August 2019: Gioia!

Birthday was the theme this month.  First my big birthday present arrived 4 months early and then Maria turned 6!

Flying back to Nairobi and Maria found a "practice Gioia" in Frankfurt.

The day after we landed the real Gioia started her trip to join our family.

Arriving from the airport!

First time in our garden.

Bonding.

Wondering how long it will take for Gioia to pass Maria in weight?

Bruno was not so sure about the new arrival. 
Needed quite a lot of cuddles.

These two bonded immediately...and wore each other out!

First walk in the neighborhood.

August 7th!!  The big birthday!

Attack!

Gioia walks Jagger....

The two "older" dogs.

And suddenly it was time to start school.  Maria insisted on an hour at the salon to prep!

Off they go!

I miss Gio & Maria but I certainly am not lonely when they are at school.

5 minutes later....

Riding after school (stables are right next door).

Birthday celebration #2.  This time in her new classroom.

Ms. Ng'ang'a leading the singing.

Riding home after her rabies vaccine.

Action shot!

Apparently her whole litter eats like this!

All day long....

Gioia's favorite spot for night sleeping- our slate-tiled shower.

Time for birthday celebration #3- the party!

Best friends.

Over 30 children showed up! Lots of fun....

...and then the crash.

Swim team practice time.

Gio and his best friend Yoav got special recognition at the first ES assembly of the year.  What a surprise!

This must be the coolest school spirit song ever!

Honey in her pretzel pose.

International Dog Day.  (The extra Lab is belongs to our neighbors and spends most of the day with us since she is lonely at home.)

First bath.

And just for a last laugh...

xoxo.  Clara