Cherry blossoms and kites in DC

It's that time of year when Washington realizes that winter is (finally) over and tourist season has begun. I plan to join the crowds around the Tidal Basin this week, but we have some of D.C.'s favorite flower right in our front yard. The old cherry tree that looks so sad most of the year (and lost a couple of branches in Snowpocalypse) finally has its week to shine. And, the always-entertaining event on the Cherry Blossom Festival's opening day -- the Smithsonian Kite Festival -- happened on a beautiful, sunny day on the Mall. 
Happy spring!

(our poor cherry tree went from snow-covered branches to ones full of blossoms!)

(Photos by H. Farrell)