Maybe the best city ever?

Le Jardin du Roi may be my favorite restuarant in the world, but Capetown may be my favorite city. No photos to back it up yet, but arrived Sunday and have fallen in love with the place. The landscape is beautiful, right on the water, the temperature is perfect (a little chilly but sunny -- life fall in Oregon), and the people are SO friendly. Of course, busy with work during the day but getting out in the evenings and walking around and having a blast. Just being able to walk around is out of this world. Steve joins me Thursday for some hard core tourism so more then....

Domaine les Pailles

Had a nice Sunday out -- took Liam for a train ride and then a horse and buggy ride at Domaine les Pailles -- gorgeous afternoon. It rained a bit but it was hot and really cooled us off.

Seychelles - le Jardin du Roi

Just got back from a quick jaunt to Seychelles -- work related. Did manage to go to what is currently my FAVORITE RESTAURANT IN THE WORLD -- the Jardin du Roi. It's fabulously located on the top of a hill overlooking a bay. It's owned by a wonderful American woman and the land has been in her family for 300 years. Delicious creole food and a relaxing afternoon. She's turned her great-grandparent's home into a museum.

Easter fun...

We were fortunate enough to spend the day on the beach with friends -- their house, not ours! Liam had a blast with all the kids and even managed to score a few chocolate eggs.

Happy Easter from the Rydes!

Liam's pal...

Liam spends almost every afternoon with Mia -- here, seen imparting words of wisdom as he turns 3...

Liam turns 3!!!

Liam's third birthday was yesterday. He enjoyed tons of cake and lots of presents. We baked cupcakes and took them into school -- his classmates sang Happy Birthday in French and English. I think Liam sang the loudest! Afterwards, he enjoyed a pizza lunch with his nannies and played with a friend. All in all, a great day!

Easter eggs and more...

We're trapped at home this weekend as Liam was diagnosed with hand, foot, and mouth (not to be confused in hoof and mouth, which resulted in mass extermination of sheep in the U.K. 2001! His U.K.-trained pediatrician assured us that no such measures would be necessary). At any rate, he's a little spotty so we're taking it easy at home and decided that we'd do our Easter egg dying one week early.

Had a good time -- our hands are mostly blue and green now. Liam is busy manhandling the colored eggs and I somehow doubt there will be any survivors with which to make the dreaded week-after-Easter egg salad.

Otherwise, all's well -- gearing up for monsieur's 3rd birthday on Wednesday and enjoying the seemingly last of our summer weather....yes, yes -- the pool is ALMOST too cold to enjoy.