Channel crossing

One of the clear benefits to moving to London was always supposed to be proximity to continental Europe, the chance to survey the great cities of the old world, so many of which are a quick flight or even train ride away. The reality, of course, is that getting the kids out the door to the neighborhood playground is difficult enough; we simply have not gotten ourselves organized enough to pack everyone up for a weekend journey, especially to somewhere involving a passport.

Now, with the weather improving, and our routine getting a bit more established, we finally hopped aboard the Eurostar this weekend, for our first European weekend getaway. We went to Brussels, a mere 2 hours from St. Pancras station (which is stunning), to visit our friends the De Bonis, who we last saw back in October. And it was a fabulous time, replete with a visit to old Brussels, a modern dance concert (parents only), a feast of real Belgian frites, lots of hanging out time in the De Boni's great house and neighborhood. Sadie and Parker continued to get to know the different De Boni kids, with especially Sadie and Artiemy starting to hit it off (at moments!).

Traveling with these two still ain't easy. Although the train ride was 'only' two hours, it was an exhausting two hours of restraining/distracting/chasing Parker. I'm hoping that for our next such trip in a few months time Parker will be a tad less antsy (wishful thinking!) He also has trouble sleeping in new places and the first night was involved precious little sleep for Parker, Karen or myself. So we're all pretty knackered, but it was worth it!