October took us to DC for two weeks. Paolo had his annual World Bank meetings and Gio had an interview at Groton along with some standardized testing to complete. It was a treat to see spectacular Fall weather in both DC and around Boston.
Starting the long trip to DC.
We made it! On our first day we headed to get flu shots and ran into a dear Ukrainian friend from Kenya who is in her first year at Georgetown University.
After only two days in DC we flew to Boston where Maria got to see her first ever Fall colors. Gio had seen them when we lived in Ukraine but Maria was too young to remember it.
We took no pictures during our tour and interview at Groton but here we are after it was over. A rare moment when Gio is dressed well!
Back in DC and enjoying the museums, this day at Natural History. Of course we had to focus on the oceans and SHARKS!
On the metro up to Bethesda for Gio's SSAT testing. He was super excited about it.
My parents treated us to excellent shows at the Kennedy Center. Gio and Paolo saw "Hamilton" and the next weekend Maria and I went with them to "Guys & Dolls" which we all loved. We had lunch with our favorite cousins who also happened to be attending the show.
Waiting for the bus.
Twinning.
I love walking around Georgetown at this time of year.
Meanwhile back in Nairobi Gioia and Winston were enjoying camp!
We all got the new Covid booster.
Gio still enjoys swinging!
A trip to the zoo....
Highlight of our visit was seeing the orangutans swinging above us!
A bit of fun before our flights back to Kenya...
We enjoyed our trip to DC but I was very happy to get back to our gang...
...and silly Salt with his odd napping places.
Another injury, luckily this time only a mild sprain.
Monochrome day at school. Gio, as always, took it to a new level.
Trick or treating.
Bowling at Westgate while Gio worked with his trainer at the gym upstairs.
Gio and I took care of trick or treating in our neighborhood. Maria was booked with two parties this day so was not able to join in.
November brings the start of musical ("Alladin") rehearsals for Maria, two concerts for Gio, football and rugby matches for Gio, swim galas for Maria and travel for Paolo.
September brought a visit from the newest Bernese Mountain Dog in Nairobi, Maria's delayed birthday party, Gio's grade 8 trip to the Mount Kenya area and Gio's start with a new rugby team....
No, we did NOT adopt a 4th dog. Meet Emjey, a Bernese Mountain Dog who was imported to Kenya from Switzerland by friend's of ours. He is very sweet though Gioia is NOT a fan. Winston is thrilled to have a new playmate when he comes for a visit.
At long last Maria's final "letter" from camp arrived...
Maria's gang from her class (4A) came over for lunch and a swim...
We booked the school pool for Maria's delayed 9th birthday party (she wanted to wait until a good friend had casts taken off her legs). Maria designed the invitations. She included her entire class plus 10 other children. It was a big party as out of 32 invited only 2 declined. I managed not to take single photo so can only share Maria's invitation....
Days off from school usually mean a ride in Karura Forest!
Waiting for the school bus.
Proof that Bassets can run!
Winston has lately been hopping up on weird things...
We have NO idea how he got himself up on our guest bed!
Gio was away for the last week of September near Mount Kenya with his entire 8th grade class. They camped under the stars, rafted, climbed, swam, hiked and had a fantastic time.
Winston loves attacking palm fronds...
I love how Maria makes her bed every morning- including setting up her pjs for the evening.
Paolo on a work trip in Rwanda.
Maria's morning to do list....
Impala Club rugby team which Gio joined this month. It is very intense group and most of the players are in their late teens. Gio is thrilled to be a part of it.
Carrying each other across the field. Can you spot Gio?
How sweet is this face??
Trying to take the children to school (I had an early meeting so I treated them to a ride instead of the bus), but we got delayed since we had a stowaway.
Salt's new favorite spot- our bread basket.
My gang on an early morning visit to Karura.
October will be a busy month with Paolo's work trip to South Africa and our trip to DC. Gio has applied for the Middle School drama trip to Mumbai in March- we should here if he is accepted at the end of the month.
