A big birthday, the dogs go to camp and we head to Italy for a 4 week holiday.....and we did some donkey-sitting!
For her 7th birthday Maria asked only to adopt Jagger as her own dog. Done!
August 5th we send Jagger & Gioia off to camp for 5 weeks. We decided to leave Ragu at home since he does not really like other dogs but these two would love the open spaces and socialization at Yappaville.
Off they go!
And then off we went! Overnight flight to Amsterdam and then to Bologna. Masks on the entire time, of course. It was strange traveling in this COVID-world.
On the second day of our quarantine Maria turned 7. Lucky us to have a cousin to deliver this amazing gelato cake to her!
Photos from Yappaville of our furry ones at camp!
When you are stuck in quarantine watching a storm approach can easily be the highlight of your day.
COVID testing. We all tested negative and were released from quarantine!
One of our favorite walks.
Celebrating our release from quarantine at our favorite restaurant in Castelnovo. Also our first time at a restaurant (eating outside, masks on until we sat down) in 6 months.
Gio was finally able to return to swim training. He worked out with his favorite coach nearly every day.
Visiting our new neighbor Catarina. She lives just up the hill from our house.
Catarina moved onto our property while her family went away for a week. She is really like a giant puppy. Very affectionate.
A snooze with a view.
Her favorite person was definitely Paolo- here "assisting" him with restoring our power after a storm.
Maria returned to riding- we found two stables in our area. This one had Shetland ponies which was a new experience for her. She rode Western saddle for the first time in her life.
Post ride gelato.
She made us giggle every day. We were sad when she went back home, though we could still see her from our back windows. We visited most days- Maria liked to make her carrot-apple salads.
Getting ready for 2nd grade. Maria and I often did review work while Gio swam.
At the other stables Maria rode Western saddle again but this time on horses imported from Argentina.
Visiting Cinque Terre on a friend's boat. Gio was in his favorite element!
Maria with Lorenzo- the son of Paolo's best friend Angelo.
Another day, another ride.
Party at the castle.
Big dinner with Paolo's gang.
More photos from Yappaville....
Getting our own dog fix at our favorite shop in town.
August came to an end with quite a few storms. We have only 5 more days in Italy....
September post will be coming soon with more from Italy and the start of virtual school for the children....
