Before my dad passed away, he spoke about how we as family should stick together. He lived in a small town and couldn't understand why we (brothers, sisters, cousins) who all live in Johannesburg saw each other so seldom. I explained that we all have busy lives and even though we don't live far apart, it takes ages to get together because of the crazy-mad Joburg traffic.
But about 2 years ago, I really started making an effort to connect with my family, to see my tribe more regularly. It doesn't always work out and people do often cancel at the last minute, but it is so worth it. Ok dad, I get it - it's important to stick together.
This was a family lunch in December at Buitengeluk restaurant in Fourways, Johannesburg...
My brother Shaun and sister Caron
Shaun, my cousin Bev, my niece Jamie and Caron
My youngest niece, Anna
Bev with her daughter Amy and husband Richard
My cousin Owen and oldest niece Melissa
My sister-in-law Leanne with Anna
Sisters Jamie and Anna - these sweet girls are gorgeous and totally adorable; they love spending time together and they are so kind to each other
My brother Shaun, nephew Nicholas and cousin Owen - they whined and moaned about how "they don't do photos" - I ignored them
Anna and Jamie with their Santa sacks
Shaun with his family of gorgeous feisty girls
