Yes, it's been a while....

Yes, I have taken some time off from this blog...from picture taking....from life in general.  Sorry, all! We have been in the US since the end of June, though Paolo went back to Kiev right after the 4th of July.  Gio and I are hanging around DC, doing dull stuff like first dentist appointments and exciting things like leaping into the deep end of pools, climbing mountains and watching the antics of the new lion cubs at the zoo. Here are a few shots of our last month.....

Before we left DC, we spent an afternoon at the "Alice in Wonderland" park in Kiev.

A giant slide is a bit less scary with company...

Nothing like a gang of "big kids" to get Gio excited!

A reward for using the potty all day- a ride on the "giant white horsey."

Gio has a favorite spot in our park for dump truck play.  Lots of mud, of course.

We made it to the USA and quickly drove up to Erie, PA (my hometown) for the 4th of July.  Gio and Paolo hit the beach.

Back in DC for Gio's first football (soccer) practice with Coach T.

World Cup training...

And some Tour de France training....

A reunion with our beloved nanny, Hedvig.

Swimming with Nonna.

A self portrait.  I have no idea when/how Gio took this one.  Just found it on the camera!

A visit to Marianne's place near Charlottesville.  Hayride + barbeque + a dozen big kids= Gio heaven.

Soccer practice #2.  Learning to sit on the ball was a major accomplishment!

Always love these carseat pass outs. 

Lots of progress on our house in Italy!

Hmmm....will I be able to eat this entire cone??

First amusement park rides at Waldameer in Erie, PA.

I rode these same rides when I was a child!

Above video was taken at our dear friend Leslie Shapiro's house. 

In two weeks we head back to Kiev to be with Paolo and  Enzo.  Then in mid-August we head to Italy for a month (Paolo and Enzo by car).  We will spend  time in our new house (first floor now complete!) and then head to Tuscany for a week on the beach with Godpappas Tim & Jay.   

We hope all of you are enjoying your summers, wherever in the world you are.  For those of us living under this "heat dome," we hope your electricity is on, a pool is not far away and popsicles are stocked.  Hugs and love from the Bellis.  Clara