Don't Say Never to Netherland

The van was locked and loaded with the Niebuhr’s and Gordon’s ready to discover the American-Dutch corner of the world. We were heading north on a mission toward Dutch pastries and a culture that was sure to be present in full force.

While visiting, the Niebuhr boys (Kent included) would get to haul buckets of water and pour them on the streets. This would clean and make way for the Tulip Queen and her Royal Court.

Cousin Marissa would be in the parade participating in Dutch games (Kinderspelen), street scrubbing and float riding.

Cousin Maren would scrub the street while Uncle Craig doused the street with buckets of water.

Uncle Craig would also carry a province flag and ride an authentic big wheel bike in the parade. They performed in stunning Dutch costumes representing Old World Holland.

There were carnival rides, old-fashioned games, Dutch bakeries, horse-drawn trolley rides, windmills and beautiful tulips!


What a welcome (welkom) we received from our Beaty family, nestled in their unique home of Orange City, Iowa.

Dinner Table

Will is full. He tips his chair back and plays with his fork. He burps, giggles and cracks a new knock, knock joke. It was not his favorite homemade meal lasagna that filled him with joy, peace and love. It was the body and blood of Christ.

"Lord's Supper" (Coena Domini), "Table of the Lord" (Mensa Domini), "Lord's Body" (Corpus Domini), and the "Holy of Holies" (Sanctissimum). In the early days of Christianity, it was referred to as a "Love Feast", or an agape meal.

Here is Will after Mass displaying his banner that Gram helped him make. Just look at the Elvis grin...we asked him what he wanted as a gift for his First Eucharist and he said, "I just want to be close to God." Well, Will I think you received your gift!