We have been back in South Africa now for about 4 weeks and we have been busy with summer activities. Maria began a new school year as a Hedgehog (she attends a South African school so she is on a Southern Hemisphere calendar). She loves her new teachers and is proud of being in a "big kid" class. Gio returned to his 2nd grade classroom and is very busy with his swim team practice and tennis lessons.
Off to a nearby mall to look for a new CD player for her room (her current obsession is dancing).
In typical South African fashion our mall had a new amusement ride set up for the kids. It is hard to go anywhere here without finding some new and exciting activity for children. I have learned to never head out with a deadline!
Weeeee!
Maria's dance obsession includes deciding on new outfits for each song. Fortunately my parents sent her this fabulous tutu that makes the cut for each new session.
We had a guide dog puppy playdate our first week back. Here is Jagger reunited with his brother Jedi. They always find each other in a group and never separate. Best buddies.
Gio has taken on a few daily chores. He usually has furry friends as assistants.
These two never stay far apart.
Maria's school resumed a few days after Gio's so we had some mother-daughter time together which OF COURSE included a mini-mani for Maria.
Guess who always gets the bed?
Jagger & Isaac hanging out in Nicola's car.
Practicing for the Plank Challenge at Gio's school.
Two friends and I headed to visit a diamond mine one morning. It was a fascinating tour.
One evening Paolo somehow convinced me to sign up for a 10K race within our estate.
Here I am pre-race. It got dark soon after the start so my headlamp came in handy!
Jagger comes grocery shopping with me quite a lot now. He loves how nice and cold our Woolies stores are!
Jagger enjoys the Hazelwood Food Market we attend most Saturdays.
It is good practice for him to be in a big crowd with many food temptations around. He loves the attention he receives! Lots of belly rubs.
This is Jagger's puppy bed. Despite having 6 other bigger beds around the house he still prefers this one.
We had a houseguest recently (a former 5th grade student of mine!) which was great fun. We took her to the Rietvlei Reserve near our house.
I never get tired of seeing the rhinos.
Had to take Maria to the ER last week for another UTI. She was a very good sport about it.
Doughnuts always make her feel better!
Jagger and Isaac had their first overnight at GDA (Guide Dog Association). They are required to spend a few nights each month there now to help them get used to being there before they begin formal training in about 7 months. They got to room together and seemed to have a great time!
Bruno missed Jagger terribly while he was away but got lots of love from his fans.
The two boys before heading off to their overnight.
About to be released from the kennels when I went to collect them. They roomed with an older puppy who showed them the ropes!
Back home with many stories (but none they were willing to share with us!).
Clearly socialization with cats is checked off Jagger's list!
Gio on the bungee trampoline at Family Fun Day at his school...
Jagger "supervising" the cotton candy machine at Family Fun Day last weekend.
This week we had a very fun GDA outing. We rode the Gautrain to Sandton (about a 30 minute ride) and then attended a fancy brunch at the Radisson Hotel. Our boys behaved beautifully!
First time on the train.
Immediately fell asleep.
Here is our group just off the train and ready to head to brunch. 12 puppies in training plus one working guide dog (bottom right corner).
On the train back home!
Yesterday Maria had two vaccine shots. She has been busy giving us jabs every since. The doctor is in!
Finally getting to our holiday in Italy.... So, without further ado...
Ready to depart hot Jo'burg to head back to winter....
We left Jagger with Barbara and Guenter and a fun gang of puppies. We do not think he missed us!
Super strong Maria pulling Gio around Frankfurt Main.
Where did we head as soon as we arrived in Italy?? Our beloved gelato shop, of course.
Things we had to get used to right away: winter clothes and sun only being up between 8AM and 4PM!
Maria Luisa and Zia Luisa reunited. (Maria is named for both my grandmother Mary Louise and for Paolo's beloved Aunt Luisa.)
It was such for us to see all of our Italian family once again.
Maria & Marina adore each other.
Zio Guido (Paolo's brother) and Marina brought us this beautiful candy creche. It did not last long!
Just before destruction.
Yup, Jagger STILL not missing us (much)!
Gio had some fun tennis lessons with his cousin Pippo.
Paolo and his gang of friends!
One day we headed on the train up to Milan to work on my application for Italian citizenship.
Jagger check-in again (helping with chores).
Is it bad when in Milan to go to an American restaurant? Who knows, but the kids sure loved the pancakes!
While Jagger was with Barbara & Guenter, our other three furry friends were at Menlyn Kennels. (Yes, there is something weird going on with Pepper's eyes. We are still trying to figure out what it is.)
Dance class with Maria....
Dinner at home.
Since Paolo is constantly stealing my reading glasses, I decided to fill his stocking with these.
Playtime with Lorenzo, the adorable son of Paolo's best friend Angelo.
Relaxing on a warm day beneath La Pietra in Castelnovo.
Just after New Year's we headed near the Austrian border for some skiing. The traffic was so bad on the way up that we took a break at Burger King (yes we were desperate).
Yep, STILL having a blast!
Enjoying a giant plate of pasta (her favorite food)!
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First day on skis.
First time down the hill!
Nope, no natural snow but there was plenty of man-made stuff!
After a morning of skiing, hot cocoa and chocolate is a must.
On our final day it was very cold. We visited a frozen lake...
played in the snow...
and met a giant bear/dog.
Since it was so cold Maria and I stayed inside while the boys hit the slopes one last time.
And then it was time to drive home. Gio was so sad we immediately made plans to take him to Lesotho in June for some more skiing. Should be interesting to ski in Southern Africa!
One last walk around our Italian neighborhood (with Gio's buddy Andrea).
How can we ever pack lightly when leaving Italy?? This time we brought along 20kgs of cheese and a few salamis!
Will Jagger even want to come home with us??
A 6 hour layover in Frankfurt is a lot easier when Paolo is allowed to bring us into his fancy Senator Lounge!
Peppa Pig + tangerines = Maria's heaven
Back home in Pretoria. Maria was thrilled to be reunited with her beloved Nomsa.
We were happy that Jagger was willing to come home with us!
