January 19, 2009 9:18 PM
We made it!
We made it through our first day! Jason thought it was cool that we were in four different states in one day: Colorado, Minnesota, Maryland and Virginia. We also passed through Washington, D.C., but were only able to see our nation's capitol from the tour bus window.
The flights were great and changing planes in Minneapolis went off without a hitch. Everyone was assigned a number so that when we counted off we knew who was present or missing. Our group had a bit of trouble remembering assigned numbers, but I feel confident that we will soon be rattling them off smoothly. :)
We spent most of the morning and afternoon gathering the rest of our group from Ronald Reagan Airport. I just have to write again how amazed I am by all the organization that went into this trip. Mrs. Pearson's "wingman," Laura Israelsen, was such a great help answering questions and keeping us on track.
We had blown through our snacks on the plane, and since we hadn't eaten since 3:30 that morning, we were so happy when our tour buses stopped at Wendy's and Chick Fil A for a quick bite.
The neatest thing we did tonight was take a ghost tour of Alexandria, VA. The tour guide did an awesome job telling haunted tales and kept everyone's attention as he relayed interesting facts. It was awesome to see the house where George Washington actually lived and to see where Thomas Jefferson and Benjamin Franklin ate many meals.
Of course we did manage to get in a little shopping in Alexandria. We found a cute little (and I do mean little) gift shop that was chock full of Obama/inauguration paraphernalia. My friend Alice joked that if her son Jackson turned around with his backpack on, he would surely knock something over! It's hard to know if you should buy something when you see it or wait and see if there's something out there you might like better. I'm one of those shoppers who likes to see all my options and then decide what I want, but I think for this trip I better "get it when the gettin's good."
Rachel and her friend Madison were busy checking out the teddy bears and key chains while I snatched up a few postcards and pencils. My kids have earned their own spending money for this trip and I'm going to try really hard to let them spend it how they would like. I know Rachel was relieved to find a special souvenir for her friend Alli. "I think you should get it for her if you like it, because who knows if we will ever be back in Alexandria again," I prompted her. Adam managed to only spend $5 on a great magnet. He is holding out for the perfect t-shirt or sweatshirt and said he would know it when he sees it.
I'm so thankful that my wonderful friend Stacy and her daughter Madison were also able to come to D.C. Stacy and I have been giggling like schoolgirls ourselves!
The whole reason we are on this trip is happening tomorrow (or should I say today since its already past 1 a.m.?) Obama's inauguration means so many different things to so many people and it's just awesome to think that we will actually be a part of history! We will be witnessing the first EVER - IN THE HISTORY OF THE UNITED STATES - African-American president be sworn in. Being a part of that history and saying we were there is truly amazing!
The weather tonight gave us a good indication of what it will be like tomorrow. COLD! Good thing I opted for the second suitcase, even though the new baggage fees stink. We have plenty of clothes to keep us warm and I'm thankful for the winter boots; even if they they took up one small carryon bag. Now if my cranky "rolling" suitcase would cooperate, it would be heaven!
We won't be able to take in any backpacks, purses or other tote bags. Cameras and money will be the most essential items to pack. We brought along a couple pair of small binoculars that will hopefully make it through security. I have no idea where we will be standing but spirits are high in anticipation of this momentous event.
Please forgive any typos, it's late and I'm sure my husband back in Northglenn, CO is freaking out that I'm not asleep yet. I'm actually typing by the light of the moon since the kids have been in bed for a while.
Once again the 5 a.m. breakfast call will be a killer but it's easier to wake up for things you are REALLY looking forward to!
January 20, 2009
7:31 AM
Shannon Rizzi writes:
Darlene--Shannon again! Glad you guys are havinig a blast. Your blog is great!
January 20, 2009
11:16 AM
Dags writes:
Wow, What a first day guys. I am so Thankful for this opportunity that you have to witness history. I miss you like crazy but I know you are in good hands. I can't wait to read more about your trip and of course to see you again to hear it first hand from you. ENJOY and take care of each other. lv Dad
January 20, 2009
11:58 AM
Lesa Harris writes:
I saw your picture in Saturday's paper -- I even cut it out. I've enjoyed reading your blog -- thanks for sharing your news -- especially since I know everyone you are talking about. Please give my "best wishes and have a great time" to all of the Hulstrom gang. I thought about all of you many times on Monday. I'm so glad the first day of your trip was a success! -- Lesa Harris
January 20, 2009
12:02 PM
Julie Abeyta writes:
Sounds like you're all having a great time. Looking forward to reading all details from this momentous day.
January 20, 2009
12:22 PM
Crystal writes:
Hey cuz heres a shout out from Colorado Springs,
we love you guys and hope your having a great time in D.C.
January 20, 2009
3:13 PM
Alli Condon writes:
Dear Rachel,
Sounds like you're having a great time in D.C..I just did homework.I can't find your blogs on the website.BFFEAEAEAEAEAEAEAEAEAEAEAEAEAEAEAEAEAEAEAEAEAEAEAEAEAEA
January 20, 2009
3:14 PM
Alli Condon writes:
Dear Rachel,
Sounds like you're having a great time in D.C..I just did homework.I can't find your blogs on the website.BFFEAEAEAEAEAEAEAEAEAEAEAEAEAEAEAEAEAEAEAEAEAEAEAEAEAEA
January 20, 2009
8:27 PM
Celina writes:
Hey Cous,
Glad to hear that all of you are safe and enjoying yourselves. It is very neat to hear your stories for the week. Have fun and God Bless all of you.
Love Your Cous,
Celina
January 20, 2009
8:40 PM
jesse writes:
Hey cuz,
It is good to hear that you guys are having a great time in D.C. On tuesday the 20th we watched the Inauguration at school and im pretty sere I saw you guys on tv. Have a safe flight home and i hope to see you soon.
From,
Jesse
January 20, 2009
10:33 PM
Uncle Ree Ree writes:
Hey guys,
Sounds like everything is going GGRREEAATT!!! Good to hear about your travels and I'm glad you are all having fun with your historious trip! I think about you guys all the time and I cant wait to see my new magnetic President Obama bumper sticker.....hint hint lol Take care and God Speed.
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