tidal basin: the white version

We decided at the last minute to head down to the Tidal Basin on Monday afternoon and check out the cherry blossoms. I had originally told the girls we were going to a children's garden but at the last minute decided I didn't want to drive that far and end up coming home during rush hour. They were not happy about the change. The first 20 minutes at the Tidal Basin I heard "but I wanted to go to the children's garden" more times than I can count. From both girls. They finally snapped out of it at the promise of climbing the steps of the Jefferson Memorial and enjoyed the rest of our outing. And I learned my lesson.

We ended up walking around the whole basin and stopped a few times to hang out in the grass and enjoy the blossoms and the perfect weather. The blossoms were so white. Especially compared to how pink they would become in just a few days. I loved seeing the contrast of white and green. The girls had fun giving each other piggyback rides and Amelia taught Elsa the cherry blossom dance she's learning in her ballet class (video to come).

Elsa amuses me.

Elsa, Eleanor, Amelia

The MLK Memorial blended right in with the white blossoms.

Working on the cherry blossom dance...

Working on his apple...

national arboretum. or, more blossoms.

Last Sunday morning we went for a walk at the National Arboretum and had a breakfast picnic. There were so many beautiful trees in bloom. The walk through the Asian collection was particularly stunning. I'd love to go back when the azaleas bloom. And catch the flowering dogwoods again. Amelia was really excited to find some camellias (since, you know, it rhymes with Amelia).

magnolias.

Our favorite spot for viewing blossoming magnolia trees is the Haupt Gardens behind the Smithsonian castle. And we almost missed them this year! We had a dinner picnic there one evening last week and were so surprised that they were already beyond their peak. Spring arrived so quickly. We're trying to get out and enjoy it as much as possible. (So be prepared for a lot of posts involving blossoms.)

The trees were still lovely. After our picnic we enjoyed the grassy area on the mall and then tried to visit the Hirshhorn Sculpture Gardens but they were just closing.

If the photos seem a little Amelia-heavy, it's because she's the only one who likes to pose for the camera. Elsa and Oliver are usually just a blur in my pictures.

Enjoying our picnic courtesy of Jimmy Johns.

Ben had to keep directing Oliver away from the water features. He was not happy.

Oliver immediately found a ball that someone had left behind.

We are constantly trying to keep Oliver from walking into the street. It's exhausting.