Luna Pics...

OK - I'm way behind on pictures, and I need to get caught up before I take anymore!  But, be patient, I'm not sure how long all of this is going to take me!

We went to pick up Papa at work last week, and since we were early, and since we had her bathing suit, and since they have a fountain; we had some fun!

And this was too funny.  Bas put Luna to bed one night while I was out.  I came home and headed into the loo to find this!  She had told Bas that the baby went peepee, but he didn't know that the baby was stranded in the process!

Stay Tuned for More Pics Later...

The Netherlands is in the Final!!!!!

For the first time since 1978 the Netherlands is in the World Cup Final!!!!  We watched the semi-final game against Uruguay last night at the Adidas World of Sports Complex, where Bas works.  They had the game playing on a big screen outside by the pond, so we invited some friends and had a picnic.  Luna got to stay up really late, and had a blast playing with other kids... not nerely as much fun as Bas had, though!

Elisa and T.J. are fellow Americans and T.J. is often on Facebook posting game reactions as we watch, so we thought it would be great to get together and share commentary in person!

We had planned a trip to the Alps this weekend, but since the WC only comes around every 4 years, and it's been 32 years since the last time they were in the final, we figured this just might be a once in a lifetime opportunity to be in the Netherlands while they play.  And I don't think Bas wants to be here if they end up playing Deutschland!

Thanks for joining us Elisa and T.J., we had a great time!

Currant Scones

My favorite from the tea party was the scones.  I had never made them before, and was quite pleased with how they turned out.  I couldn't find currants or Johannisbeeren so I used blueberries, and they were plenty good.

The Martha Stewart Living Cookbook - The New Classics

4 C flour, plus some fo rthe work surface
2 Tbsp granulated sugar
2 Tbsp baking powder
1 tsp baking soda
1 1/2 tsp salt
1 C cold, unslated butter, cut into small pieces, plus more for serving
1 1/4 C buttermilk
1 C currants of other berries
1 large egg, lightly beaten
1/4 Cup sanding sugar (regular granulated works as well)
preserves for serving

1. Preheat oven to 350.  Line a baking sheet with parchment paper; set aside.  In a large bowl, whisk together the flour, granulated sugar, baking powder, baking soda and salt.

2. Using the pastry cutter or 2 forks, cut the butter into the flour mixture until it resembles coarse meal.  Add the buttermilk and berries; stir to combine.

3. On a lightly floured surface, roll out the dough about 1 inch thick.  Keep the dough in a "circular" shape.  Using a dough cutter cut into 8 slices, like a pizza.

4. Lightly brush the top of each scone with beaten egg; sprinkle with sanding sugar.  Bake until golden, 20 to 25 minutes.  Transfer to a wire rack.  Serve with butter and preserves on the side.

Applesauce Muffins (For Jamie)

I made these for the ladies Tea, and Jamie requested the recipe, so here it is!  The recipe calls for homemade applesauce, but I used store bought.  Think they would be even better with homemade though!

From The Martha Stewart Living Cookbook - The New Classics

2 C flour
2 tsp ground cinnamon
1 tsp baking soda
3/4 tsp salt
1/2 tsp ground nutmeg
1/8 tsp ground clove
8 oz. unsalted butter, softened (2 sticks or 225 g.)
1 C sugar
1 1/2 C packed light brown sugar
4 large eggs
1 1/2 cups apple sauce
1 cup chopped pecans
1 pkg (8 oz) cream cheese, room temp.

1. Preheat oven to 350.  Line stnadard muffin tin with paper liners.  Sift the flour, cinnamon, baking soda, salt, nutmeg and cloves together into a medium bowl.  Set aside.

2. Put 8 Tbsps (1 stick) butter, sugar, and 1/2 cup brown sugar in a bowl and cream together with an electric mixer.  Mix on medium until smooth, about 3 minutes.  Mix in the eggs, 1 at a time.  On low speed, mix in the apple sauce and then the flour mixture.  Stir in nuts by hand.

3. Divide the batter among the muffin cups, filling each about 3/4 full.  Bake until tester comes out clean, 18 - 20 minutes.  Let cool completely in the tins on a wire rack.

4. Meanwhile, in a clean bowl, mix the cream cheese and remaining butter (1 stick) and 1 cup brown sugar on medium speed until smooth.  Spread the cream cheese frosting on the muffins.  Can be refrigerated in airtight containers up to 2 days.  (I stored them on my counter, covered for like a week, and they were still good!)

Happy Independence Day!

We didn't bring our decorating stuff for the 4th (bunting, flags, etc.) from the states, we left it in storage - so I had to get creative.  Made these firecrackers out of paper.  Loved the way they looked on the table runner you made me Mom!

Some balloons, streamers and sidewalk chalk did the rest.

Bas and I made a corn-hole game for the event, but I have a feeling it will come in handy in the future!

Luna was decked out in red, white and blue of course, but had to put on the tutu swimsuit Gramma sent as soon as she saw the pool!

We had a quite a mix celebrating the 4th with us today... 5 American families, 2 British families, a Greek / Welsh family, a Dutch / Danish family and our German neighbors! (Hope I didn't leave anyone out!) 

The cook... sporting his "Holland" hat in support of his team!

Everybody loved the pies Mom - especially the peach (your recipes!)

Love this picture!

What a life!

Thought this was an adorable shot, too...

And sorry John, your eyes were closed, but I still love this picture!

American as Apple Pies... (and peach, too!)

3 stars and stripes pies ready for our celebration on Sunday!

First one (apple) prior to baking...

and after...

Second one, also apple, before and after...

This was my first time doing a lattice.  Casserole dish seems to have worked pretty well!

And the last one is peach.

Poopy Party at our House!

Lulu stayed dry at school today, and also had her second poop on the potty.  Destined to be a star I tell you!  Here is the operation we have rigged up in the bathroom... this way she can go without help...

The step stool wasn't high enough, so we're using our storage box.  The step stool is then used for washing hands.  She can climb up on the toilet, but with the seat liner can't get sat down properly, this way she can get it all done alone.  The toilet paper has even been moved to sit on top of the can for spares...

I wanted to get her to do it on her own not just for my sake, but also because I know at school that she isn't likely to get the help she needs right away.  Hopefully this way she won't be scared to do it alone.  (Fortunately the potties are shorter there!)