April brought a late rainy season, two long weekends and busy afternoons of play rehearsals.
This lovely Ukrainian family is staying in our house in Italy. Our friends there are taking them on walks, teaching them about local wines and using a lot of Google Translate!
14 years old and still the one who dances whenever we take out his leash. Ragu loves to walk more than any dog I have ever known.
Gioia loves our housekeeper's children and stays close by whenever they are around.
Every weekend in April meant playdates and sleepovers for Maria.
Waiting by the gate for the daycare van to arrive. Every Wednesday they head off to see their friends.
Maria has developed an obsession with rocks. I find them everywhere!
She has also suddenly begun making her bed without any prompting from us. Perhaps practice for summer camp where it is a required morning chore.
On Mondays Maria stays after school to help care for the rabbits, turtles and ducks that live outside of her science classroom.
Studying sound in science...
In-line skating activity at school.
We battled a fuel shortage this month with long lines and rationing.
Gio spent a lot of time playing rugby this month including 6:30AM practices every Monday and Thursday. He loved every minute.
Rainy season + rugby
Salt's second favorite napping spot (#1 is the hood of Paolo's car).
Muddy paws at Karura Forest.
Gioia's reluctant eating means I often have to hold her bowl as the 3 vultures hover.
Driving around Nairobi is always amusing.
The final weekend in April was 5 days long (Friday off for former President Kibaki's funeral, Monday for Labor Day and Tuesday for Eid). We took the children (and 4 of their friends) to the water park on Friday and then filled the rest of the weekend with sleepovers and horseback riding.
May will bring Paolo's and Gioia's birthdays and Gio's play performance!
March brought Maria's first time on stage in a production of "Olivia" and her first swim medals (all on the same day!). Later in the month Maria and Paolo traveled to Italy for Spring Break while Gio and I headed to the USA....
Some shots from doggy day care...
Our housekeeper Christine and her adorable new baby Zaki.
Cast photos up for the production of "Oliva"! Maria is the police officer.
Weekly chemo for Jagger. Maria was able to come along this week as it was conference day at school.
My brand new Italian passport!
Her first swim meet in a LONG time- collecting medals!
Gold, silver & bronze with Coach Anthony
Later that same day she took to the stage!
We started a fundraiser for Ukraine- selling these beaded bracelets.
Middle of the night flight to Frankfurt for Spring Break.
In Frankfurt we split up- Paolo and Maria flew on to Bologna while Gio and I headed to DC.
Right after visiting my parents and getting his Covid booster Gio and I headed up to Bethesda to visit Gio's cousins John & Alex (and their new dog Beau).
There were lots of displays supporting Ukraine around DC...
Gio's new favorite t-shirt.
Meanwhile in Italy....
Gio and my mother plotted a tour of chicken wings (a new favorite food) in DC.
We spent an afternoon at the zoo. The pandas were a big hit with Gio along with the small mammal, reptile and Amazonia exhibits. It was fun to watch him so excited!
Visiting the Ukrainian Embassy.
In Italy Maria and Paolo had a fun visit with Paolo's brother Marina and his partner Marina.
A visit to the aquarium in Genoa.
Maria had a terrific time with Paolo during Spring Break but I sure missed them both!
Reunion with Winston after a week away.
The 7th grade spent two days doing day trips around Nairobi. For his first day Gio visited a farm.
Their team won the scarecrow decorating contest!
Day 2 was rock climbing!
I will leave you with this. In these dark times a giggle is always welcome.
