Eliot's Travels

This morning we had our first gym class in Ypenburg (Delft side of Den Haag) that a friend recommended for 2-4 year olds. Because the weather called for rain (are you seeing the trend yet?!), we decided to take the bus. Not knowing exactly where the building was, we got off at the stop that seemed right. Miles and Eliot had each brought their umbrella, as I had. It was raining when we jumped off the bus. The further we walked, the harder it rained. It was so bad - coming in sideways in a complete downpour - that we stopped 2 times under the awnings of townhomes along our way. We weren't wearing raincoats (just fleece and umbrellas); Eliot walked and I carried Miles on my arm for our 20-minute walk, so we were completely drenched when we got there. It's time to get some real raingear.

The class was pretty low key but lots of fun for the boys. We ran, played stop and go to music, did an obstacle course, and turned somersaults (the kids; I would have hurt myself). Since most (all) 4 -year-olds are in school, Eliot is the oldest in the class; Miles is the youngest being just shy of 2. The boys were quite outgoing. Carol commented that she couldn't believe Miles was not yet 2, being as coordinated as he was and showing no fear. I told her that chasing his big brother helped. The cutest moment was when the teacher called Eliot out to do the obstacle course by himself; as soon as Eliot started, Miles followed jumping, doing figure 8s, and climbing right behind his big brother. Anything brother does, so must Miles. Pretty fun!

We realized the tram was closer and easier to take home. So we took No. 15 and transferred to No. 1 back toward Delft station. We got stopped at the lifting bridge to let two barges through. The first barge had a cage on top by the captains deck. Inside the cage was a plastic slide and play things. Such is the life for a toddler on a barge, I suppose. We passed the second one as we crossed the canal and turned toward Delft.

For dinner, we went out to eat at the Wijnhaven restaurant for their Sun&Mon daily special - only 5 euro. On our walk home, we realized it was getting quite cool. It felt like a November evening in Boulder. Fall is coming. It is still August, right?

posted by Whitney @ 1:31 PM