It was a beautiful day…well, most of the day was beautiful for Tulip Time. The day dawned sunny and warm. Wendy's mom and sister arrived before lunch and my parents arrived after lunch. We all headed up to the Pella town square for the afternoon parade. It was hot and sunny. A beautiful afternoon for a parade.

Wendy and I then headed over to the community center before the parade was over to get into costume for our matinee performance of "Letters from Pella." As we finished the performance, a huge storm was rolling through dumping a large amount of rain. We waited for the storm to pass before walking back to the house, where we found family drying out after getting caught in the rain.

We grilled Pella bologna patties with Gouda cheese for dinner. My dad and I broke out the Dutch beer our cousin, John, sent home with me from our meeting in London. The family headed back up to the square for the evening parade, but the storm front that passed in the afternoon ushered in cold temperatures and a strong wind. I opted to stay home and nurse the virus I'm trying to get over before I lose my voice.

Photos (top down):
Tulip Toren (Tulip Tower) on Pella's Town Square
Madison with Grandpa & Grandma VW
The family watching the parade
2009 Tulip Queen in her carriage
Flag of the Netherlands leads the parade
Our friends, the Van Gorps, carry the Pella city crest
Provincial flags of the Netherlands
Wendy & her youngest sister, Suzanna
Wendy & friend, Jodi
Wendy in pre-show routine, getings into make-up with help of friend, Peggy
Tom & Wendy portray Pella founder Dominie H.P. Scholte & his wife, Mareah