Tulip Time 2012

We started off the Tulip Time Festivities on Wednesday evening with the annual Klompen Klassic.  We participated as a family this year and walked/jogged the 5K course, the youngest three taking turns in the double stroller, and sometimes all three together...Good thing Dave is so fit! He pushed and pushed over hill and dale...well, hills anyway. Titus powered through the whole time, and we never heard a complaint!  The kids also participated in the two block kids run.  Tessie ran with little cousin Cayla and Titus sprinted hard to the finish. Trace and Trent were in the same heat, and Trace was proud to tell everyone he took second! Trent, well, he just smiled and ran hard.  We shared our first plates of pofferjes and enjoyed the fun unofficial start to Tulip Time.

The tulips were very early this year, and only a couple of beds had anything of color left. On Tuesday we joined the band of Pellicans who went out and clipped stems (we were the youngest by about 30 years :) ), so the beds at least looked tidy.  Here are the kids in  front of a flowerless bed...

We again performed with the Dutch Family Singers. We all enjoy that group so much , and it makes Tulip Time extra fun to share it with the other families in this group.  We added 3 new families this year, and had a really fun time.  We even got to perform in the Tulip Toren show on Friday night...that's right, we're big time!

Tessie doing "The Flying Dutchman"

The 3 boys performing with
Dutch Family Singers

Our days were spent dancing, at parades, and being in parades...

Tessie on the "Future Queens" float;
a float reserved each year for Kindergarten girls.

The school kids march with their classes in the afternoon parade.
Here is Titus (red shirt - looking our way.)

 

On Saturday afternoon, the Dutch Family Singers dance
the entire parade route - while the kids ride a float. Here's some
of the crew on the "Mussle Cart" float. 

Titus' class was invited to ride the "Sinterklaas" float.
It was hot, but Titus looks extra cool in his sun glasses.

Tess and I in our new costumes.
Walchren Provence 

I don't suppose there is any doubt, but just to be clear: WE LOVE TULIP TIME!!!  It is so fun to welcome people to our town and to spend such memorable times with our dear friends.  We hope that you can come experience this unique small town festival sometime.  It really is terrific - even if you're not Dutch!