A Look Back at the Cherry Blossoms

Every spring, for the past 10 years, Bobby & I have been coming to the National Cherry Blossom Festival.  For the first few years, it wasn't always a success because the blossoms only bloom for about 7-10 days.  (Peak bloom lasts for about 2-3 days)  And because we lived so far away, we would have to make our travel plans months in advance.  Sometimes we would get it right, and other years we would completely miss the blossoms.   

It's funny to say, but one of the main reasons I agreed to move to DC was because of this one week...the week the blossoms come to town!  Living here, I am able to visit the tidal basin nearly everyday.  This past spring was no exception!  I literally spent 8-10 hours a day walking around DC and taking in all of it's beauty.  Most days, I was here by sunrise and then back again to see the sunset.   

I wanted to capture every stage of the blossoms.   Unfortunately, the poor weather this spring was the hardest part to deal with.  I think in all...the blossoms only bloomed for 2-3 days this year.  Where as in years past, if the weather holds out, we can get a good week or week-and-a-half of blossoms at their peak.   

But unfortunately, mother nature had other plans...On the 3rd night of peak bloom, a bad wind and rain storm hit and took all of the beautiful blossoms with them :(  I am very thankful to have spent so much time there and wanted to share these images with you today.  Hope you enjoy!

Balloon-fest 2013 - Solberg Airport, NJ

A few weeks ago,  my family and I attended the 2013 Balloon-fest at Solberg Airport, NJ.  This event happens once a year in July and is by far one of my favorite days.  Waking up at 4am is worth every bit of the loss of sleep as soon as I see the first balloon inflate.  The balloons arrive at sunrise and within an hour, 125 hot air balloons all ascend at once and take off together.  This year, we had the perfect day with gorgeous blue skies and a cool summer breeze.  I am already looking forward to next year!