Washington D.C. Day 2

Today we awakened early and ate breakfast a local eatery which was fine. Then we left early for D.C. We arrived at Union Station by 9:30 and there was organized chaos for about a half and hour as we helped the kids find bathrooms, places to buy disposable cameras and waters, etc....Then our group split off from the others and hopped on the subway. We made three different connections and walked with immense crowds of people to the National Mall where Obama was scheduled to appear at 2 pm. There was an inaugural kick off with superstars like Bruce Springsteen, Jonas Brothers, Beyonce, Tom Hanks, Denzel Washington, Aretha Franklin, etc...and of course Obama and his wife and kids and the VP. We had a long distance view of the Lincoln Memorial and the reflecting pool (same shot as in Forrest Gump when Jennie runs into the pool). The kids were really excited about that! There was security like you would not believe with snipers on rooftops and humvees, mounted park police on Clydesdales, and military helicopters buzzing overhead. It was pretty exciting to see Marine Helicopters bearing the VIPs to the Lincoln Memorial...In an couple of days those same helicopters will be called Marine I and hover onto the White House lawn bearing the new president to his new home.

The kids were really great and enjoyed every moment of the day...One girl kept saying, with tears in her eyes, "I can't believe that I am witnessing history!" I have to admit one does get caught up in the historical aspects of what is taking place here. The crowds exude excitement and hope that cannot be denied or waved away. We are here and we are part of history in the making and that is pretty damn cool. The day was long...there was a lot of walking and the kids and adults were all pretty darn tired. The hotel was completely silent shortly after we pulled in and disembarked from the buses.

We have another early day tomorrow as we head to Arlington National Cemetery and the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier and then an Air and space museum at Dulles International Airport...there is supposed to be a space shuttle there! Then out to eat before returning to the hotel for a very early night because the band is leaving by 3 am for check in at the Pentagon. Poor Mr. D, Val, and Christy will have all the kids to themselves per order of the U.S. Military and the rest of us are on our own as we head to the city in personal vehicles and subways to fight the crowds and stand in the cold for hours to witness the swearing in and the parade....we are preparing ourselves mentally and physically with sleep and warm clothing. It will be long johns, long sleeved shirts, fleeces, wool socks, hats, mittens, and warm jackets. Fortunately for me, I have experience at this kind of stuff...and it is cold but not as cold as New Years...I will keep you all posted on the events as they unfold.