Life, Love, and Little Georgia: Our 2025 Wrap-Up and 2026 beginnings.

It’s been a while since we’ve shared an update, so here’s a proper rundown of our progress, a few surprises, and where life has taken us lately.

The Kalahari That Wasn’t (Yet)

At the end of November 2025, we had everything ready for a trip to the Kalahari Transfrontier Park—booked, planned, and packed.

But life had other ideas.

The very day we were meant to leave was also the due date for our first grandchild! Needless to say, that changed everything. The trip has been postponed—hopefully toward the end of this year or in 2027. It’s still firmly on our bucket list, and we can’t wait to make it happen.

Some detours are simply worth it.

Becoming Grandparents

On 11 November 2025, little Georgia Gilbert was born, and we officially became grandparents.

What an extraordinary gift.

It is so much fun having a new baby in our lives. We see Nicole and Chanty as often as we can. In fact, Dibs makes an effort to head down at least once a week. There’s always something to fetch in Hilton, or something to buy—funny how that works!

Becoming grandparents adds a whole new layer to life. It softens you. It grounds you. It reminds you what really matters.

A New Home… Again!

We’ve also moved from our beautiful spot in the Kamberg. And just when you think you’ve found the most spectacular place on earth, you somehow discover something even better.

We’re now settled on a small working farm in the Hidcote area, just north of Mooi River on the Giants Castle Road.

Cows and horses graze in the fields next to the house. There’s a dam literally five metres from our front gate, about ten metres from the veranda. Naturally, a lot more fishing is happening these days! There are even more dams on the farm, and we’re absolutely loving this slower, nature-filled rhythm.

It’s peaceful. It’s grounding. It feels right.

Slowing Down and Consolidating

Last year was big on travel. We made incredible memories and explored beautiful places—but it also put a noticeable dent in our savings.

And honestly? Worth every cent.

That said, we’ve decided this is a year to consolidate. To slow down. To enjoy where we are instead of constantly looking for the next destination. Travel is exciting and addictive—but simply being where we are now is equally special.

For this season, we’re choosing contentment over constant motion.

To keep myself busy during the days (and gently refill the coffers), I’ve started teaching online. It’s been refreshing, engaging, and a surprisingly enjoyable way to stay productive while still living life on our terms.

Mitch and Carrie’s Success

While we’ve been adjusting to farm life and grandparenthood, our kids have been absolutely smashing it.

Mitch’s Tennis Academy, Groundstrokes, continues to thrive. Mitch was selected as the National Coach for South Africa’s junior tennis teams—a massive accomplishment. He recently returned from Egypt with the team after a hugely successful tour. We couldn’t be prouder of the work he’s doing and the impact he’s having.

Meanwhile, Carrie is excelling in the fashion industry, steadily climbing the corporate ladder with her expertise, drive, and determination. Watching her carve out her space and grow professionally has been incredible.

As parents, seeing your children step confidently into their callings is one of life’s greatest rewards.

Real Life Isn’t Always Social Media Perfect

And because we believe in being honest here…

Lance and Sky have decided to part ways. Young love isn’t always what it appears to be on social media. Life changes. People grow. Paths shift.

It’s never easy, but it’s part of life’s journey—and we continue to support and love them both as they navigate their next chapters.

On a proud-parent note, Lance has now qualified as a Deck Engineer and is working on the super yachts in Europe. We couldn’t be more proud of the way he keeps pushing forward, building his skills, seeing the world, and stepping boldly into this new season of life.

Sometimes chapters close… and sometimes brand-new adventures begin.

Still Grateful. Still Certain.

Through all of this change—the moves, the postponed trips, the new baby, the career milestones, the hard moments—one thing hasn’t changed.

We remain completely confident in our decision to step away from conventional expectations and design a life that prioritises health, relationship, and freedom.

Call it early retirement. Call it irresponsible adulthood.

For us, it’s about lower stress, deeper connection, and the freedom to breathe. We’re taking time to smell the roses—literally and figuratively.

And we’ve never felt more aligned.

— Grant & Dibs