Games, Candy, Carnivals, Care Packages

Hello, friends!  Monday, again.  Another week to conquer. 


Where did we leave off last week?  Wednesday?  I'm totally not on top of my game anymore :s 


Last Thursday Ty had a game in France that they won.  YAY!  I think the bus ride was about 4 hours long and he got back around 2:30ish so I was definitely asleep.  I can barely remember letting him into the apartment; completely out of it.  Yesterday they had their first home game and it was also fan day; unfortunately, they lost.  Everyone here associated with the team has been incredibly kind and welcoming to me.  It's very nice that a lot of them can speak some English and I can talk to people at the games.  I sat next to the coach's wife and children and they are very nice.  I met them at the barbecue we had a couple of weeks ago.  Also, Mike Singletary said his wife might be coming this week.  I'm pretty happy about that.  I was thrilled to watch Tyrel play, again.  I haven't really seen him play since last April (other than the benefit game he played in this summer).  Here are some of the pictures I took at the game: 

Miniature dancers/cheerleaders!  They were sooo cute. 

It's funny to see all the kids get out and play on the court before and after the game and at half time.  There were even teeny tiny kids out there!

The Voo Dancers lined up for the player introductions.

Some action shots.

Ty in there doing his thing.

One thing that stood out to me was that they start out shooting on opposite sides than in college in the States.  For the first half you shoot on the side of your bench and then switch to the opposite side the second half (I guess like the NBA).

It will definitely take some getting used to when watching this style of basketball.  I don't really know how to explain it, but it's a lot different than what I'm used to seeing.  The shorter shot clock definitely has something to do with it, and it's a very physical game out there.

Here's a picture of Ty's bus:

They roll big time in the Mercedes charter bus.

Last Thursday when Ty had his game in France, I made some comfort food.  Baked-potato soup and homemade artisan bread. 

This is the EASIEST bread you will ever make.  A lot of people are scared and intimidated about making yeast bread, and I think this is a really great starter recipe.  There's virtually no kneading; pretty much add ingredients, stir, rise, and bake.  It isn't the fluffiest, lightest bread, but it is amazing with a bowl of soup or some pasta.  It's really basic and you could add anything you want to it.  Next time, I may add some Italian seasoning and garlic.  I warn you about the steam, though!  You put a baking dish full of water in the oven while baking this to create steam and a crispy crust.  When you open the oven door, let the steam rush out before you stick your hand in!  I got a nasty steam burn on my fingers and it does NOT feel good.  

This soup is exactly what I think of when I imagine baked-potato soup.  I hate when you go to a restaurant and order potato soup and it's really like a bowl of lumpy mashed potatoes.  I caramelized the onions instead of just sauteing them and I think it added a nice depth to the soup.  And instead of regular broth, I used chicken bouillon and water since it's easier to find over here (and cheaper).  Baking the potatoes before you put them in the soup and letting them warm up is a big plus.  By doing this, I feel it keeps the soup from getting too starchy and lets the potatoes keep their shape.  So when the weather is cool and rainy, make soup and bread!

Right after I posted my cinnamon rolls last week, I found a link for cinnamon roll baked oatmeal.  I should probably settle for that route instead of the real cinnamon rolls most days of the week; it seems to be a little bit more of a healthier decision.  

And more about food.....the ice cream place we go to is really good.  And every time we go there the same guy helps us...but the funny thing is that the price changes EVERY time we've gone!  And we get the same thing.  Maybe they just go off of whatever they feel like charging that day.  We usually get a scoop of ice cream in a cup with whipped cream and a wafer cookie.  The whipped cream is ridiculously good.  The first time we went, it was €1, 18; the second time it was only €0,80; and this time it was €1,50!!!  I have no clue why the price keeps changing.  Maybe they have ice cream happy hours or something.  

So Tyrel LOVES candy.  It's a crazy scary love.  I find wrappers all over the house.  He's like a little sugar fiend.  

Empty liter soda bottle sitting on top of the remnants of two waffles with nutella.

You can't really tell...but another soda bottle and he has candy wrappers all around him on the couch.

Quickly trying to hide the evidence as I was taking a picture.

It doesn't help that his stock of candy tremendously multiplied today with the arrival of a care package!  Our parents put together some stuff we needed/forgot and stuff we miss over here.  Tyrel's goods include a large variety of candy while mine was cooking/baking essentials.  We were SOOO excited to finally have the package arrive.  Poor Ty had to carry the awkwardly big 30 pound box from the post office to our apartment :s 

So excited we finally have it :] 

Ty digging in.  I let him handle opening the box with our dull knife.

Got some of his KU gear shipped over :]

Some goods for me!!!

Thanks, mom!  Got a Women's Health and some Jillian to keep me motivated over here.

Maybe I can brush up on some French so I can talk to people :D

FOOOOOD 

Yay for cooking supplies!!! (and contacts) I got some bowls, knives, spoons, disposable baking dishes, my apron, and oven mitts.  

Tyrel's newly acquired candy stash.  I think he's a little bit spoiled.

Thank you very much to our parents who sent us lots of items we needed (especially the compact umbrella)!  

There has also been a carnival going on outside of our apartment.  It started September 9th and goes on until the 20th.  I took some pictures of it; mostly everything looks the same as the ones we have.

This was pretty cool and this kids were super cute when trying to move around in the giant balls!

He was a pro.

Tyrel sucked in by the bright colors and lights ;]

Definitely in Europe...soccer balls instead of basketballs.

And here's a random picture I took in the middle of the shopping area.  Sometimes I go here and hang out and people watch during the day.  When it's warm, the kids like to play around in the water that shoots up.

I've been contemplating what book I want to pick up next.  Ones I've been looking at are Night Circus, My Name is Memory, and One Day.  I'll probably end up reading all of them sooner or later.  Night Circus just looks REALLY interesting.  If you have any suggestions let me know!

Have a great week :]  Lots of love.