The highlights of this month were a trip to Masai Mara, Maria mastering a two-wheeler and Gio's stage debut....
With what seems to be an endless rainy season, Gioia discovered mud.
Back in South Africa Alaska's first litter of puppies went home to their puppy raisers.
Bruno has found a new source of shade.
We did a neighborhood trick-or-treat (a few days after Halloween). We had American candy so we were quite popular!
I finally managed to get Gio's hair cut...after school on the day he had class pictures taken, of course.
What happens at our house if you try to take a nap during the day.
Music recital time. Gio's first time playing the piano for an audience.
Since Paolo missed the recital Gio kindly taught Paolo his piece that evening.
Swim gala morning with her favorite coach.
Maria's turn for a haircut.
When you are a giant puppy with a lazy streak....
After hours chasing monkeys at Karura this is as much energy Jagger & Gioia can muster for evening play.
We spent a morning at school learning about Gio's art and music programs (Maria had her day earlier in the week). In art Gio's taught us how to sew. He was so patient with Paolo!
5th grade band presentation!
ISK had a Friday off from school so we took the opportunity for our first Kenyan safari- we flew to Masai Mara for an amazing weekend in the bush!
Naptime.
Swimming not advised.
Lion pride
Baby hippo!
Baby elephant!
Hyena lounging in the mud (reminded me of Gioia!).
The famous "5 brothers" of Masai Mara. They are not actually believed to be brothers but somehow these 5 males joined together a few years ago and have remained together.
Gio's happiest moment of the safari....
And what was Maria doing during the leopard sighting?? (Luckily we saw another leopard and her baby the next day!)
Hyena mama.
We watched these lionesses for a while as they hunted. They were not successful- sort of a relief for me!
Gio was our co-pilot flying home!
Back in Nairobi with our own "wild" animal....
...who has discovered the joys of digging.
Nairobi is indeed a dangerous place to live....
Paolo and I headed out for a dinner with friends a few nights ago. The children wanted to be left without a sitter. Since our driver lives on our property with his family and we have a guard at night we decided to give Gio the chance to be in charge. We told him they both had to be in bed by 8PM. We found this note on our bed when we got home...
Maria mastered her bike after much work that she and Paolo did together. She is so proud of herself!
Gio spend the final weekend of November celebrating his best friend's 11th birthday with a camping sleepover and paintball.
Two of Gio's musical numbers in an all-school review of Broadway hits.... See if you can spot him!
