Greetings from the Inauguration!

a Rocky inspired Obama beach towel. Reminds me of Ms. DeMeo.
We met up with Mr. President after lunch.
Here's that President Obama studded-hat that I was telling you about. I've been searching everywhere for one for my brother Brian. No luck yet.

Can't wait to tell you all about our adventures---in person! We're so happy we had the chance to be a part of this. Now I must leave the internet machine and I will talk to you Friday. Miss you.

O'Neill goes to Washington

Here's the world's fanciest Starbucks in Alexandria, VA.
So the O'Neill family feels real lucky to have the chance to go to DC and witness a little history. I thought I would blog for Vanguard while I was away and share with you our trip.

Our first stop when we arrived Sunday afternoon was Alexandria, VA. We walked around a little bit--it's so much warmer than at home in Chicago.

We ate at Bilbo Baggins restaurant, a fine establishment with super friendly wait staff. The town was dead because I think everyone was on the National Mall rocking out to Springsteen, U2,Sheryl Crowe, etc. While we were eating, we watched McNabb's defeat against the Arizona. No defense for the Eagles so it wasn't really his fault but my heart aches for him nonetheless. The jukebox was playing Clapton's "Crossroads" while we were eating at Bilbo Baggins and I thought of Bobbi Felfle and our Field Hollerers.
Look, there's a Superdawg at the Midway Airport! Most of the people on the plane traveled in packs of besters. I thought for sure there would be more families but it was mainly small groups of women wearing matching Obama yellow sweatshirts on the plane.

I'm good with DC so far. Environmentally friendly buses that run on Natural Gas. I have heard their metro trains are the cleanest in all the land. I will let you know tomorrow.

I am more than shocked and thoroughly entertained by all the Obama consumerism. I have already seen five people with fancy studded Obama winter caps. Two women on the plane had costume jewelry diamond studded bracelets that spelled OBAMA. I will try to get some pix of the Obama fashions tomorrow.

Random Fact:
Did you know that Arlington Heights was named after Arlington National Cemetary? It's true. They originally called it Dunton, then Arlington and changed the name to Arlington Heights because the name Arlington was already taken.

I am impressed that Obama declared today a National Day of Service. Be proud you do service everyday, not just one day a year. Hope you're reflecting a little bit on Martin Luther King, Jr. Day and enjoying the time off.

If you have any questions, I promise I will investigate. please post.