Fun Things From Today (FTFT) 09-04-2015

Today went according to plan, which is pretty amazing considering there are five of us to coordinate.

When I asked Jack what his favorite part of the day was, he said all of it. (Side note: this does not mean that he didn't whine and complain throughout the day about everything... He still did that).

We took a canal boat tour after breakfast. This was the favorite for me and Reid. The city is gorgeous, filled with medieval architecture. We also enjoyed the low bridges and the variety of animals including swans and dogs.

We also toured the Half Moon Brewery, the only brewery within the canals in Bruges. It was cool to see the modern brewery works and then immediately see the old original brewery machinery. We even got to go up on the roof for a beautiful view of Bruges. Did I mention we also liked the beer? They brew a nice blonde and a tripel.

After lunch at the brewery, we took a short train ride to Ostend to play in the sand and see the sea. The boys really enjoyed digging their feet in the sand and having a good play. Colin was a little jealous, but since he's still putting everything in his mouth, I wasn't brave enough to let him play too. 

When we returned to Bruges and the hotel, Colin had a great time exploring and playing around our room. There are lots of things for him to pull up on and see, and he even figured out how to get through the doors!

So today was filled with a little something for everyone. 

Fun Things From Today (FTFT) 08-04-2015

We We went to Bruges today, and what a beautiful city it is!

We did a little wandering around after lunch, stopped in a chocolate shop, ate chocolates in the square. It was nice.

We also found a playground. This was by far the boys' favorite part of the day. They got to play around in the sand and go down huge slides.

For dinner, Steve got his mussels with white wine and I got to try Flemish stew. We both enjoyed our meals. Jack and Reid continue to enjoy the French fries.

 

Fun Things From Today (FTFT) 07-04-2015

So many fun things from today! We are off on our holiday to Belgium!

We rode 5 different trains today including the Eurostar, which was excellent. 

We explored around the Grand Place in Brussels. My favorite part of the day was getting Jack and Reid to really look at the architecture around the Place. All I had to do was ask how Jack would build the buildings in Minecraft. By the end, both boys were taking note of the gold details and beautiful stone carvings!

We also ate some waffles with chocolate and then immediately went for frites and juice (and beer for Mom and Dad)

The boys love the apartment we have rented for the night. So much so, we had to fight them to get them to leave it to get waffles!

Fun Things From Today (FTFT) 30-03-2015

I took the boys to the park this afternoon. Reid had fun digging up cars in the sand. Jack made a tunnel through the sand. It was a bit cold though, so we didn't stay long.

Colin pulled himself up to a stand today. 

Fun Things From Today and Yesterday (FTFT) 06-04-2015

Today was beautiful weather-wise. So we enjoyed the day at Bushy Park with Preston and Henry. 

Jack and Reid had a great time exercising their freedom by scooting fast down the paths and running through the fields.

Colin enjoyed a play on the picnic blanket with Henry. We attempted to teach him how to share, but he still needs some practice :). 

Yesterday was Easter, and the boys had a great morning. We woke up to Jack excitedly discovering the eggs the Easter bunny had left in their room. 

Both Jack and Reid really enjoyed their books from the bunny, and spent most of the morning reading. They also really enjoyed the chocolate. Reid spent most of the day sneaking extra pieces.

Colin seems to really like his Easter present too, a pop-up color toy. In fact, all three boys have been playing with that non-stop. 

Steve made a great beef roast and vegetables for Easter dinner. 

Fun things from today (FTFT) 03-04-2015

We were invited to a playdate at a school friend of Jack's. Both Jack and Reid had a fantastic time and were on their best behavior. George has a trampoline in his garden, and the boys absolutely loved it. 

After lunch, we came back home to meet up with Steve and have a little family time since he had the day off. We spent the afternoon in Kingston checking out the comic book store (Jack now has a Spider-Man comic), enjoying ice cream and coffee, and finding chocolate bunnies at the Lindt exhibition at the Bentall Centre. 

Fun Things From Today (FTFT) 29-03-2015

Reid had football this morning, and he found out he is moving up to the next class! He's super excited. 

Colin is just checking firsts of his list all over the place. Today he had real food - lasagna - for the first time. He seemed to like it. He's also pulling up on everything.

Jack enjoyed movie time by himself today. We all needed a rest after lunch, and Jack decided he wanted to watch his movie on the iPad in his bed.

Steve and I each managed to get a workout at the gym in today. He's got a plan from a trainer and I got to my yoga class.

Fun things from yesterday (FTFT) 28-03-2015

We went to the pool at the gym and had a great time swimming. Jack is really progressing on his front crawl and even tried turning his head to breathe! Reid loves to go under water all the time. He's getting better about keeping his mouth closed so he doesn't swallow so much water ;). And even Colin loves the pool and splashing!

Steve and Jack had a nice afternoon finding Steve a new suit. Reid and I figured out audiobooks. 

Fun things from today (FTFT) 27-03-2015

Reid, Colin, and I took the bus into Kingston to pick up Jack from school. On our walk back home, we stopped for ice cream. Jack had a come with a flake; Reid had a bubble gum flavored ice pop, and I had a chocolate mini milk. Yum!

We hired a sitter tonight, and Steve and I got to go out for drinks with some parents from Jack's school. All went well with the sitter, so it looks like we'll be able to do it again sometime!!

Fun things from today (FTFT) 26-03-2015

Colin had an amazing day. He got himself into a sit without any help! And then he started pulling up on everything into a kneeling, then even standing position! We also had some fun playing blocks and knocking over towers.

Jack got to cook at school today. They made chocolate nests with chocolate candy eggs. He seemed to really enjoy breaking the chocolate into bits to be melted. 

Reid said he had a good day at school too playing with his friend Alexander. He made some artwork, but we left it at school so it wouldn't be ruined in the sudden downpour we had to walk home in!

Steve got to visit Liverpool for work today. He's still traveling home, so no word yet on what it was like.

And I got to do a little shopping in Surbiton. I found some cute tops at a very reasonable price at Hoi Polloi. This is the second time I've popped in there on a whim and have made a great find!

First time for three boys in the tub!

Fun things from today (FTFT) 25-03-2015

The boys and I met Jack's friend from school and his family at the park. This was definitely the highlight of the day for Jack, Reid, and Colin. 

Jack had a great run around with Hari. Reid got to play in the sand and the swings. And Colin even got to ride in the swing for a bit, which he loved (lots of great laughs).

As for me, I got to nap while Colin did this morning. Win.

Fun Things From Today (FTFT) 24-03-2015

Jack was back at school today to enjoy Forest school. Apparently they made mud and had an egg hunt. 

I tried to teach Reid some letters today. It went alright. He liked putting his hands and finger in the tray of sugar, which isn't surprising considering his love of sand. 

Colin actually got two naps today. He slept for an hour this morning and about 30 minutes in the afternoon.

I took all three boys to the park after school, which they seemed to enjoy. Jack played on the obstacle course; Reid played in the sand (digging an underground train tunnel); Colin watched the trees and kids.

Steve sat down with Reid and played stickers this afternoon. They had fun creating an underwater animal scene. Then tonight, Steve got Jack to read an Elephant and Piggie book. When he finished, Steve commented that it was fun. Jack responded, "Yes, it wasn't as bad as I suspected!"