Hanami Parties and my birthday

April 1st we had a fun work Hanami (cherry blossom - Sakura) party in Nimitz park by work.  The cherry blossoms were full and the lanterns were lit.  It was beautiful and my team grilled steaks, ribs and made yakisoba noodles on the grill.  It was wonderful!  Lots of saki and beer.  The girls played with other kids and ran around. 

My birthday started off with a 41 mile ride with my training partner and run.  The weather was gorgeous!  Later in the afternoon we ended up at another Hanami party with Morgan's friend (a girl from her Girl Scout troop). 

Today as another birthday gift - Jeff took us to Omura Park by Nagasaki to take photos of the cherry blossoms and learned how to tie the 3 of us (Bella, Morgan and me) into our kimonos (thank goodness for you-tube and knot tying, patient, perfectionist husband. 

Below are photos taken post ride/run and then walking around at the various Hanami parties.  What a fabulous birthday weekend!

Love you all - JeLiMoBe

Signature new Barris pose - it's a Bella original and far easier than the 'toe touch'!

 

and the food snacks, vendors, and my wonderful photographer hubby