Wow, there went a month

To save us both some time, the last month review will happen via bullet points:

• Amazing first trip to Kruger Park
• Proud new owners of a Wild Card
• Wedding in Staten Island NY and Hartford family visit!
• Whirlwind DC visit for work
• BBB, Target, WE runs to fill suitcases with household goods
• Return to Maputo
• Apartment ready for move in
• Purchase of 2 mattresses, a sofa, and a kitchen
• Urgent dental appt in South Africa
• Car died - and revived
• Friends in town from the US/Swaziland!
• and a Bday trip to Xai Xai beach

While comprehensive, the bullet point method seems pretty boring so I'll elaborate on the highlights.

Move-in-day-power-outage picnic dinner on the floor

Finally got the keys!!

Congrats Audrey and Morgan!

 We had an incredible visit to NY for the beautiful wedding celebration of Ryan's cousin and lots of quality family time.  In addition to the after-after parties, delicious food, and a trip on the Staten Island Ferry into the city, another favorite moment was at Bed Bath and Beyond with the talented Donna Hartford advising on curtain choices.  Even from far away and having never seen our apartment - she nailed it!  (thanks mom)

Staten Island Ferry

Sisters

We were also fortunate enough to already welcome our first house guests - exactly two days after we moved in!  We warned them it would be a bit like camping and scrambled to get the essentials - clean water, wine, yogurt, and a barbecue.  Fortunately we have incredibly gracious friends who helped unwrap and then wash everything before using it as we christened the kitchen for our first homemade meal. 

Next up was an unbelievable beach trip to Xai Xai.  For those pondering a visit here, set your Kayak trip alert now because we found our go-to beachy weekend destination and it's gorgeous!
You get a feel for how vast and beautiful Mozambique is driving up the main highway to this pristine beach.

We still have so much more to explore!