Shopping

On Thursdays we always visit the organic farmers market on Kollwitzplatz. My oldest walked a lot by my side, only to sit in the stroller as soon as she got tired. With the twins it’s somewhat different for they could run in two different directions. They don’t get to walk around a lot by themselves, except for when we visit this market. Today we also had to buy some presents. just around the corner from the market. It was the first time I both had them walk there by themselves. Many, many interesting things to see along the way. Around the corner took me about an hour back and forth

Leaf

An honest confession: I’m not the most creative mum around. My grandma, my aunts, my mum and both my sisters are really good at crafts. Being creative and all. Me not so much. It has been bugging me, but I accepted it about ten years ago. Now, with the girls, I sometimes wish I was this infinitely creative mum, but I have other qualities. And the girls are just as happy painting some leafs we found once in a while.

Little Bike

She can ride her bicycle without the training wheels, since the end of august. Today it’s the first time she may ride on the big road next to daddy. And also the last time for now as far as I’m concerned. Terrifying

Apples and Pumpkins

 

My mum’s garden the fall edition. Pumpkins and apples. Humongous zucchini’s. We’ve been eating apple pies, apple gravy, applesauce, apple clafoutis, pumpkins soup, roasted pumpkin, pumpkin risotto, pumpkin sauce and loads of zucchini soup. Let’s see what it has to offer next spring

Great-grandma’s Kitchen

When we’re in the Netherlands for a longer period we try to drive up to our youngest great-grandmother to have lunch. She cooks in the most old-fashioned Dutch style possible. I always love the food she makes.

When I want to know something about a Dutch stew, meatballs or a vegetable soup the old-fashioned way I always call her. Now the girls can enjoy her old school cooking. Vegetable soup with meatballs, cooked pears, simmered meat, tutti frutti, boiled potatoes and chicory  topped with breadcrumbs. They love it (surprisingly enough even the well-cookes chicory)

Beach

Something we try to do every time we’re in the Netherlands: Go to the beach. We used to go there quite often, walking the dog. I’m not really the laying on the beach, tanning type. Beach walks is what it’s about. What I love most about beaches is the feeling of freedom. With the sea as far as the eye can see on your side 

Today we visited Wijk aan Zee. The the sea on one side, the Tata steel factory on the other. Some find the factory rather disturbing. It never really troubled me. It’s a quiet beach, mostly people with dogs or surfboards. There are two beach bars with a very relaxed atmosphere: Aloha and Timboektoe. Including some live music on this Sunday afternoon.