Wasn't planning on getting up so early - I didn't have anything planned until Noon, but the alarm went off and I figured I might as well get up and make a day of it. My dad had come down on a midnight train to come and take pictures, and support me and his train arrived at 7 AM. I called him to find out where he was at, to be able to catch up with him, and maybe advise him on some sights in the area. (yeah- like I was the expert now) We met in front of Union Station, after I successfully navigated all the correct subway trains - hehehe. And started walking slowly towards the Capitol. My feet and legs appreciated that. We decided to check out the Thomas Jefferson Library of Congress. It was another building where you just stood in awe of the carvings, paintings and Marble.. We spent some time there and sat outside as well. We slowly made our way to the Cannon Building again to where the lunch and pin ceremony was to be held. As we entered into the building, we checked the directory for this building, and found that our Representaive Christopher Murphy's office was upstairs, so we went up and stopped in the office to say hello and thank them for the nomination, as well as the help and advise about traveling while we were in DC. The Executive Assistant , Jessica was very nice and we enjoyed our brief tour and stay. We then went back down to the area where they were having the lunch and were able to sneak in a little early and just sit at our assign table. My tootsies appreciated that... At our table, it was nice to be able to meet the other CT nominee Debra Schwartz from Jewish Family Services, and the nominee from MA. We had a nice lunch, and the pinning ceremony began. Senator Landrieu spokeabout her work and thanked us for our efforts and asked us to continue to advocate for our children. Each person/couple came up to recieve their pin and a certificate. Pictures were taken with the Senator as well. My dad opted to take video at the time since there was already a photographer there. I went back to my seat and one of the ladies I met on the first day, Debra, came and pinned me. Dad took a picture. The ceremony complete, we congradulated one another and made our way back to Hotels to get ready for the Gala. My father was going to make his way back to Union Station to catch his train back. It was so very nice of him to come all that way, to really just be there for a couple of hours. Though he didn't have to do it, I appreciated that he did - And I know that if it were possible my whole Family would have been here if they could have, but they were here in my heart and spirit, and together we accepted this award. Thanks Papa.. Have to add that my dad stopped to meet the ladies I befriended and joked with them, that he was leaving, but he better not have to come back down and bail us ladies out of jail (we were having so much fun) to which Debra didn't skip a beat.. Leave the bail money here !!! HAHAHA - thats my new girls !!! God Love them, they made me laugh alot over the last few days.
Well I detoured and walked back to the area of E st and NewJersey to get a picture of a fire house I saw built in very early 1800's. I was so quaint and I knew my hubby, John, would want me to stop in, say hi, and get something. I went in and introduced myself and mentioned my husband was a fire marshal for CT and asked to buy a Tee shirt. I purchased their Tee shirt some patches and challenge coin. It was neat, they even had a museum on the 3 floor.. If I ever get back to DC, I am gonna go on that tour, was bummed I didn't have t he time to do it today... But had to get back to hotel to gussy-up for the big night. I stopped in Union Station to buy some souveniors for the kids, since I got my "big kid" already squared away, and then caught the Metro back to the Hotel. When all was said and done, I had an hour to get ready and grab a cab and get to the Ronald Reagan Building. I will post seperately on that part of the day - There is so much to say and express about the magnitude of that event.
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