The Cherry Blossom Festival
Every year, Washington D.C. has a HUGE celebration of spring. The biggest attraction is the blooming of the Cherry Blossom trees around the tidal basin. Along with the GORGEOUS blossoms, the city has multiple events. We decided to visit two of them.

The opening ceremonies of the Cherry Blossom Festival took place at the National Building Museum - beautiful architecture with a LARGE main hall. There was so much to see and do. Here's a snapshot of all the things we were able to do and see.

Performances from local dance groups

Lillie got to dress up as well. After dressing up, she tells me, "I want to dance on the stage!" That took a bit of work convincing her it wasn't her time yet.

Look how long her hair is!!! Sorry, random comment, but I was able to make two pigtail braids in her hair that was SO cute!!

Not quite sure what she was doing here. Maybe mistaking herself for a samurai!

Mommy and Lillie in front of the HUGE cherry blossom balloons.

Lillie and Daddy making some wood block prints. Can you tell by Lillie's headband who sponsored the event??? Target!! Oops, sorry, no Target in Hawaii right?!?!

Lillie also got to dress up in everyday Japanese wear. I wanted her to put on that yellow hat on the table and they had these heavy duty leather backpacks, but no chance!

Lillie is always up for a little chopstick practice.

Here's some of the decorations in the museum. Little lanterns hanging from an artificial tree,

Large origami cranes hanging from the ceiling,

Large Cherry Blossom balloons.

There were fans for Lillie to color.

Here's a giant origami giraffe that someone made and had displayed.

A short video to show a little Lillie.

Another BIG event they have every year is the Kite Festival on the Mall. Hundreds of people come out to show off their kites.

I couldn't get a great shot, but here's the clue, EVERY little speck you see in the sky is someone's kite flying!

We had SO much fun today. We wish you were all here! Maybe next year some of you can visit during the Cherry Blossom Festival!! HINT HINT!!