Dan took the day off on Monday so that we could all spend the day with Ted and Jackie before they left DC. We thought it’d be a great opportunity to see the cherry blossoms by the Tidal Basin, but alas, the blossoms were definitely past their peak (they were probably best over the weekend, but we knew the crowds would be crazy) and were looking pretty green, with most of the petals in the water and on the ground. It was really windy that day, too, which probably expedited the wilting of the blossoms. Still, we had a nice time walking around the Tidal Basin and admiring the few trees that were still in full bloom, and also got to check out the National WWII Memorial as well. Despite how windy it was, it was a beautiful day — sunny but not too hot or uncomfortable. 🙂

 

Jackie and Mio on the Metro
Mio enjoying all the attention from Auntie Jackie while on the Metro.

 

Cherry blossoms at the Tidal Basin
Arriving at the Tidal Basin… but both girls were conked out.

 

Cherry blossoms at the Tidal Basin
Jackie and Ted with the cherry blossoms. Such a cute picture of a cute couple!

 

Mirei woke up so we took a photo with her.
Mirei woke up so we took a photo with just us girls.

 

Attempt at a family photo... but Mio is too focused on eating her tortilla chip.
Attempt at a family photo… but Mio is too focused on eating her tortilla chip.

 

The Jefferson Memorial in the distance.
The Jefferson Memorial in the distance.

 

Cherry blossoms at the Tidal Basin
What was left of the cherry blossoms…

 

My favorite flowers are still beautiful!
My favorite flowers and Mio’s namesake… still beautiful!

 

Mirei at the Tidal Basin
Mirei was so well-behaved the entire time. Even when she was awake, she was so quiet and let us enjoy the cherry blossoms in peace.

 

Dan and Mio by one of the original cherry blossom trees.
Dan and Mio by one of the original cherry blossom trees.

 

A cherry blossom tree in full bloom
A cherry blossom tree in full bloom

 

Our family under the DC cherry blossoms
Another family photo… looks like we just can’t get one without Mio eating a chip!

 

Ted & Jackie under the cherry blossoms
Ted & Jackie under the sakura.

 

Mio getting swung by Ted & Jackie
Making our way over to the National WWII Memorial. Mio had a blast getting swung by Auntie Jackie and Uncle Ted!

 

She couldn't get enough of the attention!
She couldn’t get enough of the attention!

 

National WWII Memorial
It was actually my first time seeing the WWII Memorial too since it had been built in 2004, and it was really beautiful and impressive!

 

National WWII Memorial
Mio getting a photo with auntie and uncle.

 

National WWII Memorial
She thoroughly enjoyed playing by the fountain.

 

National WWII Memorial
Full of “what’s that?” questions.

 

National WWII Memorial
The Freedom Wall on the west side of the memorial has 4,048 gold stars, each representing 100 Americans who died in the war.

 

National WWII Memorial
There were so many people there!

 

National WWII Memorial
Mio with Ted & Jackie by the fountain.

 

National WWII Memorial
Mio was in such a good mood the whole day! Love our little sweetheart.

 

enjoying a popsicle
Sharing a popsicle before heading home.

 

Ted and Jackie left after dinner on Monday, but the family visits continue with Dan’s parents flying in tonight! They haven’t seen Mio in over a year and it’ll be their first time meeting Mirei. We look forward to spending lots of quality time together. 🙂