We were there during Tulip Time this year which was great. I love being there during Tulip Time which is somewhat cheesy and a little strange. Some people love it, some people hate it. Paul and I happen to be the ones who love it.
Three parades, junk food for blocks, a carnival, dutch dancing, miles and miles of tulips planted along the road, wooden shoes outside of every downtown store (people have to take them off to go inside) makes Holland seem like a totally different place. We spent a lot of time with our family and friends and it was amazing for as quick of a trip as it was how rejuvenating it was.
Wednesday night after we arrived we had dinner with Paul's parents and grandmother before heading downtown to watch my sister-in-law, Jenn, dutch dance.
Thursday, we had breakfast at the bakery with Bill and Di before we left Bill and headed to GR to see the Chihuly exhibit at the Frederik Meijer Gardens. It was just as cool as our permanent installation and the install we saw in St. Louis on our honeymoon and the three of us drooled over the pieces for sale in the gift shop. We also went on a trek looking for TOMS so that I could grab a more neutral pair, but it turns out, they aren't as popular in Michigan as they are in Oklahoma. One store within 50 miles of Holland had them and while it was a cool store, they didn't have the size I wanted in the color I needed. Right next door I found something to buy though so my feelings weren't too hurt. We got two glass jars wrapped in black wire to place candles in and hang from a tree in the backyard - they're pretty cool.
We grabbed a corn dog from a street vendor and plopped down with the rest of the family to catch the Thursday parade, where Ava fell asleep in my arms and my heart melted just a tiny bit.
We did a bit of shopping after the parade, met up with some of Paul's old co-workers for a junk food dinner and then met Paul's best friend Jon for some time at New Holland. After which I got myself a funnel cake (Thursday was the day for fried, came from a square box on the side of the street with flashing lights kind of food day) and headed back to the in-laws house to relax. Ladies, Jon is single and needs a good girl. If you're interested, let me know.
Friday we went shopping in downtown Holland, had a family dinner and spent the evening with good friends at the Perton's house, at the Curragh and in the hot tub, where Jon declared this would be the best summer ever. And I have decided that I agree.
(PS: Seeing Paul play with Ava makes my ovaries want to jump out of my body)
Saturday morning, we (Paul, Jon and I) met the Schaaps for breakfast at JP's and then went for a walk and a quick stop to get Ava the Tickle Monster. We spent the afternoon packing, installing a cornice board in the basement bedroom and watching the final Tulip Time parade. We had a quick dinner and we were on the road. Sad to not be in Holland but glad to be home.
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