Cherry Blossom

Today is the day of the National Cherry Blossom Festival Parade in Washington DC, the culmination of the National Cherry Blossom Festival which has been running since the end of March and which ends tomorrow.  

This photo from the web of a previous year's parade passing the National Archives shows what it is all about and the weather was very warm and sunny in DC today.

It is several weeks now since 'peak bloom' for the cherry blossom in Washington - this year the blossom came almost before the festival had started.  Here in Mum's garden, however, although the rain brought down lots of petals this morning, it is looking lovely.

Don't be fooled by the blue sky, though, it was distinctly chilly here today!

Rain flower

This beautiful tulip in Mum's 'balcony garden' had trapped drops of this morning's rain, like tiny clear jewels attached to the petals.

It is a very beautiful and complex flower and of course has a name, which I was told Nd have forgotten but will add tomorrow!

This is the same variety of tulip but slightly less open (and less faded?) and sheltered from the rain!

Big Red Buses

Today we bought a play tent for Theo in the shape of a big red bus.  It was a great success - until he found that by crawling inside and giving one side a push, he could tip it over..

This was swiftly followed by him dismantling it by removing the supporting poles, so it will be going back to the shop!

Today's second big red bus was featured in Theo's 'Wheels on the Bus' book, which is a big favourite.

And finally, this big red bus is Theo's backpack, ready to go with him to nursery tomorrow for his first (brief) solo session.

Wonder and Discovery

Yesterday at the Country Park we visited an indoor attraction too - a sensory tent which fascinates Theo (unlike me he has been several times before).

The light patterns, mirrors and bubbles create a magical environment for small children (and crawling Grandmas too).

Lauren created a collage showing Theo on each of his three visits..

Hatton Country Park

After Theo's 'Gymboree' class today we visited a country park near Warwick.  The weather forecast had been for thunderstorms but this afternoon it was dry and almost sunny.  

The park, however, was very quiet which meant that Theo could try out lots of different things.

The trampoline was a new experience..

But the swing is really his favourite thing..

First Visit

Yesterday was Theo's first visit to nursery - just for an hour and with Mum by his side.  

He seemed pretty relaxed about it all, taking it in his stride.

Bursting Buds

David and I went for a short walk around Shillington this morning and the first tree that caught our eye was this Horse Chestnut with its bursting sticky buds, tiny leaves and already formed flower 'candles' just showing.

A little further on were these strange flowers, growing from distinctive black buds.  I feel sure I should recognise these, but I don't..

These were on a different tree but seem to be similar, perhaps a slightly more advanced version.  Tiny and very intricate flowers.

Then some blossom - cherry I think, but only a few sprays had really opened out..

And finally this simple white flowering pear (?)..

All very beautiful on a sunny morning.