We arrived in Orange City around dinner time this evening. Quite a long day of travel, but well worth it, of course! As I write this, I am sitting up in bed at the Dutch Colony Inn. My boys are trying to settle in, but the excitement of the day is still swelling in them. For such a small community, they have an abundance of fantastic playgrounds and, according to the kids, tomorrow won’t come soon enough to go play on them.

Five things that stand out to me from today are:

1. These folks here in Orange City are the friendliest. Case in point: At the Pizza Ranch for dinner, we shared the space with the local high school football team, The Dutchmen, and, needless to say that this buffet-style establishment was absolutely hopping not only with them,but also families, retired couples and even a few large handfuls of football players from Northwestern College (Go Big Red!). We had to very much share the space with them and in doing so, these school guys always stepped out of our way, excusing themselves and even offering to help! I told Chris I couldn’t believe my eyes! He said there must be something to be said for small town values. I believe it!

2. Once a small town, always a small town. Chris and his parents moved away from here some 27 years ago and within the hour that we dined at the Pizza Ranch, five different people knew them from way back when! Including Chris’s very own cousin and her family! Crazy!

3. Dutch pride runs deep. One of the boys at the Pizza Ranch was waiting in line before us and I couldn’t help but notice that embroidered on the back of his high school issued track jacket was the word, Dutch. I pulled out my camera to snap a shot for you, but then, that might just be inappropriate. So, I didn’t. But believe me, these people really have a pride in this city and their heritage.

4. I think I have seen upwards of 10 windmills already – one of which is a telephone booth! Anyone have a quarter? I can’t remember the last time I used a payphone.

5. I’m so full and I haven’t even been to the Dutch Bakery yet. The best is yet to come.

Here, catch a few glimpses of our day:

Windmill did so well on the flight!

This is one of several windmills in a place in the center of Orange City that I will go ahead and name Windmill Row.

We gave the boys a sneak peek at one of the playgrounds they will romp in tomorrow!

The town of Le Mars is 20 minutes outside of Orange City and is dubbed the Ice Cream Capital of the world because it is home to Well’s Blue Bunny Ice Cream.

We felt pretty special.

How many people can say they’ve been here? Well, many I’m sure, but at least we can add ourselves to the list too!

Go Dutch! See you tomorrow with some more photos of Orange City and maybe even the meaning of a couple dutch words. I’d like to say, “When in Rome…do as the Romans do!”  But instead it will have to be, “When in Orange City, speak like Dutch!”