the perfect pella tulip time

my absolute favorite "fair-type" event is pella tulip time.
it even trumps iowa state fair in my mind. triple-time.

hubby is from pella, so we try get back every year.
the weather was gooooorgeous.

they have tulips in every color imaginable:
yellow, pink, orange, purple, black-ish, red...

i'm still on my yellow kick.

it was a big crowd, but people are mostly friendly.
must be a small-town requirement, even if you're visiting.

in the town square, the entire crowd stopped and turned

for the star-spangled banner and the dutch anthem.

it was surreal - it went from crazy-noisy to silent.
the singer did a fabulous job.

of course, we has to take a family pic in the wooden shoes.

for sweets, we always eat poffertjes, dutch letters and the
most delicious funnel cake anywhere...because of the fresh strawberries!

i had to sneak a visit to the local scrapbook store.
(conveniently located at the town square.)

i purchased these journaling cards.
these ended up costing me $8. yikes!
(i am not ashamed to be a frugal scrapbooker.)

but, the store was super cute and had tons of
unique nostalgic and vintage-y stuff.

suri was a dream baby and loved people-watching.
she chillaxed in her stroller and munched on her feet. lol!

auntie sky joined us too.
(my baby sister.)

if she didn't have her rockstar shades on,
you could tell we look a lot a like.
matching dimples. hehee.

hubby's favorites are the shishkabobs and
pella bologne on a stick, of course.

yes, we came for the food.
but, the tulips, dance performances, dutch traditions,
parades, and shops were a definitely plus.
it was a wonderful time.