Pa & Chrisstels Wedding Day

Tuesday 16th June 2009

It was a public holiday, and also Pa & Chrisstel's big day. Everyone got together for family photos at 4:00pm. We then all moved inside to the venue where the District Attorney Mr. Meyer from the Reformed Church "Die Kandelaar" led the ceremony. We prayed, sang some Psalms and listened to a sermon. Then the documents were signed and we enjoyed a lovely meal. It was a really enjoyable time together with the new Mr & Mrs van de Wetering and family. We pray that God will bless their marriage with much happiness.

All gathering together for refreshments & family photos
Reinier, Leon-Paul, Daan
(our family had to wear name tags, to make it easier for Chrisstels family!)
Proud Pa with his grand-children.
Louis: "I am a van de Wetering and DONT LIKE being on photos!!"

Bernhard showing the girls how to climb a tree - thats what boys do isn't it??

Marissa & bright blue-eyed Louis

Pa with his family. A * means it is Pa's direct brother or sister.

L-R: *Johan & Ike, *Theo & Alta, *Klaas & Rietje, (Pa & Chrisstel) *Tiny & Dave, *Anneke & Geert, Cobie & *Henk, Jeanne (Ma Marijke's sister) Rob

The professional photographer! (how do these settings work again?)

Danielle & Ard having a quiet moment...

hmmm...photos are boring. Can someone please come and play with me??

Mr. Meyer reading the Marriage Form

Exchanging the rings

Signed & sealed, and looking very happy

...and the champaign started to flow

The beautiful flower arrangements

Congratulations Oupa!

Funny faces Reinier & Bernhard

Anmari's bear was also at the wedding, of course!

YAYYYY...SWEETS!

Jessica & sticky-mouthed Anmari

Leon-Paul & Yolande, Daan & Jessica. (Mummies to be! Jessica has just 4 weeks to go...)

The delicious menu!

The brothers & sisters singing in harmony...Pa enjoying every minute :-)

The happy groom reading his speech!

"phew...now I can relax!"

Gerben trying to keep Bernhard entertained for a few minutes

Tante Jeanne & Chrisstel having a laugh

God in His Wisdom decided to take home his unborn child at 9 1/2 weeks. It was very sad news, but we accept that everything is in God's hands! When I came home from hospital on Tuesday, Virginia our house-keeper had picked flowers from the garden and put them next to our bed. She also left a really lovely note, written in her best Afrikaans. I just had to share it with you...

Virginia's note. Her understanding of faith really amazed me. I will try to translate!

"Very very sorry. It wasn't meant to be yours to keep, but God will send you yours. Sorry, my heart is really sore, but I hope not long from now, God will send you another one. I know how you feel. Everything from God has its own time. Get well soon, Virginia."

Baby Girl...

Ferdinand & Tineke Kerkhoff were blessed with the birth of another gorgeous little girl, "Elèanne". She is a little sister for Marissa.

Reinier & I went to visit at Femina hospital. She was telling me big stories about the new wide world!
Pappa Ferdinand, proud as punch with his two little girls!

Baptism

The proud grandparents!

"Gourmet"

We had a "gourmet" evening to celebrate Pa's 68th birthday. Everyone gets their own little frying pan and a plate with about 5 different types of meat on it. Then there are lots of bowls filled with different things like chopped onion, vegetables, mushrooms, pineapple etc. It was chaotic but great fun!

The set up - we all squeezed in. Luckily Pa has a huge dining room!

Marissa bought the girls some 'magic' lipstick. Its green in colour, but when you put it on your skin it changes into a pink or red colour. Jean-Marie did a fantastic job dont you think?!

The three little piggies showing off their gorgeous red lips!
Anmarie giving a cheeky grin!
Daan & Jessica, Leon & Lallie cooking up a storm