Just after Luna turns a year and a half old, she attends another meeting with the toddlers from the mothers that were in Esther-Mirjam's birthing class (left and right). Amazingly, Luna used to be the smallest and now appears the tallest of the children.

Luna has lots of fun celebrating Father's Day. She is so very, very happy to have papa in her life, as is her mom (below left). When visiting Opa Ben, Luna enjoys dancing with her grandparents (below middle). Or is the pleasure all grandpa and grandma's? Opa Tano is lucky to receive one of the first of Luna's drawings (below right). Luna much prefers to draw on her hands instead of the paper!

When the baby swimming group has an Orange party in support of the Dutch soccer team playing in the World Cup, Luna and Esther-Mirjam join in the fun, of course. Luna is especially excited about her Holland cap.

When Tante Edna and Ome Bob get married on June 22, Luna joins the party ...

... while her mama and papa very much look forward to their own wedding on July 13.

Luna gets to fly to the United States for the third time in her young life, which is more than many a Dutch toddler can say. She has fun walking around the airplane and playing with fellow children (row above). In Detroit, she is fascinated by the water fountain (top left). The hotel in Grinnell has plenty of space for Luna and her mom (top right). A trip to Wal Mart is needed for toddler supplies (bottom left). The grocery store, grocery cart, and car are about three times the size of their Dutch equivalents. Kate, a Grinnell College student, takes care of Luna when Esther-Mirjam has conference obligations. All in all, Luna is a very easy-going and happy young lady during the entire trip, even showing off her newly acquired nose-wiping skills (row below).

At a year and a half, it is high time for Luna to learn to eat by herself. Our Moon child is quite excited about this, as is her mom's washing machine (row below).

When Luna's day care center has a summer party, our party girl is present, of course. Because of the theme of the party, she gets a sun on one cheek (below left). Because of her name, she gets a moon on the other (right). Luna is especially interested in the musical instruments (below middle).

When a heat wave hits the Netherlands, Luna and her parents take refuge at the pool. Luna tries to get papa (left) to go for a walk with her (below left). She is not crazy about the swing (right), but much prefers to hang out in the water with mama (below right). Hans has taught Luna to drink out of a bottle (below middle). Such manners!

Hip, Hip, Hurray! Opa Ben celebrates his 57th birthday! Luna is sooo happy to be able to join the celebration.

We all feel very fortunate to have Opa Ben with us. Next to mama and papa, opa is Luna's favorite word!

Luna is now able to drink something using a straw (left) or sipping from a cup. However, the best use of the straw as far as Luna is concerned involves making a mess (top right). With so much drinking, it is high time to teach Luna all about potty training (bottom right).

After papa and mama have finalized their wedding preparations ...

... Luna gets to play in the water fountain in front of the city hall.

When the city of Deventer has a stilts festival (below middle), Luna and her parents spend a lovely Sunday afternoon there (below left). Luna is happy to be able to walk on her own legs now, let alone on stilts (below right).

Hip, Hip, Hurray!

Nineteen months old!

and

Papa and mama get married!

Two celebrations are combined on Thursday, July 13. While Luna celebrates her Month Day, papa and mama get married in the church in Hoog Soeren (top left). All children are involved in the ceremony. Lenneke is one of the witnesses, Aafke reads a poem, Sanne is the wedding attendant, Lotte looks after Luna, Ruben brings the rings, and Luna brings the pen. Afterwards, papa and mama have a party in their garden, during which they cut the wedding cake under Ruben's watchful eye (top right). Esther-Mirjam and Hans are so happy to have found each other (bottom left) and hope to create a warm, welcoming home for (from left to right) Lenneke, Aafke, Luna, Ruben, Sanne, and Lotte (bottom right).