Another day, another suit.....

The day we have been planning for finally came. When we first received the invitation for Lukas to attend the PYIC, we had no idea who our president would be. There were two history changing possibilities; either we would have our first woman president or our first African-American president. Both scenarios were exciting!
Lukas was able to witness a historical moment, something that will forever change America.

He started Tuesday morning at 5:15am, preparing for a long, cold day ahead. Mass transit reared its ugly head and Lukas's bus that was to transport his group from their hotel in Virginia to the Capitol was late; 2 hours late! Seems his bus driver was nowhere to be found. What a nightmare. Fortunately another driver was dispatched and Lukas and the others were on their way. It was crazy and crowed and very exciting. Everyone was emotional and felt lucky to be there. Barack Obamas image was everywhere thanks to jumbo video screens positioned in every direction. Lukas thought the ceremony was incredible and enjoyed the inaugural address, but exiting the mall was apparently chaotic. Lukas decided to get lunch in the ballpark area where all the concessions were, but the lines were incredibly long. Upon getting separated from his group in a crowd of an estimated 2 million people, Lukas decided he might as well wait out the lunch lines. After 30 minutes he found one of his faculty advisors--thank goodness! But he was out of luck ;after waiting almost 1 1/2 hours, the concessions closed. They ran out of food! So......Lukas got on his bus, went back to the hotel and ordered chinese. I've taught him well!

Then comes the ball........another suit, another tie, another bus ride. The music was great, Chris Daughtry from American Idol was the headlining act. Wow, can a fourteen year old's life get any better? America truly is the land of dreams. And if you can't tell, I couldn't possibly be any prouder. Thank you God!

Oh, and for those of you who thought Jim should skip the crowds and watch the inauguration from the safety and comfort of his warm, spacious hotel room---that is exactly what he did. I guess one Wade witnessing history is blessing enough.

A long, long day...

Can yesterday possibly top the day before? I think so, ask Lukas. He started the day bright and early wearing one of his suits, and thanks to Grampa Wally Lukas learned how to tie his own tie! He was off to hear Former Vice President Al Gore speak. I guess there was also a group of celebrities that greeted the kids prior to the Former VP that included Actors Matthew Modine and Ellen Burnstyn. Lukas was very impressed with Al Gore's talk and felt he was probably one of the smartest men he has come across. Coming from a democrat mother and republican father, I am proud that Lukas has remained bipartisan in his praise and gives it where it is due.

After the address, Lukas's group broke up into smaller groups to discuss and make their own winning campaign strategies.

Next Lukas went on a river cruise down the Potomac and had dinner. He said this was the most fun so far! He just thought the sights were beautiful and it was cool to see chunks of ice floating in the Potomac.

To end their long day in formal dress, the group then headed of to a night at the theater. I am not exactly sure what Lukas saw, but he said that is was a hysterical Shakespearean comedy with political satire???? Wow, I'm not sure what that means, but I guess the kids earned a night of laughs.

Back to the hotel, get some sleep and early to rise for President Elect Barack Obama's inauguration. Along with 1.4 million others......Can't wait to hear about that.

Meanwhile....in another part of town, Jim has been devoting his time to seeing as much of the Smithsonian as possible, as well as the Spy museum, the Museum of Crime and Punishment and the National Portrait gallery! He said today the city is suddenly incredibly populated and getting around is crazy! He might just opt for the inauguration on TV. Jim is probably wishing he was in Fiji right about now.

Till the day of change,
Shanna

24 hours and still more

It has been an exciting 24 hours for Lukas. Last night his group made a trip to University of Maryland to hear two speakers. The first speaker was Pulitzer prize winning author Doris Kearns Goodwin. She is best known for writings on past American Presidents, but Lukas will probably remember her as the first woman journalist to enter the Sox locker room.You can check her out at
http://www.doriskearnsgoodwin.com/about.php

The second speaker was journalist Lisa Ling, who many of you might remember from Barbara Walters show, "The View". She is an investigative journalist whose mission is to raise consciousness about issues and stories that don't always make the headlines. She believes that global awareness make a person smarter and ultimately more human. She is also very pretty I hear.....

Today Lukas attended a luncheon where the keynote speakers were Colin Powell and Archbishop Desmond Tutu. All he could says about them was awesome and amazing. I can only imagine and can't wait to hear about this luncheon in detail.

After the luncheon the group went to a concert where U2, Garth Brook and Beyonce performed--pretty cool.

At last conversation with Lukas, he was on his way to the University of Maryland again to listen to speaker Erik Weihenmayer. He was the first blind man to climb Mt.Everest. You can read about him at
http://www.nationalgeographic.com/adventure/climbing/news/erik-weihenmayer.html

So far this has been an amazing trip and the inauguration is still 1 1/2 days away!

Jim is having fun as well. He said the city is just filled with an excitement he has never seen before. People are there to witness a wonderful change and are hopeful about the future of America. Jim said being in the city is an experience he will never forget. People are happy, friendly and looking forward.......He has also fulfilled a dream of visiting the US Botanical gardens and said it is his new "Graceland".

Till tomorrow........
Shanna

Alone in DC.........

Yesterday I drove Jim and Lukas to the airport in San Diego. The conference doesn't start till today, but I thought it would be good for them to arrive early and get oriented with the city. I'm glad they did this. The flights went well, but their connecting flight to DC was a bit late and after collecting their baggage, Jim discovered the car rental desks were closed. Normally in a big city, I would have just used the metro, but Jim is uncomfortable with navigating mass transit and wanted the car. Turns out it was good that he missed the car rental by a few minutes--most bridges are closing down in the next day or two to auto traffic and the only way in is on foot or metro. So Jim and Lukas took a cab to the hotel late last night and today they will discover the excitement of buses and the metro. It is cheap way to travel and definitely fun to just sit back and people watch!
Jim and Lukas are staying at different hotels, but fortunately they are both in Virginia, about 10 miles apart.So the next trek this morning will be to drop Lukas off at his destination for the next 5 days. Jim said they had to take both taxi and metro to get there, as it is too cold to walk! Both Jim and Lukas were shocked at the freezing temps. It was 8 degrees when they arrived last night and the high today is expected to be a warm 23! I think Lukas is appreciating the red thermal underwear that his Grampa Wally loaned him!
I will update more about Lukas's day--he is off to his hotel and then to The University of Maryland for a welcome address, dinner and browsing at the Mall.
Lukas discovered the "Book of Mormon" on his nightstand last night and thought that was interesting. The Bible was in the desk. They are staying at a Marriott by the way.

On your mark, get set............

Wow...sending off two men to freezing cold weather is expensive! With the weather reports predicting colder than average temperatures--I know Lukas and Jim will need the extra insulation. So off I went to Kohl's to buy more socks, more long sleeve shirts and thermals! Lukas also needed to have a dressy overcoat to go over his expensive suit--you can't wear a casual jacket over a black formal suit! So now he has a wonderful wardrobe for living in the snow for about a week. I do have to admit, I was a proud Mom as Lukas tried on his suits last night--I'm seeing visions of his future!
Except my vision and Lukas's vision are in conflict at this time.......oh well.

I am attempting to make a personal update of Lukas's adventure in DC for the inauguration . Lukas will be sending me pictures via his cell phone and I will try to upload them and share with everyone his daily experiences. Make sure to check us out daily.

Jim will be accompanying Lukas on his trip, but will be with him as far as the plane ride only. Once Lukas is dropped off at his hotel, he will be on his own for the duration. Security is so tight that Jim will only be able to communicate with Lukas via phone. So.....this means Jim will be on his own adventure! He is not sure if he will brave the crowds (millions) who will also try to get a glimpse of our first African-American President. I tried desperately to get Jim an official ticket to the inauguration, by submitting letters to Mary Bono and Darrel Issa--but no such luck. I hear most celebrities got first pick! Seems wrong to me. Jim could still attend, but in a spectators only area. I'm not sure how much he would be able to see from these areas. Most likely he will be off visiting the Smithsonian, and just settle for watching the inauguration on TV like the rest of us.

Well, I keep you posted on both their adventures........If there is anything you think that Jim should see while he is in D.C., let me know.
Shanna