Soundbridge

Continuing on with our fun filled week (or attempt at one, anyway), yesterday I took Koen downtown to Benaroya Hall where the Seattle Symphony performs. They have a neat little music studio for kids called Soundbridge, where there are all sorts of instruments for little ones to test out. We also conveniently timed our visit with the musical story time they offer (of course we never miss a story time). The story time had a jazz theme that day. They brought out a marimba and a trombone for the kids to try out, and then read a book called "The Jazz Fly". Koen sat very still and followed all of her instructions...when to clap your hands, when to play the 'air saxophone', etc. I had no idea he'd be that enthralled. Maybe we'll buy their cheap membership and go more often. Besides, it's conveniently located right down the street from Pike's Place Market. And I just can't resist a stroll through the market! We did manage to sneak over there and share a strawberry and Nutella crepe (also can't resist those!) before catching the bus back home. What a fun little field trip...I look forward to next time.

Here are some pics of our musician-in-training:









Also, today was our turn to host the PEPS toddlers. I made some zucchini bread for the event and we had about five kids and their moms show up. It turned out to be a really fun morning. Koen was unusually energetic and social...I hate to say it out loud, but he might be coming out of his shell a little? He didn't hesitate a bit when all the kids climbed up to the table for a snack...climbing right up there with them. He brought out some of his favorite books to share with the kids, and I even caught him (out of the corner of my eye) having little 2 year old conversations with kids here and there. Who knows what they were discussing, or if they could even understand each other for that matter. But it was terribly cute. I've also noticed lately that his behavior gets a little rowdy toward the end of the party and afterward. He's a little uncooperative after all the kids have gone and likes to run around tossing toys and jumping on the couch. I guess being around all his friends gets him pumped up?

Oh, and he also learned a new 'phrase' from one of the kids today, which he has been shouting at me ever since this morning..."That's mine!" Great. Koen's never been very possessive about anything, but suddenly everything today was 'his'. :) Oh well.

And tonight, we went out on a movie date. The local community center hosts a family night movie once a month. They serve popcorn and drinks, and everybody comes in pajamas, with blankets and pillows. Tonight's feature was Brother Bear, a movie about a Native American hunter that dies and is reincarnated as a bear.  At least I think that was the plot.  It was a little hard to hear over all of the kids.  But Koen had sooo much fun, nonetheless.  He got his very own bag of popcorn and a little cup of lemonade.  We cuddled up together and watched the whole movie (I was sure he'd be done after about 20 minutes).  Every now and then, he'd look up at me and smile, sometimes rubbing my cheek with his hand.  And at one point he insisted that I close my eyes so he could rub my back and my feet.  :)  He is quite possibly the most tender little kid I've met.  Anyway, it was a fun wrap to the week.