)

No, not soil again... this time it was a cookie