Riding the Bus

This was my first week on the new schedule. The weather was noticeably cooler and less humid, with a hint of fall in the air, but altogether quite pleasant after the fierce heat of August.

Now that big brother is in school, some times we go farther from home. The week before last we went to a store on foot. The store had children's shopping carts, and David enjoyed pushing one around with the few items I was buying. I do have to watch him closely to make sure that he does not start going too fast and run into someone.

This week, we had a big adventure riding the bus a couple of mornings, first to the toddler story time at the library, and another day to a playground. Since classes at the neighborhood elementary school have resumed, the playground isn't open for us to use during the school day.

He was quite good the whole time, mostly just quietly watching and taking things in. On the first day I didn't quite have the hang of folding up the stroller, so it would start unfolding while I was carrying it and trying to hold on to David's hand getting on and off the bus. The next day I found the plastic clasp to hold it closed, so it was easier. Grandmas don't know all these things. I never had a folding stroller when my kids were his age.

About twenty or so kids with their moms or grandmas joined in the session at the library, which featured some songs, and a few story books about counting or the alphabet. He mostly preferred to stand close to me during the program except for taking a few steps for one closer look. Altogether he was fine.

By now he is used to me, unlike the week his mom and I were helpers at Vacation Bible School, which was just as I was moving here this summer. For that David definitely preferred being with his mom for most of the time we were there. Most of last year his parents cared for him themselves at home because they were working different schedules.

I'm happy that he is comfortable enough with me now that I can take him places. That is a big plus.

The playground was one that he was quite familiar with, as his parents have taken him there many times. There were lots of other kids his age, and he wasn't shy about joining in. He liked a twirling donut-shaped swing, and shared one ride on it with a little girl.

Afterwards I did a couple of errands before we hopped a bus for home. David played inside until lunch .

Altogether it was a fun week.