15 More Sleeps.....

It has been a truly glorious September here in Kyiv.  It has not been warm but the sun has been out for a vast majority of the days and Maria, Enzo and I have enjoyed many pleasant hours in the parks near our apartment.  What a change from last September when all I remember is rain.  Paolo has been working harder than ever.  His big project is ending and with that comes constant travel and meetings.  We will ALL be glad when it is over.  And then, finally, Paolo can think about where we might want to go next.

Paolo leaves next week for Washington.  Gio, Maria and I will join him the following week (in 15 more sleeps!).  I am dreading the trip itself but cannot wait to be in the USA for two weeks.  There is a LOT of practical stuff we must do (dentist, pediatrician, Maria urologist, school visits, etc) but in between all of that we have so many friends and family to see and favorite spots to visit (Montrose Park, Starbucks, 5 Guys Burgers, Surfside......).  We also must prepare for that all-important US holiday- HALLOWEEN!!!
Meanwhile, here are some images from the last few weeks here in Kyiv...

Cats are weird.

Gio sometimes takes a break from his "big boy" Legos to play with Maria's set. 

Photo sent from Gio's teacher.  Gio takes his snack time very seriously.
She did not report if he cleaned this all up!

Yep, the project is a big one.  Even the paper it is written on is gigantic!

Just a typical morning at home.  Pepper is always near Maria (but not too near!).
Enzo just waits by the door for the next chance to go out. 

When Maria is napping Pepper finds other places to hang out. 

It never stops amazing me how men dress here in Kyiv.  

A Sunday afternoon spent mushroom hunting (with no luck as it had not rained in nearly a month!).

Someone developed a new love for oranges.

She also developed a new habit of waking at 5AM each and EVERY morning. 

I find it less amusing than she does. 

Milk Bar...again.  Gio now goes behind the bar to supervise his milkshake making.

Hair-styling by Gio!

Some bedtime reading. 

Gio's team for a community building project.  They created their own TV station (the boxes behind).

On the slide!

Yes, we are at Milk Bar again!

Maria went from no mobility at the beginning of this month to speed crawling in two weeks.  Her favorite destination if I take my eyes off her for a minute?  Pepper's food.  

Pepper is less than thrilled with this new development.

This week Paolo came to talk to all of the K/1 classes about his job and how he contributes to the community.  

He talked about the hospitals that he tries to make better.  The children then all had stories about the times they have been to the hospital.  It was a lively discussion!

I hope that October has started well for all of you!  Next post from USA!!