Just Us.

What better way to celebrate your birthday than to celebrate with the entire nation as we welcome Barack Obama as our 44th president!

January 20, 2009 was a jam-packed day for our family. For Ferd's 33rd birthday, we had brunch at La Madeline in Olde Towne Alexandria along with Claudia, Jeremy, Anthony, and Leo.

We ate french toast with berries, potato golette, quiche lorraine, oatmeal, eggs, and chocolate croissant. The food was delicious. Right before noon, we all decided to walk across the street to Market Square to see Obama on the jumbotron. Although we were not on the national mall, we still felt the energy in the city. It amazed me to see people flooding the streets of DC. The city's never looked so different. All this excitement, all this energy, ... to see history in the making.

Olde Towne was filled with people, old and young. It was about 20 degrees outside and it didn't stop the hundreds of thousands of people. People were gathered on the steps of Market Square, bundled in blankets. Children were climbing trees to get a glimpse of Obama. People were excitedly waving American flags. I was so proud and elated to be a part of it all along side my husband, daughter, and friends. For my generation, this is one most defining moments of our lives. No matter who I voted for, who Ferd voted for, who anyone voted for... one thing is certain: I have a newfound interest in politics and a genuine sense of hope for our country. I can now honestly say to Ava, that she can be anybody she wants to be, do anything she wants to do,... and beleive it wholeheartedly.