Big Inauguration Weekend!

What a weekend! Virginia just inaugurated its 70th governor in the colonial capitol of Williamsburg, and we were all there for the festivities. We drove down late Friday to Chesapeake, to see Grandma and Grandpa Ed at their new retirement house. Then we drove to Williamsburg early Saturday morning to meet up with 2 other couples and their kids. Unfortunately it was cold and rainy, so Justin and one of the other guys went to the swearing-in ceremony (and got soaked), and the rest of us all joined for the parade later (and all got soaked). It was a bit of a disappointment because the weather was just miserable, so we left early (I really felt sorry for the band majorettes in skimpy costumes and Indian dance group in wet saris).
We were quite a mob with kids and strollers and umbrellas (luckily Eddie's mom captured the moment, above). It was even more comical to get the crew of 6 parents, 4 kids, au pair, and a fleet of strollers loaded and unloaded into 2 vehicles. After drying off, we had to get all dolled up for the big dinner and ball. (The Governor arrived to the dinner with fife and drums - very Colonial Chic). Just trying to get all the parents out the door was quite the scene. As we tried to leave, we were giving hasty instructions to the sitters when one of the guys' (non-clip) bowties got untied by his daughter. While he was trying to re-tie his bow, I was nursing Eli in my gown (the other moms gave me props for figuring that out).
We had a great time, and luckily the kids (and the au pair and sitter) all survived the night. It was great having a grown-up night out, and it was especially fun to watch all the kids together (ages 4, almost 2, 1, and 10months). Thank goodness Monday is a holiday, so I can do laundry and try to carve a path through the toys in the living room...and maybe do a little thesis-writing for some real thrills.