Daddy showing Mio the Jefferson Memorial

Since moving back to the DC area, one of the things we’ve looked forward to most is going to see the famous cherry blossoms that bloom around the Tidal Basin every spring. The annual National Cherry Blossom Festival commemorates the gift of 3,000 cherry blossom trees from Japan to the city of Washington, DC back in 1912. 101 years later, the beautiful cherry blossoms and festival celebrate the continued friendship between the two countries. Growing up minutes away from the nation’s capital and this spring spectacle of blossoms, cherry blossoms easily became one of my favorite flowers. I hadn’t seen them in years since I went off to college and then moved to California. Even while on the West Coast, I’d always wish I could visit during cherry blossom season so I could see the Tidal Basin surrounded by sakura, so I was really looking forward to being able to see them for the first time in over a decade! The initial forecast of peak bloom was at the end of March but those dates came and went without any signs of buds nor blooms due to the cold days of this year’s lingering winter. They finally came around, though, almost two weeks later when the weather jumped into the 80s, making it feel like we’d skipped spring and went straight into summer. It made for a gorgeous few days of sunshine that were perfect to walk about and see these magnificent blossoms in full bloom. Our family went on Wednesday afternoon, right after Dan had flown back in from the NAB Show since he didn’t have to go into work the rest of the day. It worked out perfectly because we could go right during the peak bloom period!

 

Our family with the cherry blossoms in DC
Our family of three by the stone lantern, with the cherry blossoms behind us.

 

Admiring the cherry blossoms
Admiring the cherry blossoms hanging over the water.

 

Family picture with the cherry blossoms and Jefferson Memorial
The Jefferson Memorial and cherry blossoms behind us.

 

Daddy's girl with her namesake.
Mio with her namesake. Her name means “beautiful cherry blossom,” as she was born during cherry blossom season.

 

Cherry blossoms encircling the Tidal Basin
Cherry blossoms encircling the Tidal Basin

 

Cherry blossoms at the Tidal Basin

 

Mio with Daddy by the sparkling waters
Mio with Daddy by the sparkling waters

 

Mio looking into a hole in one of the cherry blossom trees.
Mio looking into a hole in one of the cherry blossom trees.

 

Cherry blossoms at the Tidal Basin
Such a beautiful sight!

 

Cherry blossoms at the Tidal Basin
Looking at the blossoms overhanging the water.

 

Cherry blossoms at the Tidal Basin

 

Cherry blossoms at the Tidal Basin

 

Taking a break on the grass.
Taking a break on the grass.

 

Sweetheart.
Sharing a giggle with Daddy.

 

So many people were out to enjoy the blossoms and the gorgeous weather!
It seemed like all of DC was out to enjoy the blossoms and the gorgeous weather!

 

Making our way through the blossoms.
Making our way along the Tidal Basin.

 

Mio and I under the cherry blossoms.
Mio and I under a canopy of cherry blossoms.

 

By the new Martin Luther King Jr memorial that opened just a couple years ago.
By the new Martin Luther King Jr memorial that opened just a couple years ago in 2011.

 

Martin Luther King Jr Memorial
This was our first time seeing the memorial – it was quite impressive!

 

The Tidal Basin engulfed in blossoms!
The Tidal Basin engulfed in blossoms!

 

Our family with the DC cherry blossoms
With the Washington Monument behind us.

 

Mio pointing

 

The cherry blossoms were definitely in peak bloom!
The cherry blossoms were definitely in peak bloom!

 

Mio and I with the DC cherry blossoms
perfect weather + perfect blossoms!

 

DC is beautiful this time of year. I love this city!
DC is so beautiful this time of year. I love this city!

 

Taking a rest at the Roosevelt Memorial
Taking a rest at the Roosevelt Memorial.

 

A happy Mio!
A happy Mio! 桜のようにしっかり根を張って、皆を幸せにする優しい子に育ってね♪ Our hope is that just like these cherry blossoms, you’ll grow up to plant your roots firmly in the ground, and be a gentle and compassionate girl who brings joy to all those around her.

 

Goodbye magnificent blossoms!
Goodbye gorgeous blossoms! We hope to see you again next spring. 🙂