Our wake-up call was at 3:30. Yes, that's in the morning! We had an early bus ride into the city, then a one-hour road march to the National Mall. It was still dark, and really hard to keep track of 16 teenagers who are all bundled up to the point that you can't recognize any of them from the back. We managed not to lose anyone, though. In fact, the kids were awesome all day long! I've received several compliments from adults we've encountered about their behavior, manners and how well they follow my directions, even when I have stopped asking them to do things and have started demanding and barking orders. They really were awesome today, and I was so proud of them.
Road march from where the bus parked, down by the Nationals Stadium, to the Mall.
Our first view of the mob on the mall, as the sun was starting to come up. It was 7:00 and 19 degrees.
As it got lighter, you could see the sharpshooters on the rooftops again. And notice the wind!
My official inaugural portrait!
The kids were trying everything they could to keep warm. Someone brought some space blankets, and they quickly figured out that two bodies producing heat under the space blanket was better than one!
The ceremony began,
and so did the cheering.
President Obama's speech was very moving. I think it's going to be one we will remember the way we remember Martin Luther King, Jr.'s "I have a dream" speech. Some were moved to tears, but most were just proud to be American.
After every good party, there's a mess to clean up.
Back to the bus. It was much easier in the daylight, but still a long trek in the cold.
I love the capital building way off in the distance! :)
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