What We Came For

...no, not the ball! The inauguration! What a great day it was. Fortunately for us, we were on the bus for a long time in a queue waiting to get to the Capital while thousands of people had been outside for hours in the cold. And cold it was! We boarded our bus a little after 6 a.m. and traveled to another hotel for our security clearance. Caroline Kennedy was also there to pass through security. I missed her, but the kids saw her and said our group got to cut in front of her! Shows you how important our Whistle Stop group was- ha!

When we finally arrived at the Capital, we made our way to the standing area on a south lawn, to the right of the stage and podium. We could see with binoculars, about 200 feet away, but the best viewing was on the jumbo screen. There were screens all the way down the mall. What an incredible sight- thousands and thousands waving flags and cheering for our new President! Some booing as well, which is why I think there was no presentation of Dick Cheney in his wheelchair (he hurt his back moving out of the vice president's residence, we heard). I didn't agree with the booing, but I understand why people felt the need to do it, that's for sure. We visited with people around us and established that kind of camaraderie that sometimes happens in crowds when sharing profound experiences. What a great speech, what a speaker. He was not only very serious and direct but also hopeful. He does make us believe that we can do anything if we work together. I am truly humbled and inspired and ready to get to work.

From there we headed to the parade, knowing all along how truly lucky we were because most people had to make the choice between the inauguration ceremony itself and the parade because of the logistics of the street closings, etc. We took our place in the stands in front of the White House, but people started peeling off from our group because of the cold. We stuck it out for awhile, but finally our family gave it up, too. It was bitterly cold, and the parade was delayed, and we had a ball to dress for. We knew we might be on stage during Stevie Wonder. Little did we know what was in store for us!

As we arrived at the party, we were shuttled off to the side stage and told we would be going on stage with the President and First Lady after their first dance!!! Hannah, Grace and Lindsay got some camera time during the couple of songs we were up there. The President greeted us all with yet another kiss on the cheek and told Lindsay how beautiful she looked- he may have told others as well, but she made mention of this to me. Jim and I were the back during this time- our little family has had a lot of press- it was fun to see some of the others from the group get some attention dancing with the Obamas, starting the bump, etc...

After the front stage time, our group moved over to a side stage where Robin Roberts was interviewing various people, covering the ball. We danced and watched it all from there. We were literally just yards away from Shakira, Alicia Keys, Stevie Wonder, Sting and more. Oh man. What a star studded night! I can't tell you how special and lucky we felt. I was so proud of my beautiful girls.

I've been feeling so proud and patriotic all week. The kindness on the streets and in the Metro (except for the Bush protests which we'll post pictures of and which were generally just for fun) and the happiness of this city has been inspirational. What a gift our family has been given, but I know so many people feel the same way who didn't get the train ride and special treatment. It's everywhere. It's just so hopeful. And in case anyone wonders, Barack Obama is really a nice, nice man. He is smart and wise and kind. And I think things are going to get better for a lot of people in our country and the world.

Alicia

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