The Barbie Doll: 2013

Officer Camp 2013 - CP Hyatt Regency Downtown Houston.

Officer camp came and went just about as fast as the years fly by when you are doing drill team. But this year was a little different...not sure how it was different but I knew it was different from the start. My five officers this year, Kingsley Credeur, Maddie Sheedlo, Katelyn Vincik, Morgan Montalbano and Tina Licarione all came in with an attitude and determination that I have never seen before. Some years you have that feeling from maybe 90 % of them but rarely do you get it from 100% and this year it was there. They had a mission and they did not let anything stand in their way. So proud to say that my officers took home the 1st PLACE OVERALL title beating all the other officer groups that were in attendance.

They competed with their home routine which I received one of 5 recognitions given out for most outstanding home routines. This category is separate and does not have any bearing on the final outcome. The overall winning is determined by their scores in their camp dance, choreography project and their Chosen routine.

The girls are up for almost 3 days straight from 7 in the morning until sometimes 2:30 and 3:00 in the morning dancing 24 hours a day. They are both physically and mentally pushed to the limit. Their work ethics were impeccable. The competition was fierce - but when the music started they went into high gear and nailed every performance. I know this represents what a great year we have ahead! Thank you ladies - its an honor to be your director!

Last year in the end of July, Richard, Kai, Aunt Mae and myself traveled to South Africa to celebrate the wedding of our son Raymond and his beautiful bride Mariesa. Even though we knew the trip would be incredible we had no idea what all the couple had in store for us and I must tell you it was a trip to always remember. And they planned and executed it to the fullest. All of this, at a time that they truly should have been just thinking of their wedding - but instead they planned our entire stay and there was never a dull moment.

The trip began with our arrival in Johannasburg where we were met with Raymond, Mariesa and Mariesa's brother. They took us shopping around town and we ate a very nice meal there in the city. From their Johanes took us on a four hour trip north to their home town called Tzaneen. We were so very excite to finally get to meet Mr. and Mrs. Engelbrecht and the rest of the family. They graciously invited us into their home that night for dinner while we waited a day for the wedding couple to come back with other guests who were flying in for the wedding. Even though very tired and jet lagged - we had a wonderful time with the family.

Over the course of the week we traveled all over the country side witnessing beautiful scenery and wildlife. We stayed one night on a safari - where we got to see many many animals "up close" and personal. We spent lots of time in the city of Tzaneen were we were able to witness the daily life of their people. We found it comical that instead of people crossing signs on the street you would see signs in the shape of people crossing but they would have a picture of a hippo on them.

As the week progressed we had many festivities for the wedding that would lead up to the big day. We had the customer bachelor and bachelorette parties. Ok well maybe they were not the norm...lol. For Mariesa's party all the women went to her house for a nice dinner and drinks which gave us lots of time to catch up and talk. Not so sure what all the men did - but from what I understand it was not the typical Bachelor party....you will have to catch Raymond and have him fill you in. The Engelbrechts also had a person come to their house to teach us all how to make sushi. We had a great time and you know how much I LOVE sushi. So that was a big hit for all.

I must say beside the wedding which I will get to in a brief moment the highlight of the trip for me had to be the incredible lodge that we stayed in. I will let the pictures that I post do the talking and I think everyone will agree that is to exceptional. The name of place is Hill Top Country Lodge. This place is by far the best place in Tzaneen and surrounding. It's located right in the middle of nature on a hill so you have amazing views of the mountains. It has a beautiful garden and the most amazing rooms. They only have 9 rooms with huge bathrooms which create a lovely boutique hotel feel so with max 9 guest you are guaranteed to have all the privacy you need. The rooms and bathrooms are spotless which was very pleasant for hygiene freaks like I am. The staff is very friendly and helpful. Breakfast is a feast!!! Whatever breakfast wishes you have will be met and more. The whole place is full of different art from paintings to sculptures to clay pots from all over the world, great interior design.The owner Eleen is such a lovely warm and artistic lady who gives the place a personal touch and make all the guests feel at home. I would definitely visit Hill Top again and I highly recommend it to travelers passing by Tzaneen to the Kruger National Park or if you are on a vacation in Tzaneen. TWO THUMBS UP!!!

Now for the big day....the actual reason we got to travel to this lovely country and meet some outstanding people - the wedding. They were married at the Tzaneen Country Lodge which was not too far down the road from our lodge. The lodge had a gorgeous little chapel on the grounds and then across the road you traveled to a beautiful accommodation where the reception was held over looking a lake. The whole wedding as gorgeous and planned just like our stay - from top to bottom with nothing left out. I hope the pictures do all of this justice ! Enjoy our week in Tzaneen, South Africa.

At the airport.

Hill Top Country Lodge - Tzaneen, South Africa

This is the families business. They manufacture cabinetry.

This was a little lodge we stopped at to have tea and desert up on a hill top.

The fresh fruits and vegetables were amazing :)

Let the fun begin ~ the sushi party at the Engelbrecht's home.

She was wonderful - she took care of our room and us the entire stay.

The pool at our lodge.

We had a long long lay over in New York....actually overnight :/ Richard!!!!

Our beautiful room at the Lodge.

Makes our Texas ant hills look a little small ...you think?

Beautiful tables at the reception.

Wedding Chapel

One of many Zebras we saw on the Safari

The board with the menu at the reception.

Erika, Mariesa's mom, and myself waiting for the ceremony to start.

The wedding party.

The birds were so amazing - beautiful colors.

Nothing like driving down the road and waiting for a herd of elephants to cross.

The get away car.....so neat!

The bridesmaids do the Pageantry wave. :)

One of Raymond's requests...REAL ketchup!! And of course his bride had it waiting for him. :)

The Head table.

Did I forget to mention - Mariesa has a TWIN!! Meet Martinette and her boyfriend, Kevin.

I have to say...I was scared. This was on a night safari they arranged for us. And this guy was right next to our wagon...we just stopped and let him mossy around....and he got very very close.

Teaching them a little Texas Line Dancing.

Yes ...Mariesa's dog was officially in the wedding party.

It is tradition in their country to roast the groom and all the men take their chairs up to the front and have a grand time doing so.

The flower in the middle is their national flower....gorgeous.

At the compound for the night safari - it had major fences around the whole site...not sure if it was to keep the animals out or us in. lol

Stop for elephants crossing.

You will have to look really carefully for this one...it was the one thing that Kai wanted to see so bad on the trip and on the way out of Kruger Park he was spotted. Center of the picture - a LION!! He is up on the rocks between the two trees.