We finished up our time in Italy, enjoying a visit from cousin Cristina (Paolo's brother's daughter) who will be marrying this lovely man Giacomo in May. We are so excited for them!
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Starting a new school next week so time for a trim!
Scootering past the garbage....
A more scenic view...
Puzzle time!
I did the middle and then Maria finished the edges!
A few pictures of our boys sent to us from their kennel in Pretoria.
Final night in Italy (Paolo had gone back to Nairobi 5 days before). As is our tradition we went to our local pizzeria. They made Maria a very special one...
A very early flight to Germany. Someone is NOT happy about leaving Italy.
After a very full day of travel we arrived in Nairobi near midnight. We woke up to discover that our new house comes with a cat! We named him Cinnamon. Not sure how things are going to go when our two boy cats arrive!
We have discovered that Gio needs about 36 hours to adjust to the altitude here. He needs lots of sleep....
Maria is thrilled with her walk-in closet!!
Trying out our new pool (really for Jagger so he can do hydrotherapy!). Everyone happy to discover that it is much warmer than our pool was in Pretoria.
Monday came very quickly! Time to start 4th grade a second time....
....and Kindergarten, part 2.
They loved their first day of school. Both were very excited to take the bus in day #2.
Bye, brave kiddos!
A sighting on my run through the neighborhood.
6 days after we arrived the boys were all boxed up and put on a flight to Nairobi...
Always happy, no matter what is happening!
...and always grumpy!
And at 3AM on Friday morning.....they arrived at our house!
Sleeping off the big trip!
Waiting for the school bus and snuggling with their beloved Bruno.
So happy to have them all back with us.
Second weekend in Nairobi and at her first birthday party.
Bruno NEVER did this in Pretoria but here in Nairobi he has decided to steal Jagger's pool toys...
As he has done with all of our moves Pepper usually disappears for a few days after he arrives. This morning he emerged and followed the dogs and me as we took our early morning walk.
Our neighborhood guards told me that Pepper often sleeps on the speed bumps in the road during the night. Such a funny cat.
Our first banana harvest.
A family walk in Karura Forest. This is the largest urban forest in the world. It is over 40 acres and full of hiking, jogging and biking paths. There are even three separate areas where dogs are allowed off leash.
Maria telling a story to a captive audience...
He finally came inside (and ate three packets of food!).
When there is only one bed in the house. So I went out and bought another bed....
...and this happened.
I try to take the dogs to Karura most days. They love exploring the trails.
A tour of the outside of our house...
It took some time for Bruno to feel comfortable around our staff. Treats helped a lot. (And, yes, Jagger loved everyone immediately, but he still enjoyed the free snacks!)
Bruno's favorite spot in the house? Maria's blowup bed. She has to fight for space in it at night.
International Day Parade at ISK.
Both of the kids chose to march with the Italians. Paolo was thrilled!
Gio and his teacher Dr. Leteipan (in traditional Kenyan dress).
It was a hot day so the coconuts from the Malaysian food table.
Paolo left the next day for an office retreat in Uganda. The kids and I did some exploring including a stop at the trampoline park.
Another early morning, another visit from Pepper.
One of the many cool things about the new school is that families are welcome to hang out on the campus all weekend. Everything is open including the pool. This is the covered basketball court.
A few of the many playing fields.
The 4th & 5th grade playground.
Maria on a trampoline. In the background is the 4th-5th grade building. Gio's classroom includes the lower balcony closest to Maria. Next year he will move upstairs to the 5th grade floor.
A Sunday morning Parkour class.
After Parkour we brought one of Gio's friends home for some time in the pool.
Jagger, of course, joined in the fun.
Waking Maria up on Monday morning.
Trying out a new part of Karura. Jagger loves Kenya!
Bruno is very busy sniffing out every inch of the forest!
Jagger jumps into any hole he sees. Notice his carefully placed ball...
Paolo's driver has moved his family onto our property. His sweet daughter Zena and Maria have become fast friends.
They do not speak each other's languages but it seems not to matter in the slightest.
Today's after school activity: Playdough & cookies.
Face off. Cats are still sorting out territory. Salt has claimed the house. Pepper and Cinnamon are figuring out their spaces in the garden and our road (this was taken just outside our gate). I do not really understand cats (does anyone??). Cinnamon mostly follows Pepper around. When Pepper turns to face him Cinnamon rolls on his back. Maybe he is trying to befriend Pepper? Good luck to you, Cinnamon!
February our container finally arrives with all of our things and we will visit the Kenyan Coast. Stay tuned!!
