Freaky Flower and Other Flower Fun

This morning I was blowing my hair dry when Mom W. stopped by the room and asked if I could come, she wanted to show me something. Here's what she wanted to show me:



I burst out laughing and hurried in for my camera. I also told Bob to be quick with his shower because there was something he needed to see. He finished and meandered to the back door. His reaction was not quite the same as mine, since he doesn't usually burst with laughter. He shook his head with a smileThe children, however, were delighted with the tulip they found in the yard.
Carie couldn't stop laughing. The tulip walked around the house and drew the attention of several neighbors. One little girl came over and when asked what she thought, "Freaky," was her choice description. The tulip has not made an appearance at Tulip Festival . . . yet.


A transformation took place and there was a grandad at our house. After a nice breakfast of oatmeal and some time relaxing, Dad W. and I made a run to the lumber yard to get supplies to make a raised bed for vegetables. That will be a project tomorrow during a break from T.F. activities.

Upon our return from the the lumber yard, children were getting dressed in their costumes in preparation for going to Tulip Festival again - this time for the more active role of riding the Northwestern College float. We wandered through the side streets past all the floats and made our way to the Straat Markt where we had lunch. After figuring out where Oma and Grandad would sit and Bob taking a rigorously dancing David to the potty, we headed to the float. We had fun riding and waving, especially when we saw people we knew. Funnel cake and rain concluded today's time in town. It was a gentle, short-lived rain that added to the adventure without becoming uncomfortable.

At home we had a tasty dinner of grilled chicken, roasted potatoes, and fresh steamed green beans. Dessert was an amazing assortment of confection covered pretzels. Bob had to dash off to baccalaureate. For the first time in our five years of being here, the college's graduation falls the same weekend as Tulip Festival.

While Bob was gone Grandad and the kids and I planted flowers that Dad W. bought while he was out exchanging screws for the raised bed. I wondered why it was taking him so long to exchange some screws. I was pleasantly surprised to find out why. Our patio is really shaping up. I love flowers! Thanks, Dad.



The children continued the evening with some creative construction that finished with injured fingers. It was late and there were tears. Ice, hugs, and gentle cleansing seemed to help calm things down.