May 2011 update

May has been a month of glorious weather, interspersed with some cold snaps and a few bucketing downpours of rain. We've enjoyed some lovely walks as a family, and Niall has gone up with some friends up Stellenbosch Mountain. The kids are getting really good on their bikes, often accompanying Niall on long rides, and even Fiona has started to get back on the bike (Laura's so far – yet to progress to the big bike!).

Both kids are enjoying hockey at school – Laura is on the Under 10s team and has played one inter-school match so far. Laura had a class excursion to the Helderberg Nature Reserve, which Niall and Fi accompanied to help with transport. They learnt all about the fynbos (pron. Fainboss) and how rich it is in lots of plant species and explored the nature reserve as they learnt about their environment.

We've been getting more involved at church – Niall helping with Sunday School classes and Fi leading singing for the kids. Niall does regular trips to Kayamundi to deliver food boxes to needy families in the black community and is going to help deliver soup as well.

We've continued to enjoy sharing our hospitality with many new friends and now established friends. Niall has become a real pro at the braai and can expertly cook any meat, including fish! We continue to have some problems with house maintenance issues, especially the leaking roof, and hope this will be fixed soon by the owner.

Fiona is still hoping to find work. Meanwhile, she is keeping busy with walking/jogging, SPICE group (spouses of international students), singing lessons and choir and now Afrikaans classes. Fi has been selected to do two solos in her choir concert, singing solo Pie Jesu in Durufle's Requiem and a trio in Rutter's Gloria. A great opportunity!

Niall is working hard on his thesis, already finished the first chapter and well into the second chapter.

We're looking forward to the school holidays at the end of June to get away from the cold and possibly wet weather in the Cape, and head to Johannesburg and Vic Falls.

Hope you are all well. Keep us updated with your news.

The McKays