Mom-scholar

I have to learn the art of highlighting an article while riding the tram to pick up kids. We're talking advanced skills here. 

Stained glass

Just two of the gorgeous stained glass windows I've discovered on my runs. 

Fete aux Romanes

Today we went down to Wolubilis, the local arts centre, for the Fete aux Romanes. It's s street performers festival.  It was right in front of the Cook and Book so the kids played and watched the shows while Peter and I had beer/coffee. A very enjoyable afternoon. 

Ah, the fun you can have in a garage.

Bikes!

Well, we finally readjusted the handlebars and the kids took to the streets - bike, scooter and skateboard. 

Close but confusing

I'm quickly learning everything in Brussels is closer than you think. But nothing is in a straight line. I went for a run today with a general idea of where I was going. Yep, I got lost. At least the scenery was nice and I had my phone so I could get un-lost. Eventually. 

Maples!

Sam is home sick today so he joined me on my walk to the bakery. On the way back he noticed a maple leaf on the ground. And then another. He was so excited we took a picture. 

We took a different way home, following the leaves and discovered that one street down from us, the whole street is lined with maples. I guess we will get a bit of fall after all. 

Trampoline fun

At the Grand Placecthey had set up a trampoline "ride". 

Car-free day

Today was the annual car-free day in Brussels. Within the ring road no cars are allowed - ok there are exceptions and buses still run but it's a great day to explore the city. Between finishing homework in the morning and a birthday party in the afternoon we didn't have that much time but we did meet up with friends and explored the Grand Place area. 

Oh so natural

Arts and crafts heaven

Today I took a trip to the Brussels equivalent of Michaels with a group of spouses from Peter's work. Having just set up my art table this was good timing. 

This place is huge! So many options for projects! And they offer a lot of classes too. 

I decided to try out pastels. Something I haven't tried before. We'll see how it goes. 

Organising!!

With unpacking well underway, I can now get to one of my favourite things - organising. Coordinating calendars, making lists, filing and grouping papers. Ah. I feel much better. I can create systems and feel on top of things again! 

Sunday markets

Today was our first outing to a Sunday market. Markets are a big thing here. We got a late start so decided to skip the big one at Gare de Midi - supposed to be the biggest in Europe. Instead we went to Place Jourdan to walk the stalls and have frites for lunch. The market prices were not better than the stores, but rather a different way to shop. 

Settling in

Apparently Emily has made herself at home...

Reactions

It was fun watching the reactions while we were unpacking boxes today. Here's what everyone was most excited to have back: 

Calvin: his Harry Potter books

Emily: dress up clothes

Sam: his trucks

Peter: doggie and dino ( his old stuff toys from childhood) 

Cynthia: honestly, our bed :) 

The reactions 😋

It's here!

Our sea shipment arrived today. 

The truck arrived as the kids waited at the bus stop. Big truck - narrow street! 

The unloading took most of the morning. 

They use these cool little lifts to bring things in through upper windows. 

And now the unpacking begins! I can't wait until the kids get home from school and reunite with their things. 

Will it fit?

Tomorrow the sea shipment arrives! We're trying to figure where to put it and if it will fit. Only time will tell.

It's coming...

Guess what this means...

Happiness (to the kids)

For my kids, apparently this is what happiness looks like. 

Veel speelplezier gegarandeerd!

Sammy's first birthday party invitation. "Lots of fun guaranteed" 👍

School Bus!!

Today was the first day for the kids to take the school bus. While Sam was disappointed it wasn't a yellow school bus, everything went well.