Tulip Time Day 2

On Saturday we enjoyed sleeping in (as much as is possible with 3 kids) and having a leisurely morning to ourselves. Valerie had to attend a final class to finish her masters degree (Congrats Val!!!!), so we took the morning to relax and give the kids naps. It was still cold outside, but we decided that we would layer up and grab some blankets and enjoy a picnic at the festival. Aren't we brave???!! We debated checking out the world record attempt at having the most people dancing in wooden shoes for 5 minute (which they broke at 2500 people), but it was too chilly. We walked downtown and enjoyed some good fried food for lunch (the kids had a sack lunch).

We had the usual funnel cake, Poffertje's (not sure if I spelled that right, but they are Dutch mini pancakes and really good), kettlecorn, and a steak sandwhich. Mmmm....nice and healthy. Good thing we walked a ton this weekend!!! After lunch we headed to the cheese races. Jake was one of the cheese runners, so we were able to watch him. They explain how cheese is purchased and sold, and then how the runners carry the heavy cheese around the market (basically the summary). Anyway, then the 6 runners have a race...they try to convince you that the cheese is really heavy when actually it is styrafoam. It's all to get the crowd into it and have a little fun.
They were not so happy to be in the shoes (Caleb right, Joel left)
Here come the guys to get the cheese
Jake is in the middle back on the green team
Val, Kiera, and Caleb watching the cheese races

After the cheese races, we headed back for naps, and then back again later for the Tractor Rodeo. This was a lot of fun and it was fun to see Uncle Loren participate. They had each antique tractor try to balance on a teeter-totter of sorts, they had a slow race to see who could drive slowest, and then some other relays the tractors competed in. It was fun and pretty funny to watch. The boys especially loved to see the tractors.
Jake and Joel intently watching the tractors
This picture is for Ryan. This is an example of the first tractor he ever drove.
Uncle Loren on one of his tractors
Uncle Loren balancing his other tractor
The family by the tractor
Kiera trying out the passenger seat
You been farming long???
Come on Joel, let's get movin'!

We then headed to a celabratory supper for Val since she completed her masters and then to the night parade. Ryan stayed home with the babies and Kiera and I and the adults went to the lighted parade. Kiera loved it and had a blast. It was a busy, yet fun day with friends!