Not long after the sun rose, we started down Pennsylvania Ave towards the White House, stopping for coffee and muffins along the way. We joined the throngs of families and headed towards the entrance gate and security check. It looked exactly like entering the Austin City Limits Festival, except that we had to go through metal detectors. We then waited a bit for the gates between the Ellipse and White House South Lawn to open for a few minutes before we were let in, and how exciting it was to be in!!
Once inside, we explored a little while. Amazing sculptures made out of candy, lots of activities, and how close to the White House could we get? Awesome! SteveSongs performed on the music stage. I sure wish the crowd there had been larger, but I think folks all ran to get in line for activities. I’m quite sure that Steve recognized us there in the audience. Chloe was unhappy because her feet were cold; it was cold and the lawn was wet. So I held her and Rob held her. Camille and I danced. After Steve was done, we went over to the egg dyeing area. Camille and Chloe both made eggs, but neither one wanted to take theirs with them, so we left them. The Imagination Movers were performing to a crowd; we watched for some of the show, but then headed off to see more of what was there.
We explored the various activities, then joined the line for the Egg Roll. Rob and Camille went off and got supplies for making jump ropes and brought them back. We watched costumed character after character come by, as well as many past “First Ladies.” The line moved fast enough and the girls got to roll the eggs on the lawn! Chloe’s egg cracked, but Camille’s didn’t and she decided to keep it.
We explored more areas, then Camille jumped rope a bit. We hoped that the Obamas would come out, but I guess they came out when Group B was there, not during Group A.
Too soon, it was time to go. The process for leaving was the least efficient of all (well, except for getting the tickets). But, if I were lucky enough to get tickets again next year, I’d do it again.
