Tulips and Snow

When we first heard the weather forecast for Mimi's visit, we were disappointed: a mix of rain, sleet, hail, wind, snow, and maybe some sun for the next five days. Alas. Indeed, when she first arrived, a messy mix is exactly what we got. Mimi didn't mind, but we were hoping for better venturing weather so we could get out and about more. And then Mimi's wintry wishes came true: it started snowing. Yes, we still got wintry mix and no, it didn't stick much, but we did have snow every day. Beautiful, soft white, drifting, floating snow. Cold-weather-lovin' Mimi couldn't have been happier!


Despite our weariness of the other elements in the wintry mix, we defied dark clouds on Monday and headed to Keukenhof to see the early bloomers. The bulb season has just started, but we were hoping to show Mimi some famous Holland tulip fields in bloom...or at least some cultivated tulips gardens in bloom. Unfortunately, it's still a few weeks too early for most of the tulips, but we had a great time anyway. Keukenhof has gorgeous grounds that were starting to bud, and they maintain an incredible indoor display of greenhouse bulbs in bloom. Best of all was that beautiful, drifting white snow that started shortly after we arrived. I don't think Mimi would have minded walking in that snow even if there were no flowers to see at all.







Apparently, it was also the Dutch Red Hat Society Day at Keukenhof. Whether or not this was official, I cannot say, but there were LOTS of ladies in purple and red that day.



Alas, Mimi headed home today. We girls piled into the car to drive her to the airport, and off she went! We wish we could see her more often, but we are thankful for the great week we had! If only it could have lasted longer... Jennifer is not very good at letting others help her. Even when completely over-tasked and has obviously helpful people on hand, she still tries to do it all. Take for example last night when she was making dinner and dessert when the baby needed to nurse. Mimi eventually convinced Jennifer she could finish the cupcakes, but even then Jennifer was scrambling to finish on her own, as if Mimi weren't extremely overqualified to scoop batter into muffin cups. Surely Jennifer would have allowed Mimi to take over more as time went on. In another week or so, she might have given up cooking and cleaning to Mimi entirely. On the other hand, maybe Mimi is glad she left before that happened. The house has four floors, after all.
We will certainly miss her! Ellie loved having a Mimi playmate for the past days, and baby Stephanie was happy for the extra loving arms and warm lap.