Wasn't there some rule when you were in training about furniture, Jagger?? By the way, J has been renamed by our household staff to Jaguar. He seems to like his new name.
Our second day of unpacking. I spent 6 hours arranging the kitchen only to trudge upstairs to find this. Maria has her own ideas about how to arrange her new room.
Off to school in her Wonder Woman socks.
Once the school bus leaves the boys and I hop into the car to head to Karura Forest.
And then I go back home to tackle more boxes. It took me nearly a week but I got everything unpacked and put away. Only the art needed to be hung but with our walls as hard as stone (and some actually made of stone!) we had to arrange for some pros to come to hang everything.
New swing!
For our first trip within Kenya we headed to the Coast (north of Mombasa) for a long weekend on the beach. After a short one hour flight we were in paradise.
Now THIS is what I call a beach holiday. After many summers crowded on Italian beaches fighting for space to place an umbrella this wide open beach was such a treat. I laughed to read this is considered a very busy beach in Kenya. We had most of it to ourselves the entire weekend (and this was high season!). The sand was as soft as confectioner's sugar. And the water was sooo warm!
Maria went full steam each day spending time on the beach, in the sea and in the pool. She usually collapsed on one of the pool chairs each afternoon for a long nap.
Gio took kite-surfing lessons.
A boat ride out to the coral reef for some snorkeling (and urchin collecting).
Our hotel pool.
Some more kite-surfing lessons...
Gio has never met an animal he does not immediately love. Definitely my son.
Back home after a lovely holiday and back to Jagger's hydro.
Meet Buddy. He stayed with us from the middle of Feb for nearly a month while his owners (Paolo's boss!) were in the USA. Buddy and Bruno are likely the same age and became very good friends.
Snuggles.
Buddy and Jagger had a lot of fun together...
A walk in Karura. The Chocolate Lab Apollo is a frequent companion as his owner and I try to meet each morning so we can walk together.
Spying on Gio on the patio of his classroom.
The end of the day.
Maria's swim class at school. Unlike in South Africa swim classes take place every week for the entire school year.
A Friday dinner with friends.
More fun at Karura.
Sunday tennis lessons with Simba.
Our tiniest family member always selects the biggest portion of meat. Tonight it was ribs.
I get occasional updates on Alaska. She is currently back in season (heat) so staying at GDA once again. Look at her enormous tongue! I miss her so much.
Waiting for the school bus.
Maria's Kindergarten & Pre-K school assembly performance.
She is standing in the front of the box.
I love the ISK spirit song so much!
Meanwhile Paolo is very busy with his new job. Here he is (second from right) after a meeting with Kenyan President Kenyatta.
Gio's class threw a surprise party for their teacher Dr. Leteipan...
(Gio in baseball cap.)
Turkey for dinner. Maria, again, chose the biggest piece!
Fun at a neighborhood birthday party.
Soon after he arrived Buddy grew very comfortable with us.
Maria wrote her first book...
Gio's school assignment to write a "persuasive letter." Impressive work, Gio, but we are holding strong for a few more years....
