The highlights for May were Gio's performance in "The Yellow Boat" and in the concert band. We are so proud of him. Paolo and Gioia celebrated birthdays. Other than these events, though, the month was a very difficult for the Belli family, especially for Maria. Our dear Jagger passed away on May 21st after a 5 month battle with lymphoma. And then Maria broke her wrist 9 days later....
We started the month celebrating Paolo's birthday on the 4th.
Day care photos
Maria rode Wednesdays, Fridays and Sundays most of the year.
Gioia turned 3 on May 6th.
She kindly shared her cake with the gang.
Afternoon naps before the school bus vigil.
Gio likes to send me Winston scenes from his bed. Here is "Winston watching funny cat videos."
New "Shark Girl" hoodie!
More daycare photos...
After months of intense rehearsals Gio's play weekend finally arrived!
So proud of him!
Gio and his best friend Nicky shared the role of "father" and "coach" (they each performed the lead role of father twice and the coach the other two times).
A sweet friendship.
Maria's music class show!
Checking progress on the bite re-alignment.
On May 19th Jagger's health took a dive. He stopped eating and began to moan heavily whenever he lay down.
He spent two night sleeping in the garden clearly not feeling well. Ragu never left his side.
On May 20th an ultrasound revealed a large tumor in his abdomen. I brought him home so we could all say goodbye. We put him down the next morning.
We stayed with him throughout the night. Maria read to him. It was heartbreaking but we knew we had made the right decision for him.
Rest in Peace, dear Jagger. 2016-2022 (age 5)
It was very hard to take only 3 dogs to the forest the following week but luckily my gang gathered there to walk with me. One day there were 17 dogs!
Maria created a Jagger wall in her room.
Gio's rugby season came to an end. He cannot wait for next year.
Winston continued his battle with the recycling.
Gioia tried her best to cheer up Maria.
Gio's concert band concert.
Maria's end of the year class party.
Winston vs. a palm frond.
9 days after Jagger's death Maria broke her wrist. Poor child. More about this in next month's post....
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!
