A Week Off from School....

This past week has been quite relaxing without the usual frenzy of trying not to be over an hour late to school each morning (yes, our goal is not even to be ON TIME, but to at least not be more than one hour late!).  The weather has mostly cooperated, so Gio has spent his mornings romping in the park with his friends Theodore (aka "The Door") and Grace.  Today Paolo took the day off and a large group of us met at the Dreamtown Water Park.  This place is difficult to describe, and as cameras are not permitted, also to document.  I did sneak in one rather lame one while we were having lunch.  The place is on the 3rd floor of a giant mall and is at least 3 football fields long.  There are 2 wave pools, 2 "lazy rivers", at least 18 giant, twisting slides for all levels from Gio age up to fearless adults, giant dinosaurs, whales and sharks all around and an enormous pool just for children complete with slides, paddle boats and fountains.  Needless to say, we kept busy.  Our good friend Kirsten came with her 5 children who kept Gio and Grace happy and entertained.  My only complaint about the place is how tough it was to convince Gio that we had to go home!
Here are some images from our last week....

Further proof that only out-of-date Western acts make it to Ukraine....

Enzo's newest best friend is a Malamute puppy named "Yoof".

They have similar play styles- that is, they prefer to just sit on each other rather than to run. 

Yoof and Gio are also good friends.  Yoof's Enzo breaks are usually spent near Gio's feet.

Here is Dreamtown Mall as seen from the Metro exit.  The entire top floor of this massive place is an indoor water park.

And in true Ukranian-style, this fancy new mall looks directly across the street to dilapidated Soviet-era apartment blocks.  

What does Enzo do while we are at the water park?  He stays behind with Laryssa and "helps" with the laundry.

Sorry- photos are, as always, out of order.  Here is a shot from last night.  Gio, who likes to wear his scooter helmet even in the playground, is often a hit with the bigger Ukranian boys.  This sweet fellow followed Gio around for nearly an hour helping him climb up things and bounce on the see saw.  

On our metro ride to the water park.  Paolo, on the left, is still in his winter boots.  Mark, on the right, chose a bit more appropriate footwear for the day's activity (and warm weather!).

A clandestine photo of the water park....

A sure sign of spring?  The ice cream kiosk has returned to the park.  Along with the beer  tent, of course! What else do you need on a warm spring day anyway?

So a happy spring to you all.  May you find a cozy spot to take a nap this weekend!