Sinterklaas in Boxtel and the railway museum

Saturday the Sint appeared at my work in Boxtel and again they were treated to a lively show. Although Nils was not feeling well, he still had a reasonably good time. At home he suffered from stomach aches and was a regular guest at our fascilities..Wende was at her best and shook hands with the Sint! She further danced away to the beat of the Sinterklaas songs and did nort seem to be scared of all these unknown kids. Sunday we did not went to the swimming pool because of Nils's stomach aches but went to the railway museum .. by train! We first drove to Geldermalsen by car and took the train To Utrecht from there because in that way we ould not have to wait too long in the cold at the station. From Utrecht central you have to switch trains and the last one had a special surprise! All the children (and some of the dads) were allowed to have a look at the drivers. The kids loved it and they were also allowed to call the next station on the intercom and open all the doors with the big red button! The museum was cool too and so was the weather outside as we noticed when we went outside to the playground.

Nils 's first school report

The first report of Nils is a fact, we were very anxious to see how he was doing because we could not quite get information out of him how he was doing at school.. We don't see the teacher too often as well.. But he is doing okay, all good and positive but a little too easy distracted, hey that sounds familiar..

Preparing for the Sint

Sinterklaas is in holland again and Nils and Wende are allowed to put their shoe at the fireplace so Sinterklaas can fill them up with toys and candy. But as usual, sinterklaas must know that their shoes are set and that is why they have to sing a sinterklaas song into the chimney.
Dad went to check on the boat to make sure the engine would not burst when temperatures are below zero. He also found that they placed the boat only inches away from the next one.. Furthermore there is some damage on the rudder that has been there some time, probably someone bumped into it, bugger.
Dad was playing the saxophone last weekend and Ingmar found the blues harp and joined dad while accompanied by the stereoset. So cute.

And another testrun before december 10th

My two ladies

Saterday we went to Woerden for the annual welcoming of Sinterklaas. Maartje had an accident with hockey and was sadly confined to a wheelchair.

Both Wende and Lisette celebrated their birthdays tuesday and wednesday (in correct order).

So we planned the party for last sunday and almost everybody invited made it. Wende was thrilled with her electric dancing plaid and a sort of beatydesk to sit at and do her hair and girl stuff like that. Ofcourse also lots of other toys to play with so the following days the floor is littered with very small items, pieces of puzzels etc. My dad came over with the bus and it was great that he was able to join us for the party. We only missed the bus connection when he went back home again but we had a drink in a small bar and how many times do you get to do that with your dad?

What have I done..??

I heard that two councils, one of them our own, had decided to build a new swimming pool near our village. Great,a new one with a outdoor pool! But... ONe of the more religious local parties of the council next to ours only approved to the new build when it is made sure that the pool is closed on sunday's .. What? was my reaction, A small group of people is able to decide that we cannot swim on sundays anymore in the future? I have to drive 15 miles to the nearest pool when there is a pool next to our doorstep?
So I set up this free petition on the internet and put a posting on a local website.. Well things sure went fast:
http://www.digitaalburg.eu/wordpress3/2010/11/11/al-meer-dan-300-handtekeningen-voor-zwembad/#more-6005

And here for a rough translation

This link for the petition

I only wanted to show them that if they decide to close it on sundays, a lot of people will be very disappointed..

On tuesday there is meeting and I'm going to attend and ask them politely if they would reconsider their point of view regarding the sunday closure..

I just want to be able to swim on a sunday with my kids..

Busy busy busy

Sorry for not posting the last weekend but we've been so busy lately, anyhow, just before our next appointment here's a clip from our practise run with the jazz workshop with Ferdi Schukking.
In December we have to perform live for an audience but we still need a bit of practise.
The drummer is missing as you can hear but he should be back next week after a slight injury to his wrist.
Enjoy!

Wende's first day at school

Today was Wende's first day at school. In the beginning they only attend once a week so they get used to the idea. Wende had no trouble with the new surroundings and unknown kids. The teacher she already knew because she saw her a couple of times when mom delivered Nils to school. (Wende has the same teacher as Nils)