On Wednesday we drove to the Skagit Valley for the annual tulip festival. It wasn't raining or too windy this year, but it was chilly. The girls had a good time and my mom came along, but didn't go out in the fields since she can hardly walk anymore. She assured me that she enjoyed the view from the car and spending time with us on the long drive, and it was better than staying home and watching TV all day.
It was too cold for pretty sun dresses, so the girls wore turtlenecks under their corduroy jumpers. They were wearing fleece sweaters, too, but I made them take them off for the photos!
Only a blue sky would have made this day more striking, but then I would have had sun glare. As it was the girls quickly tired of posing because the light white sky was too bright for them to keep their eyes from squinting.
The girls look forward to the mud more than the flowers. Luckily no one landed face-first in a puddle this year, but I was prepared with extra clothes and towels just in case.
The girls have a way of charming themselves into touring things. Here they sat on the farmer's lap and honked the tractor's horn before our ride in the wagon behind. On our drive up we were stopped at a rest stop when the girls charmed a long-haul trucker into giving us a tour of his big rig. I've gotten to meet a lot of people and see a lot of things I never would have imagined if it weren't for my children's vocal curiosity.
Photographers were everywhere, despite the lack of blue sky. There was no denying the beauty of our subject. I enjoyed having a "real" camera this year instead of a point & shoot. I don't see myself with one of those giant lenses and tripods, though. I think I did very well with a cheap prime lens and just hand holding my camera.
And I'll leave you with a few close ups, wishing you were here...
What lovely pictures! This little trip is one I want to make one spring. North of you we are still expecting snow this week - I fear we will never get blossoms on our flowers. Thanks for posting such wonderful pictures - they brightened this grey, rainy day!
Posted by: Crystal | Wednesday, April 18, 2007 at 05:05 PM