Monday, May 5, 2008

Dutch Festival Suprise











At last! I get to post about my surprise weekend! So, after miles and miles of country roads, in po-dunk Iowa, with no concept of where I was going, or what awaited me at the end, my little Bug arrived in Pella, Iowa, for their annual Dutch Festival. A little history: I am almost half Dutch, my maiden name being Goozen of western Michigan, and have celebrated my wooden-shoeness for years. I had no idea that such a festival existed, and had no idea that Andrew knew so much about my heritage! We arrived just as everything was being set up. There were scores of little people and big people walking around in their white caps, vests, and wooden shoes. There were booths selling heaps of Dutch pastries and little trinkets and tulips. We saw The Duchesses dance their folk dances and even came across a display of all of the Tulip Queens of the past 50 years. It was amazing to see what a Dutch face looks like (I didn't know). I suddenly discovered where I get my high cheek bones and distinct nose. It was GREAT! We walked all over the place, got plenty sunburnt, and took tons of tulip pictures! It was such a surprise, and the idea that Andrew had been planning this for months tickled me pink!

9 comments:

lotta said...

How sweet. It looks like the perfect weekend for a great getaway!

Emerson Bindery said...

What a prince charming you have! That was sweet of him to plan a surprise.
PS-Thanks for featuring one of my beach glass journal on your favorites list!

ThePeachTree said...

Oh lordy, wrap me up and send me there! I miss the Mad town!!

picciolo said...

what a great surprise! I'm glad you had good weather too, it looks like you had a really special day. I love that green dress in your previous post, I've just found out that anthropologie ship to the uk now but have managed to resisit so far!
I love your friday choices too, and I'm so glad you had a great birthday
: )

Anonymous said...

What fun!! I love that photo of the little kids! :) I think that I might be part dutch too...

Well, we have wooden shoes anyway. ;)

Suzanne : : S.HOPtalk said...

What a fun surprise! Happy Belated birthday...love the shot of the little Dutch kiddies.

please sir said...

Aww...looks so fun!

Waterrose said...

Oh I love it! I have Dutch ancestry too...where my shop name comes from. I have written myself a note to check out this festival and maybe plan to go next year.. Lovely pictures too...

bettyninja said...

Oh my gosh those two little Dutch children are the cutest!