As most of you already know I went to visit the Nation's capital to attend a seminar on politics and the media and I went to be a part of inaugural history. I didn't see the actual swearing in but was fortunate enough to get tickets to the inaugural parade where I sat across the street from the White House and the President. I did go 10 hours with no food or water but it was worth it . . . the President walked right in front of us. Fortunately, we could hear the swearing in through a microphone but didn't have to battle the millions of people.
This is my friend Maggie and me in at the parade with the White House behind us and the presidential viewing box to the left. Besides the President and Vice President, we saw Al Roker from the Today Show, Jamie Lee Curtis, Howard Dean, and John Kerry.
The first family watching the parade as I watch them.
Bono on the big screen. He performed at the inaugural concert a few days before the inauguration.
Here we are at the Republican National Committee media room pretending to be reporting on important stuff. Didn't find too much important stuff in that building.
Sam Donaldson speaking at our seminar. He is such a great speaker who tells it like it is.
I hang with important people!
Dumbo at the American History Museum. DC has a little bit of everything in it and if you've never been to the city you need to go. Most museums are free and new museums open every few years. I visited the Newseum and was surprised at how much I enjoyed touring a building that focused solely on the media. From the Pulitzer Prize winning photos to the chunk of metal from the World Trade Center, it was all very moving. I was a serious tourist as I visited a lot of places including the Lincoln, Washington, and Jefferson Memorials . . . Arlington National Cemetery, and plenty of museums.
As for the experience, it was incredible and memorable. I've never been around such a diverse group of people who were happy, emotional, hopeful, and just excited to be in D.C. One of the biggest highlights was being able to tell Shawn and Phia about the trip and to see their excitement.
And After . . . .
Ok, on a serious note, Shawn finally decided it was time to ditch the training wheels. He knew how to ride without them last year but wouldn't let us take them off. New boys moved into the neighborhood and they have no training wheels. Peer pressure is a strong motivator! 
Shawn had a science themed birthday. We made a goofy looking scientist cake which didn't turn out the way we had planned. He was happy with the cake. 
Danny's finally the same age as me!
Shawn in action during indoor soccer.
Phia had a lot of fun in ballet class. Her teacher spent a lot of time focusing on shapes and creativity. Parents were allowed to watch the last class. They had no planned recital but we were able to watch her perform different movements. 
This is my friend Maggie and me in at the parade with the White House behind us and the presidential viewing box to the left. Besides the President and Vice President, we saw Al Roker from the Today Show, Jamie Lee Curtis, Howard Dean, and John Kerry.
The first family watching the parade as I watch them.
Bono on the big screen. He performed at the inaugural concert a few days before the inauguration.
Here we are at the Republican National Committee media room pretending to be reporting on important stuff. Didn't find too much important stuff in that building.
Sam Donaldson speaking at our seminar. He is such a great speaker who tells it like it is.
I hang with important people!
Dumbo at the American History Museum. DC has a little bit of everything in it and if you've never been to the city you need to go. Most museums are free and new museums open every few years. I visited the Newseum and was surprised at how much I enjoyed touring a building that focused solely on the media. From the Pulitzer Prize winning photos to the chunk of metal from the World Trade Center, it was all very moving. I was a serious tourist as I visited a lot of places including the Lincoln, Washington, and Jefferson Memorials . . . Arlington National Cemetery, and plenty of museums.
The kids in front of the Kung Fu Panda!
Santa's message to the kids. Santa sure is a lot more hip than when I was a kid.
Phia had celebrated her 5th birthday with a mermaid cake and friends.
