Thursday, February 26, 2015

Frolic through the Tulips

Spring is just around the corner and you know what that means.  It's time to get out of hibernation and start getting some date's on.

'#elliefaithp loved the tulips @roozengaarde'
2014

Since our second year of dating Thomas and I have made it a point to try and have some "traditions" in our lives.  One of them being a visit to the Tulip Festival in Skagit County, Washington. This is a date we look forward to every year and it is a great form of inspiration for our own gardens.

Ashley Parsons's photo.
2006

Each year looks a little different.  The first year we went on this date was on a Saturday and they had a parade in downtown La Conner.  We had Thomas' parents dogs with us since we were house sitting for them.  We also didn't go into one of the major retailer's there and just stopped by the free fields for some photos.  One year we went with Thomas parents and another we went with my parents (not knowing it would be one of the last opportunities to go with my mom). One thing that has stayed the same is that we always go to the same place for lunch, The Calico Cupboard we like to try different things on the menu and haven't had a bad meal yet.  Last year we got to bring Ellie with us for the first time and it was so magical sharing this with her.

Ashley Parsons's photo.
2011
Ashley Parsons's photo.

We love to see what new displays they have as well as order some new tulip, hyacinth, or daffodil bulbs while we are there.  It is so nice to be able to bring some of the inspiration home with us (and a bouquet or two of fresh tulips doesn't hurt either!).  So if you live in the area I highly recommend checking out the Tulip Festival this year.  I know there are some in Oregon and I am sure in other parts of the country as well, just do a google search to see what is near you!

I am so looking forward to this years date! Ellie is going to have so much fun running around the tulip fields and its a great excuse for me to bring out my big girl camera too!

what spring date ideas do you have?

♥ Ashley

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8 comments:

  1. I don't think I realized this was a tradition for you guys last year but I do remember that sweet photo of you and Ellie! I can't wait for spring! Looking forward to seeing what you guys plant in your garden. I bet Ellie has a blast running at the festival this year!

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  2. So fun! The tulips are so beautiful! There is just something wonderful about them after a cold winter. I grew up near Holland Mi and there was tulip time and I loved it! Can't wait to hear more about the garden!

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  3. Beautiful photos with the tulips! What a fun tradition. I've been dying to do the cherry blossom festival in DC for the past few years - hopefully that's something we can get to this year!

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  4. How fun! I wish we had something like that here. I love that picture from 2006, you guys look so young! XO Kelly

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  5. I really want to make it to Washington one day! I have heard nothing but great things about how beautiful it is out there!

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  6. Oh, how gorgeous is that Tulip Festival! I'd love to see that! I'll definitely have to add Washington to my places to visit!

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  7. Jealous! It's going to be a while before we get tulips, usually late April. We have an amazing place, Longwood Gardens, not sure what it is, but basically like a museum/horticultural center, not really sure the proper name, but acres of indoor exhibits and outdoor gardens. It's really amazing and their Christmas display is amazing. I would love to take the girls there one day for Mother's Day and do brunch, but it's prob crazy crowded. Love that your weather is so nice already!

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  8. So much fun! What a great tradition. I love that you have done it for years as a couple and now it is becoming a family thing. Can't wait to see your photos :).

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♥ Ashley