Off to Italy for the Summer!

The end of the school year is always crazy here but this June has been particularly busy with far too many good-byes as an unusual number of families are moving away from Ukraine this summer.  Poor Gio has lost every one of his 5 best friends.  Definitely a downside of the ex-pat life. I am fitting in one more Kyiv-based blog entry before we relocate to Italy for the  next two months....

My super boy on his way to school. 

Enzo and his daughter Enzita (she belongs to our wonderful dog-walker Lucy)!

For the last two months I have been taking Gio out of school early once/week to have a Mamma-Gio date.  It is a rare opportunity to have some one-on-one time and I love every minute.  We usually go to our favorite spot, Milk Bar, for Uno and grilled cheese sandwiches....  

...and red velvet cake!

Spring time means the stilettos get even steeper!

Gio feels it is time for Maria to learn her letters....

We spent a lot of afternoons in the sandbox with Maria's main man, Jackson. 

In June Maria finally perfected her roll.  Her very first one was onto Enzo- a perfect spot to land!

We brought Maria to Milk Bar.  She was very disappointed that we did not order her any red velvet cake.  

Another weekend, another going away party.... Sigh.  

Big brother swing time.  No better way to spend a sunny afternoon. 

Maria eats an apple nearly every day.  She LOVES them!

Hanging out with sweet Pepper.   

Baby's first mojito.  

Don't panic.  It was a virgin one!

Every morning after we watch Gio get on the bus we have some sand time with Enzo. 

Gio took a field trip to the zoo. 

We had quite a few rainy afternoons so Maria, Gio and I often ended up at the play area in Ocean Plaza. 

More morning sand time....

Enzo and his best friend Annuta.  

Maria discovered the joys of grocery shopping!

Snacks help...

One lazy weekend morning we all took a trip to the hair salon so the boys could get their hair cut.  

Maria adores her other big brother!

Bath time is always a hit for Maria!

Another Wednesday, another Milk Bar date with Gio.  On this one he discovered their amazing milk shakes! 

Another raining afternoon spent at Happylon!

Gio won the jackpot- 500 tickets!

Megamarket began carrying maple syrup. Now if they would just get some brown sugar!

Final book club of the year!

Watermelon!

An interesting hair day....

Pepper had a bad accident- falling from our balcony and getting hit by a car.  He ended up needing his back left leg amputated.  The day he came home from the hospital he immediately climbed to his favorite perch 7 feet off the ground.  Amazing cat!

Summer in Ukraine....

We often spend time on the swings while we wait for Gio's bus to bring him home at 2:15.

Gio's class. 

Yes, we had a lot of rain this spring! 

And, yep, he won the jackpot AGAIN!  Got to get this boy to Vegas!

Sometimes I resort to this to try to rouse Gio in the mornings.  Not an easy task!

Fashion choices in Ukraine are often alarming.  This was a 60-ish man sporting this belt!

Pepper found a new favorite spot in Paolo's old briefcase.  

Graduating from pre-school earned Gio cake AND a milkshake!

 

The day after graduation the boys (all 4 of them!) headed off for the 3 day drive to Italy.  Maria and I will fly to join them on Monday.

An ice cream ad in Ukraine.  Sigh.  (Photo courtesy of my friend Andrea HK- thanks!)

A raspberry walk. 

And, for those of you who are amused by Maria's mealtime antics....

Happy Summer to all!  Next post from Italy....

Maria rolled....

Maria is taking her own sweet time on physical milestones.  I would probably be a nervous wreck about it if Gio had not been the exact same way.  So here, quite a few months behind most other babies, is her new roll.....

*Note my favorite part:  When the dog and cat hair in the carpet interfere with her finger sucking!

(Apologies for doing the old iphone vertical camera thing- it was super early in the morning!)

Mid-May Doldrums

Grump grump grump. Normally I love this time of year.  It is warm, the flowers are blooming, Ukrainians are finally smiling and summer is fast approaching. However this year I am not feeling it so much.  This is a uniquely ex-pat complaint but right now it feels like every one of my friends is leaving this summer.  Yes, there is a bigger exodus this year than most thanks to the political situation here, and with most families moving on after being in a place 3-4 years, many of the families who arrived with us here are packing up.  Yet we remain.  Sigh.  I know our time will come when we are filling out packing lists and arranging for flights for our pets but for now we have no idea when we will leave or where we will go.  I am getting antsy and eager to start a new adventure and hearing about everyone else's plans does make the jealous monster rear its ugly head.  Where are my friends heading in the next few months?  The list is so varied: Saudi Arabia, Korea, Dominican Republic, Belgium, Zambia, Rome, China, San Francisco, India.

I am sorry about the whining and also to the many dear friends who are staying here along with us.  I am not forgetting you- just goodbyes are hard for me and with so many this year my head is spinning.

Anyway, I do have two blissful months in Italy to look forward to so I really should not be feeling too sorry for myself.  Hard to believe we will celebrate Maria's 1st birthday during that time!  WoW!

And, so, as always, some glimpses of our lives over the last few weeks.....

Maria's favorite food?  Spinach tortelli!

Here is a video of Maria "mastering" cup drinking. 

How to make Maria laugh hysterically? Have Gio undress in front of her....
Or play peek-a-boo in the tub with her!

Best way to wake Gio these days?  Stick his sister in bed with him.  They both love it!

And, as always, some shots of Maria eating!

First time with a brussel sprout (my favorite food!)

and the verdict is....

Fabulous!  Yes, she is definitely MY daughter!

Video of Gio dancing to some Russian folk music....

Sandbox time at Shevchenko Park!

Just like her brother, Maria is very attached to her "Big Tom" stuffed dog.  Luckily Gio had quite a few and very generously gave her one.  

Yesterday Enzo visited Gio's class.
They are studying animals right now and each family was invited to bring in a pet if they wished.  

Enzo was very patient with all of the kid-love!

And spent the remainder of the day passed out near the A/C vent!
20 minutes with preschoolers is quite enough for our lazy beast!