September 2010

We spent a pleasant mid-September afternoon in the Tivoli Gardens, much to Thomas' delight. 

Starting out with a couple of fairground games, it wasn't long before Thomas and Jonathan found themselves piloting a light aircraft (they controlled the up and down mechanism themselves!), shooting at a pirate ship with a water cannon, enjoying a first taste of candy floss, and whizzing around on a small roller coaster.

Tivoli also boasts quite a large playground, with scenic views over the rest of the park and challenging structures to climb all over.

One of the many restaurants served kid-friendly Italian food, which both boys got stuck right into before Thomas moved on to the veteran cars, another go on the roller coaster, and finally a Ferris wheel ride with mum.  Riding home on the top of the double-decker bus, Thomas couldn't wipe the grin off his face!

James is settling in nicely at the day care, having finally accustomed himself to the new routine.  He's in the same group that Thomas was (the "Turtle" group), but the staff have had to come to terms with the fact that he's quite a different character: all sweetness and joy one minute, throwing himself on the floor the next in a fit of temper for seemingly no reason.

James' "house", a collage of photos of family which he can go and visit on the wall of the nursery - if it looks familiar, that's because it's very similar to Thomas' old one which is now on the wall of their room!

Both boys do seem to enjoy their busy days, but sometimes they come home all tuckered out. 

Some of James' new daycare-inspired tricks include: attempting to climb into his own high chair, riding his baby-walker wagon around like a scooter, dancing to music, and building towers of blocks and cups rather than just destroying them.

Back at home, the boys like to relax in front of the telly, although that doesn't stop themselves from challenging themselves physically, either by climbing up onto furniture, dancing, chasing each other around the sofa or generally clowning around.

We "chat" periodically with Mormor or Grandpa Ken over Skype; besides keeping us in touch, it helps the boys to be familiar with them already when we see them on our yearly trip to Canada.  Because of time differences it often coincides with dinner preparation time, but given that it's all a bit chaotic anyway, we don't let that get in the way.

Updated 27.9.10