Monday, April 15, 2013

First trip to Lynden!

Today wrapped up a four day expedition across the state to visit a tiny little town most of the world doesn't even know about: Lynden, Washington. What could possibly bring me to the countryside to spend my weekend? Philip Vander Veen. My sister's fiance.

If you are a mathmatician who understands the Law of Syllogism, or perhaps just a bright person in general, you would put two and two together. Philip lives in Lynden. Stephanie is marrying Philip. Therefore, Stephanie will live in Lynden. I hope I didn't make anyone feel stupid, but hey, who remembers high school material anyways?

Stephanie has been with Philip for a year, and for some reason, I have never had enough time to make a trip to visit her future home. Most often, my schedule was so jammed, there was no way I could fit an out of town trip on my agenda. As much as I wanted to experience the small town wonders, one thing after another prevented me from coming to Lynden.

Around ten on Friday morning, Stephanie randomly asked me, "Do you want to come to Lynden with me this weekend?" Rather stunned, I realized that this was the only weekend before her bridal shower in May that I was available. I had nothing planned, which is practically unheard of. And of course I consented, kind-of in shock. It was a miracle if you ask me.

What is even more of a miracle is how I got ready in time- I had an hour and a half before departure, and no clean clothes. Somehow I managed to wash and dry a load of laundry, pack (some of my clothes a little wet), shower, do my hair (still wet), make-up, and prepare mentally. The place I had heard so much about would finally become a reality for me.

We drove away a little after twelve. While it should've only taken five hours, we hit some traffic coming out of Seattle, which really set us behind. If only my bladder would've behaved, maybe we would've made better time. I think it's hilarious how we always buy a coffee on the way out of town. That's just asking for trouble. I can't complain, though. Sometimes it's a wonder how sisters never run out of things to talk about!

We arrived in Lynden around dinner time. We passed beautiful country side before we entered the historic downtown area. My first thought was "Whoa... I didn't realize it was going to be this small." But I found out later there was a whole section of town we hadn't passed through. I didn't know it at the time, but by the end of the week, I would be in love with Lynden. When we got to the house, we greeted Philip and immediatly headed out to pick up some pizza and a movie. It was so relaxing. And Philip was so kind as to give up his house so we could stay there. Unfortunately, I was always too tired to take advantage of the empty house by having late night "girl" talks. I think we got enough girl talk on the way over ;)

Saturday, Philip made us a delicious breakfast, then we set out to explore.

There was one place in particular that I absolutely wanted to go: John Deere. I've never particually thought of myself as the farming type, but something about those green tractors is mesmerizing. Even though it was hailing, I got a picture up on one of the tractors. OH, if only I could've driven that thing!


My beautiful green tractor

Me and Steph


The best souviner I ever got- John Deere sweatshirt. Philip has one that he wears around the house, and I found a matching one in the store that I LOVE. He, being the sweetheart he is, bought it for me. We had quite a fun time inside that store- trying stuff on and looking through all the merchendise.

Bringing some of my city side into the country- making John Deere a fashion trend.


After we went to Tractor Heaven, we stopped by Woods Coffee, which is basically the equivalent of  Dutch Bro's in the Tricities. Great smoothies. Then we went to Foxxy Brown's Consignment and I got some cute stuff. Gotta love shopping.

After lunch, Philip and Steph took me to a (mostly) unoccupied parking lot to teach me how to drive a stick. Rather stressful for me, but they were both super chill about it, always encouraging me when I killed the car or accidentally revved the engine. I just told them I was preparing them for teaching their own kids one day. Hopefully, they will all be as good of drivers as me ;) JUST kidding.



Hanging out at Philip's house (did you notice my John Deere sweatshirt?!?)

Afterwords, we grabbed some ice cream and went to Philip's parents house, where I recieved a tour of the barn and got to see all the farmland. After some games of ten-to-one, we all headed back to the house for burgers. Later that night, we watched some Mr. Bean episodes and laughed really hard. Oh man, that guy is funny.

Sunday, after Mass, Philip and Steph took me to Bellingham Bay, which is where the Puget Sound meets the ocean. We had a nice walk, even though it kind-of smelled like fish. Figures.

Hanging out at Bellingham Bay

For lunch, we went out to the Nuthouse, which is a resteraunt where you throw your peanut shells on the ground for the waitresses to walk on. I have to admit, I was a little mischevious- there were a few times I threw my peanut shells a little too close to the people in the booths. But what the heck- I was using a full windup ;)

One of the messiest sandwiches EVER at the Nuthouse :)

Later that night, Philip's parents picked me up and we went over to Philip's sister's house. Their family has a daughter my age, so we ate dinner and hung out. I had a great time, as I love spending time with my new family!

Philip and Steph at this point were on their one-year anniversary date (can you believe it?!? One year ago they met!). So by the time I got back, it was pretty late. Nevertheless, we watched more Mr. Bean, and soaked up our last night together before we had to head home.

This morning, I was sad to leave. Lynden is the one of the greatest places I've ever been. My experience was phenomenal, and I would not hesitate to go back. In fact, I can't wait. I'm excited that my sister will be living there, so I can visit often. But more importantly, I am excited about who she'll be living with. Philip is such an amazing and kind, funny and gentle person. And I know that if they live in Lynden or Timbuktu, he will take good care of my Stephanie. And yes, sometimes I make fun of them for kissing in front of me or for the twitterpated way they look sometimes. But I truly think their love is beautiful.

Steph and Philip's "twitterpated" looks ;) Look at those cheesy grins!

The gracious and welcoming people I love made my first experience in Lynden wonderful. And I can't wait to go back and make more memories with the Vander Veen families. Although they may not legally be my family, they will always be my family in my heart.


“Kindred spirits are not so scarce as I used to think. It's splendid to find out there are so many of them in the world.” Anne of Green Gables

*Special thanks to Stephanie and Philip, Fred and Anne, Paula and Erik, Claire and all the other kids- Thank you for making me feel welcome in your homes and excited to come back again.






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