BelliSafari: December in Pretoria

Once back from Cape Town we had a whirlwind 12 days before flying to Italy for Christmas. Here is what was happening (we will completely ignore my birthday that happened somewhere in there and focus on more fun things!).....

We began the first week of December with a visit to the Pretoria Urology Hospital. Maria had a checkup to see how her urinary reflux condition is doing. We got the good news that she is outgrowing it and for the first time in two years she is now off daily antibiotics. HORRAY!!

Her tests at the hospital were quite traumatic but nothing that a snuggle with Bruno could not resolve.

And then our shipment from Ukraine arrived!

I usually get overwhelmed when our things arrive after getting used to living without them for months. This time was no different. By about the 80th box I was ready to pitch it all in the pond opposite our house.

Here I am ignoring the 50 boxes in our kitchen and catching up on Scandal instead. Priorities.

At least we finally have a couch.

Gio likes to search for frogs after dinner. If only he would leave them outside....

This week also brought our very first visitor. Our dear friend Michele came from DC and brought with him a gift from Maria's cousin May. How cute is this dress?? Thanks, Himmelfarbs!
Maria watering the pool deck.

Enzo's natural protective tendencies are so apparent now that we have a pool!

Maria's first ever swim....

Another hot day = another afternoon thunderstorm. Luckily Enzo now has his own comfort dog.

Bruno somehow knows Enzo needs him during these storms and never leaves his side. So sweet.

Dec 5 (see how I completely skipped my Dec 4 birthday?!) and we were off to Hazel Market for more of the kids' beloved sand art (and ribs for Mama!)

Gio's requests for his 7th birthday (Dec 6th)?
(1) Adopt Bruno. Check.
(2) A birthday party. Check.
(3) A sleepover with the Cronk boys. Check. Here they are at Ed's Diner for a birthday eve feast.

And then the birthday at Bounce. Gio invited the entire 1st grade.

Gio's first ever back flip.

Nearly all of his best friends came. He was thrilled.

And we had a terrific "coach" (fellow in the hat) who helped the kids stay safe and have fun at all of the stations. I highly recommend this place for parties!

Rest/refueling time in the party room in between two hour-long jumping sessions. The kids (and some brave parents) were exhausted by the end!

Gio and the Cronk boys were not ready for the weekend fun to end so as soon as we got home they had a water balloon fight. For a "winter" birthday boy, this was really a first.

And where was Maria during all of this mayhem? Since 2-year-olds are not allowed at Bounce Paolo took her to a different birthday across town. Here she is enjoying the fountain....

Hanging with Paolo's boss's daughter. Let's hope she never poked her in the eye with that stick!

Train ride.

I just cannot get enough of this Maria-Bruno love.

Puzzle time with her best friends.

Trying to get them to participate.

Giving up and joining them in their favorite activity.

Yet another fabulous South African find: a combo barber-fishing gear shop. Gio got a few tips on using his new rod while awaiting his turn in the chair.