We decided in the Summer that we wanted to be in DC (with our little ones) for the historic event if Obama won the election. On Nov 4th, history was made so we finalized our plans to come to DC this week. Unfortunately, we did not get those prized tickets to the "swearing in" ceremony but we plan to be at the Newsmuseum along the parade route on Pennslyvania Avenue. Having said all that, we enthusthically braved travel on Sunday to arrive here. Leaving FTL airport we could tell that many other families had the same idea and we even observed several generations of family members traveling.
Once we arrived in DC, my little ones were excited that they got to see & feel snow flurries (for native floridians....this is a BIG deal). Once we started our commute to the hotel, we ran into people who had travelled from far & near to be here. There was a couple from California and this was there first time in DC. There was 2 ladies from Buffalo, NY who thought the weather (31 degrees) was quite delightful. There was others from North Carolina and Georgia. And even though there was confusion trying to figure out the Metro System and quite a long commute on the Washington Metro system....all were just ecstatic to be here, to witness history!
As we ventured out to the National Mall area, the real excitement begun! Again, people of all nationalities and ages converged here. Many staking out there spot for the swearing in OR parade event tomorrow. Others gathering Obama memorabalia and visiting the museums. It struck me to witness a grandmother in tears (of joy) simply overwhelmed by the history that was about to happen and that she was here to witness it. I am sure that on Tuesday all of these emotions will be maximized and that even though I am hoisting a little one and swaddling her for warmth (while my husband will be taking pictures and wrangling our oldest) that we needed to be here!