We have a new president...

...and We Were There! We had an amazing last couple of days' worth of Inaugural Activities.

On Monday night, Chris and Erica went to the Huffington Post Ball, our first inaugural ball. Chris scored a couple of tickets thanks to his work with the U.S. Public Service Academy, and we found ourselves partying the night away at the Newseum with the likes of Sheryl Crow, Sting, and Will.I.Am. Then, after only a few hours of sleep, we woke Miriam up on Tuesday morning to make our way down to the Mall for the swearing in ceremony. With our Philly friends Morris and Rachel and their daughter, Pardes, we hopped on a bus to Dupont Circle -- only to be treated to one-year-old crying in stereo as both girls erupted in tears. From Dupont we walked a couple of miles to the Washington Monument. It was crowded and cold -- the girls were numb little popsicles -- but people were very warm and friendly. We found a spot near the Monument with a view of the White House and the Lincoln Memorial as well as a jumbotron.

So we're sitting there freezing with a couple million people, and who do we see? Our neighbors, Craig and Jen, along with their friends -- who had another one-year-old! It was Baby Central by the Monument! The poor kids alternated crying fits as they wondered why their parents were crazy enough to have them stand around for hours in 30-degree weather.

Finally it was time for the Speech. By this time, it was packed! Erica could not see the TV screen, but was able to hear just fine -- Chris narrated the visuals and the crowd provided the sound effects. What an exhilarating place to be!

After the speech, we plowed into the crowd for the trek back to Dupont Circle. On the bus, we took of Miri's gloves and found one hand was warm and the other one freezing cold (and swollen). Then we took off her shoes and found both of them frozen solid! Mommy was horrified! We immediately took off her shoes and started rubbing her feet, which led to some wailing and gnashing of teeth before she could start to feel her feet again. She quickly recovered and turned into Happy Miriam again. She stood up and looked out the window of the bus and even had her picture taken by three passing people who couldn't resist her cuteness.

We our day at an Inaugural Party hosted by Chris' Aunt Marg and Uncle Bill. Miri got a chance to see Grandma Margery (don't they look patriotic in their outfits?) and take a little nap. Mommy and Daddy got to warm up, eat a lot of yummy food, and watch the parade on television. We also heard stories from Bill who headed a volunteer team in downtown DC.

What a day! What did you do to celebrate?