(Note – May 30, 2014: I realized that this post has been in “Draft” format for over a year! Ooops! Since the weather was so poor this spring, maybe it was a good thing I delayed this post since I feel like I missed out on springtime this year. Enjoy these lovely photos!)

Hanami literally means “flower viewing” and although it traditionally applies to the spring viewing of cherry blossoms (sakura), it can also apply to plum blossoms (ume) or other flowering trees in the springtime. I had hoped to visit High Park this year, but alas this past winter was one of the coldest on record! The trees bloomed very late this year and didn’t last for long. Instead, I’m sharing these previously unseen photos from when PlasticFantastic and Sam came over to my house to hang out last spring, and we took some lovely photos with the flowering trees around my house during periods when the sun peeked out.

Here are Serena, Rin and Mio wearing in beautiful wa-loli dresses! Wa-loli is a genre of lolita fashion that combines traditional Japanese clothing styles with lolita elements.

Draping sleeves typical to kimono and yukata, an obi and a poofy skirt with a petticoat worn underneath are common in wa-loli style.

The dark pink flowers on this tree are beautiful. Rin’s white dress is so striking against it!

Mio looks hungry. Don’t eat the flowers Mio!

Nia looks like a lovely flower herself. She’s so pretty!

Lily usually doesn’t leave the house since hubby is very protective of her, but since we were only going 10 feet out the front door, I took her out for a few lovely photos.

I have to confess, I’m not actually sure what kind of tree this is. I think it’s a type of crabapple tree? Regardless, it’s so fluffy and beautiful!

Sidonie is usually very stoic, but these pretty blossoms softened her heart a little bit.

Little Cirno is very happy to see the pretty blossoms!

Springtime really is my favourite time of year! After a long, dreary winter it’s so nice to see these beautiful colours.

Of course it’s even nice when you get to share these spring blooms with friends! Thanks PlasticFantastic and Sam for coming over, and bringing your cuties with you too!

– ♥ Archangeli

Omake (Extra):
I was so delighted that one of the photos from this set got chosen to be used in the Anime North 2014 program to highlight Doll North’s programming!