On Tuesday, I wasn't fortunate enough to witness the inauguration in person, however, I did watch the swearing in and other events on TV. Maybe you don't agree with Bush, but it was a big day to say bye to our nation's leader. And maybe you didn't vote for Obama, but witnessing our country's first black President get sworn in was definitely a historical day! Now, like I said I am NOT a political person. I do vote, but I don't get involved in politics. My husband will watch CNN all day if he could. And my mom loves MSNBC. My poor dad has had no choice but to watch the campaigning, election news, and such for the last several months! For me, though, anything 'political' is not really my cup of tea. However, on Tuesday, Gabriella and I DID attend President Bush's homecoming in Midland. 
When I first heard he was coming, I really wasn't too interested. I picked up a free ticket they were giving away, but I didn't think I would actually go. Maybe it was the excitement of the inauguration or the Disney show I watched the night before, but when I woke up on Tuesday I suddenly wanted to at least try to go. I mean, how often does a President (especially one so recent) visit your area?? And since we live only 20 miles away I really wanted to attempt to go. So, I left Caden with my grandma and decided to take Gabriella with me for company. I knew they were expecting about 20,000 people so I thought if we can't get in, then that's ok, at least we tried. When we got to Midland, though, everything was so well organized. The parking lots were cleared so we didn't have to park too far. In fact, right when we got there another mom and her son were just arriving, so we kind of 'hung out' throughout the event. The line to get in was moving fast, so we got in pretty quickly. There was already a large crowd, but I was determined to find a good spot. So, me, Gabriella in her stroller, the other mom (I never got her name!) and her son in his stroller headed straight into the crowd attempting to get as close as we possibly could. Have you ever pushed a stroller in a crowd?! Yeah. Not easy or fun. People were getting annoyed, but the majority were helpful and let us through. Luckily we found a spot. Not that close, but we did have a way better view than we did before, so we set up camp. We had a good view of one of the big screens they had set up and if you squinted we could see 
the podium. At this point I was surprised at myself for actually making it out there for this event. But once I was there it was actually fun! They passed out little flags and cardboard red, white and blue "W"s. Gabriella enjoyed playing with the flags and holding up her W when everyone else did. Lee Greenwood, the Gatlin Brothers and Rodney Atkins performed. I thought the music would be Gabriella's favorite part, but since that coincided with nap time, poor girl fell asleep during all the loud music! Of course she woke up when we were waiting for President Bush to get there... As we waited the audience was told that his plane was going to fly over the crowd before he landed. I stood there with my camcorder zoomed into the sky. No one expected how close to the crowd his plane would actually fly! I couldn't zoom out fast enough! Shortly after, the Bush's arrived- right when I had a cranky 3 year old wake up. She did pretty good, however, I was trying to video President Bush (on my tip toes so I could zoom in on him and Laura Bush) while dealing with Gabriella in her stroller. So, the video came out shaky. Eric tried to watch it later that night, but was a little frustrated at my camera skills. Personally, I think he was just a little jealous that he couldn't be there! Overall, though, it was actually fun. I found myself waving at Bush when he waved at the crowd. Like he was really going to see me in a crowd of 30,000!
the podium. At this point I was surprised at myself for actually making it out there for this event. But once I was there it was actually fun! They passed out little flags and cardboard red, white and blue "W"s. Gabriella enjoyed playing with the flags and holding up her W when everyone else did. Lee Greenwood, the Gatlin Brothers and Rodney Atkins performed. I thought the music would be Gabriella's favorite part, but since that coincided with nap time, poor girl fell asleep during all the loud music! Of course she woke up when we were waiting for President Bush to get there... As we waited the audience was told that his plane was going to fly over the crowd before he landed. I stood there with my camcorder zoomed into the sky. No one expected how close to the crowd his plane would actually fly! I couldn't zoom out fast enough! Shortly after, the Bush's arrived- right when I had a cranky 3 year old wake up. She did pretty good, however, I was trying to video President Bush (on my tip toes so I could zoom in on him and Laura Bush) while dealing with Gabriella in her stroller. So, the video came out shaky. Eric tried to watch it later that night, but was a little frustrated at my camera skills. Personally, I think he was just a little jealous that he couldn't be there! Overall, though, it was actually fun. I found myself waving at Bush when he waved at the crowd. Like he was really going to see me in a crowd of 30,000! 
And maybe you don't agree with Bush's administration, but it was fun to welcome home a fellow Texan. It was neat to be a part of Bush's first moments as a "former" President. And it was so cool too look around the crowd and see the diversity of people that were there. Babies, senior citizens, students, men, women, all ethnicities...putting aside all their differences to take part in this special event. There may never be another President from this area in my lifetime. So to be there, in the same town, same place with a former leader of the U.S. will definitely be a day I'll remember. And even though Gabriella is too young to understand and even fell asleep during the rally, at least she can grow up and say that she 'saw' a President in person. Hopefully she'll appreciate how I wanted her to be a part of something special. So, goodbye President Bush and hello President Obama.
1 comment:
Too cool! I'm glad you went and took Gabriella! It looks as if you got some great pics! I'm jealous! :)
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