Day Three 1/20/09 - Dawn to about 9:30

About 8:30 AM they let us in. We went through security, which was somewhat of a joke. They just went through my bag and made me unzip my coat and then patted my sides down. Of course, we learned later that it was nothing compared to the security check they had to go through closer at the seating areas. That security check held up loads of people and around 11-12 they started turning people away and sending them out. Some people didn't even get to experience the inauguration even though they'd been in line for 7+ hours. However, that wasn't Brian and I's story. We got right in. We were in a good section. Since we'd been so crowded with people we just hung back toward the back of the section and took up some space so we could move, sit on the ground, jump up and down - anything. Plus, being short, I could see better standing in the back.



Here's the view behind us - crazy how many people were there!!

We had some time hanging out in this section...


before I noticed people moving up - closer. I got Brian and we moved up with them. Someone had knocked down the fence and people were just moving on. We got up to the Capitol reflecting pool - which was a beautiful view. I was satisfied just staying there.



behind the Capitol reflecting pond




This is when we moved up closer, we ended up in front of the Capitol reflecting pool. If you look in the middle of this pic - you can see a gold seal. Right above that was where everyone did their speeches, above that in the red is the youth choir that sang, and below the seal is the band, both of which you can see in this picture.



This is where we ended up without zoom. While we were really close for the standing area, we were still pretty far.

Day Three 1/20/09 - 3:30AM to Dawn

It's Inauguration morning - 3:30AM and we're up putting on lots of clothes getting our things together - double checking that we have our tickets. Brian's phone rings and the cab is here to take us to the metro station. And all of a sudden it's 3:45AM and we're out the door and going. It's surreal. I knew that we would have a wait in front of us and that we would be challenge to keep positive and enjoy the situation. I was ready. I'd been gearing up for these very moments for weeks.



On the train, on our way

We arrive at the station and get on a train. We felt lucky because we got to sit down. There wasn't many people on the train yet. The people that were on were in fantastic spirits. We were all united. Going to the same place, rooting for the same team. There were chants, high fives, laughter and and a buzz of excitement. The further we go on the metro towards D.C. the more people get on. And by the time we get off the train at 4AM this is what we see...

























The droves of people we expected were there. So out we go and walk toward where we believe our destination is. There are so many people and everyone is excited! We got to the Silver Gate (we had silver tickets). There was a line and the guy at the front of it said he'd been there since 11pm the night before and that we needed to go to the end. So we head up there, it was about 3 blocks away. When we got up there, someone said they were opening up a new gate and we all needed to go there. So hoardes of people start running the 3 blocks to this new gate. By this time there were even more people and we were packed in like sardines and walking like penguins. The guy at the 'new gate' said that he had no knowledge of them opening a second gate and that we should go back...WHAT?!? So Brian and I and probably a few thousand close (in proximity) friends headed the few blocks back. Brian and I ended up in a crowd that stopped around the actual entrance that said SILVER GATE and decidedly that is where we stayed. It was a smart move on our part - we'd find out later.





About 4:30 AM at the Capitol




same time, I think 18 degrees. Brian doesn't look cold at all, huh?!




This is about 5:30-6AM, there's a hint of light at the Capitol and Brian and I still have good spirits.



Between 6 and 7 they opened up the gate and allowed us about a block closer to where we would be released to go through security and then into our sections.

Here's the Capitol around 7 when the sun was coming up. It is possibly my favorite picture. I had a lot of emotion watching the sun rise. It was a new day for America, most of the time I could not believe that I was there taking it all in. And nothing had really happened yet.

Day Two 1/18/09

On the 18th which was our second day out east, we got up late, ate a huge breakfast at Brian's cousin Suzi's house, hung out and then went to the Metro station to head to Alexandria, VA and Brian's Aunt Diane's house. I had a ton of thoughts in my head, but mainly thinking about my commitment not to complain. I made this commitment with myself, not Brian (although it was really for his benefit). About halfway to the Metro station I started feeling nauseous. And it didn't go away. I was nauseous all day and evening. There were moments of unsureness - I really thought I was going to just puke! But I didn't, and I didn't complain either. Here's the first ride on the metro.



After Aunt Diane picked us up at Huntington station, we went back to her house which was a really cute apartment! I loved it and could have lived there. We pretty much dropped our bags and went back to Huntington station and on to Washington D.C. We were so excited to get into town.

The first true sign of the Inauguration that we saw was the MSNBC van. It was so exciting!



Then heard some girls doing an Obama cheer. Here they are decked out with tons of Obama pins. I imagine they were selling them also - lots of people were doing that.



We walked down the mall, toward the Washington Monument. It was beautiful at night. It is such a significant landmark in D.C. I hear there are stairs you can climb to the top and see out - I think it would take me two days and probably 25 inhalers.



Our next stop was the WWII memorial. This is something new in D.C. I think it's awesome. I took a picture at the South Dakota one in remembrance of my grandfather. He fought in WWII and was able to come back to his family. He never talked about it, but when my Aunts and Uncles when through their house they found a barrel or two with some memorabilia, some Nazi arm bands, a Luger stuff like that. Sometimes I wish we were able to know our grandparents longer and when we are older so there is more appreciation of the time spent. But that is a whole notha blog.







We walked past the Lincoln Memorial Reflecting Pond - I don't actually know the real name right now. But it is the rectangular pond. Here's some illegal mischief that Brian brought on.








The Lincoln Memorial was just ahead. They had just finished up with the Pre-Inauguration concert that aired on HBO. People were in line at 8 AM that morning waiting to get it. It was a free concert and lots of amazing talent was there. Stevie Wonder was there. I really wanted to see him, but we were not educated about the show enough to know when it started or when to be there. It's not something we planned on. Even though we couldn't get close, I totally got a view of Lincoln sitting in his eternal chair. What a majestic man! They just don't make em' like that anymore...



After Lincoln, we walked down Pennsylvania where I got a peek at the White House. We met up with some kids Brian new through his mom who volunteered for Obama. They actually became two wonderful new friends, Flip and Christina. Both hail from Iowa. Flip actually was the Obama worker and who also lived and still lives with Brian's mom. Brian's mom takes in workers for campaigns. That is how she volunteers for them. So Flip is like Brian's step brother or adopted brother. Anyhow - we walked back toward the capitol where we were meeting them and walked past the area that we figured was fenced off for our tickets (silver) and about 500,000 porta potties. That night would be the one and only time I used a porta pottie in D.C. I know it's going to be everyone's biggest question...

So up to the capitol we go and meet our new friends Christina and Flip. After the meeting we took the metro down to Old town and walked until they were going to close all the restaurants. We ducked into one called Austin's and had some fine faire - which we were all starving. Then headed back to Aunt Diane's to get a little rest before Inauguration Eve started, which will be my next post. Here's some nighttime photos of the capitol.



And on our way to the metro I snagged a photo of this piece of art. So fluid. I loved it.

Life is too short!

Last weekend my best friend from high school, Alysia's mom died. She battled breast cancer for two years. It matasticized to her liver and she went quick. Many of you that came into my life after high school have met or know of Alysia. She is a very important person in my life. Her family was my family throughout high school. Please keep them in your prayers and thoughts this week. Her memorial is on Saturday - so if you remember send out some extra strong thoughts and prayers to them on that day.

Karen A. Searcy
Karen A. Searcy, 51, Kansas City, Mo., passed away January 30, 2009.
Memorial services will be held at 2 p.m. Saturday, February 7, 2009, at
Park Lawn Funeral Home, 8251 Hillcrest Road, Kansas City, Mo. Karen was
born January 22, 1958, to Harold and Shirley Atkin in Kansas City, Mo.
She was a homemaker and enjoyed gardening, crafts and volunteering in
the Horticulture Department at the Kansas City Zoo. Karen was preceded
in death by her parents. She leaves to cherish her memory her husband of
31 years, Michael D. Searcy; daughter Alysia Rae; son Michael J. Searcy;
granddaughter Cassidy Jade Bolin; sisters Valerie K. Sherman and Janet
A. Wotipka. Arrangements: Park Lawn Funeral Home, (816) 523-1234.

Day One 1/17/09

Brian's cousin Suzi picked us up from the airport in her mini-van with "Maryland Republicans welcome Bonnie and Brian" it was priceless. I laughed so hard. When we got into the van I was greeted by Brian's cousin and automatically knew she was good people. We spend the evening eating Texas steak, bush beans, and other foods that would make a republican proud. And yes I believe they are republicans, but it was all in good fun! We stayed up til 3am talking and drinking wine - the late nights being normal at their house. What a wonderful time, though. I really enjoyed meeting Suzi and her family. It was even nicer and endearing to see Brian interact with his cousin and her family (they had 4 kids). He really loves his family, it was cool to experience that. Besides the Texas size dinner, Suzi had decorated their house with books and republicanisms. You'll find an example in the picture below. Day one was perfect and tons of fun - a great way to start our Inauguration experience.