Cherry Blossom Princess? Well, Sort of.

Another highlight of our trip to Washington D.C. was going to see the National Cherry Blossom Festival. It is one of the most breathtaking sights I have ever seen. The weather was perfect, the blossoms were in full bloom and even though the crowds were out, there was plenty of space to run around and appreciate the blossoms and the sights and sounds. Amelia is still too young, but I will remember this day forever because it was so beautiful.

These pictures say it all.

Oh, and can you believe Amelia fell asleep in her stroller? With all those people around? And the very loud sounds of the city? She slept for close to an hour in the shadow of the Washington Monument. Now THAT is historic.

Twin Cousin Everett

Everett Scandlen - the oldest son of my cousin Ben and his wife Mandy - and Amelia are twin cousins. They were both born on January 30, 2008 - with Everett about 7 1/2 hours older than Amelia. They first met when they were three months old and even though they have seen each other only a handful of times since, they seem to have a special bond. (The Scandlens live in Virginia, just a few minutes from Chris and Yoko.)

As you can see from the pictures, Everett and Amelia had a BLAST together this visit. They were having so much fun they could barely sit still. They talked and laughed and jumped and climbed ran around together. It was SO CUTE and so much fun now that the two of them are talking. What a treat, too, to meet Everett's baby brother Rollin, who is adorable and happpily took in all the toddler craziness spinning around him.

I Love My Nong Lanna!

One of the highlights of our time with Grandma and Grandpa was going to Washington D.C. over Easter weekend to visit Uncle Chris, Auntie Yoko and Nong Lanna. We had so much fun - even though Amelia's good sleeping habits took a HUGE hit.

Here are some photos of Amelia and Nong Lanna, who is younger by 3 1/2 months. Amelia LOVED little cousin Lanna. They had the BEST time together. Amelia acted like such a big sister - showing Nong Lanna cool things and comforting her when she seemed upset. Example: once when Lanna started to cry after Chris left the room, Amelia said: "Don't worry Lanna. Your Da-Da be right back." It was so cute. By the end of the trip Amelia was calling Lanna "MY Nong Lanna." Enough said!

Downtown Disney

Another super-fun activity we have recently discovered is visiting Downtown Disney. There are no entrance fees, parking is free and there a few little rides (boat, train, merry-go-round) that are cheap with short lines.

Amelia thinks it's great fun and each time we have gone recently, she unbelievably FELL ASLEEP IN HER STROLLER. She hasn't done that since she was three-months old!

Sunny Days

Last month, we spent a beautiful Saturday morning at an art festival in Baldwin Park where Amelia got her face painted with a beautiful sun. She was so serious about it, but in the end, she was tickled with the result.

Three Generations

Wow! I can't believe how the time has flown by this spring. Grandma Maria and Grandpa Guy arrived February 22 and we have had the best time with them. Amelia LOVES talking to them, reading with them, playing with them. And she loves showing them all her activities - music class, gymnastics, Gymboree. They leave next week and we will sure miss them!

Here are a few pictures taken about a month ago down at the lake.