December was a busy one! Biggest event was the arrival of a teenager in our family....
Tacky tourist day at school.
Maria's Wednesday afternoon lesson.
I helped out with the PTO holiday market at school.
Had to laugh at Gio's letter to go with his advisor's holiday gift.
Rainy season puddle walk!
Swim meet (virtual with other teams competing from around Africa) for Gio.
Gio's 13th Birthday party (paintball and back to our house for lunch and swimming)
The Nutcracker! It was a fun performance for Gio and Maria as they knew many of the performers from their school.
Gio's actual birthday on Monday, Dec 6!
Despite the face Gio actually loves his 6:30AM rugby practices!
Waiting for the doggy day car van to pick him up.
Maria's favorite spot for a post-school nap.
Dec 11 Maria and I started the long journey to Washington, DC....
...for this! Yeah, science!
Post-vaccine scooter around Georgetown.
Touring holiday displays...
...and funny drink cups!
Always a must do when we visit DC- the cat cafe.
In between visits with my parents we spent a lot of time at local playgrounds...
...more holiday displays...
...and art displays.
In what would prove to be a problem for so many over the holidays our flight was delayed by 22 hours. We had to leave our AirBnB and move into this hotel for an extra night.
The delay meant our flight was very very empty. Not complaining about that!
Our wonderful dog kennel posted some photos in honor of Winston's first birthday on Dec 20th!
We made it to Italy to reunite with Gio and Paolo just in time for Christmas. Christmas Eve presents included this from Squid Game. Gio did not survive...
Christmas Morning!
Santa brought Maria what seemed to be every fidget toy ever invented!
Christmas lunch with Zio Guido (Paolo's brother).
Guido brought this amazing house which we demolished quickly!
Christmas Day photos from Yappaville...
New Year's Eve was spent with Paolo's best friend and his family. The children spent the evening snuggling with their new cat.
November brought parents back on campus for evening performances and Gio was ready with two evenings of entertainment! It was such a treat to feel a bit of normalcy and to see the campus after almost 20 months. But first to the orthodontist....
...where Gio got fitted for an orthodontic mouth guard for the start of rugby season...
...and poor Maria had to start wearing this contraption every night (to pull her upper jaw forward). She is, as always, a very good sport about it all.
Best friend play date. Extra fun when your friend has an extra swim suit in your size!
Gio's gang came over for an overnight in the tent.
Paolo spent two weeks this month working in DRC. He had to do most of his travel in boats as the roads are controlled by rebels. We were all relieved when he got back home.
These two stooges are never apart. Although Gioia is 19 months older than Winston it is debatable which is more of a puppy.
It took 8 years but Maria has finally had a taste of Rice Krispie Treats.
Gio's performances.... in the first clip go to the last 9 minutes when his skit takes place. His is the voice you hear throughout as the "monster"...
Curtain call.....
When one of your favorite classmates moves into your neighborhood!
Less than a week after Gio's play came a band concert at school. Note: I did send Gio to school with long trousers....
Thanksgiving with the wonderful Rex Family!
We kept Nicky Rex (Gio's best friend) for the long weekend. They spent 3 nights in the tent, with lots of time in the pool and practicing the trumpet.
December will bring Gio's 13th (!!!) birthday and a lot of travel. Maria and I will be heading to the USA for a bit and then on to Italy where we will meet Paolo and Gio to celebrate Christmas and hopefully do some skiing.
