1.20.09

It was one of those days that will be remarked about and remembered for a very long time--fortunately because of triumph and not tragedy--and we celebrated every minute of it. There were tears and smiles and champagne and cupcakes; discussions, hugs and, at times, thoughts of disbelief. Mostly, what we felt throughout the day on which President Obama was sworn into office was optimism. We hope that you did too, because there's so much work to be done that there really isn't any room for negativity. (Stop listening to the media, by the way--especially financial analysist--it'll drive you bonkers). Since the inauguration, we've been so pleased to see action from our federal government--we have new laws and policies already that advance womens' rights and we have already begun diplomacy with the Middle East. The economic stimulus package, while complex and controversial, is on its way. From our point of view, we are so grateful to see news like this. Here are some photos of Inauguration Day.




The kids watched the swearing-in and toasted to their future with juice and "peacecakes." Thanks, Nadine, for the yummy treats!







Friends and neighbors came together for Obama-tinis and to share in the joy. Thanks to everyone who came out with us.
















Hooray for democracy!!

Service with a Smile

We followed the lead of our soon-to-be President Obama today and recognized his own and Martin Luther King's dedication to community service. We did so by paying a lot of attention to what both of these men emdody as leaders and by performing our own acts of service. The kids were out bright and early filling trash bags with litter and we spent time collecting food and household goods for donation to the Ronald McDonald House of Southern New Jersey. With the help of many friends, we were able to deliver a trunk-load of soup, baked goods, household goods and drinks for the families that spend time there while their children hopefully heal at Cooper Hospital next door. We have committed ourselves to doing this on a monthly basis and to serving our community in even more ways.

If you're interested, check out this website: http://www.usaservice.org/ to find out ways that you can perform service in your own communities.

Tomorrow, we will dedicate ourselves to celebrating. First, by getting together with neighbors to watch the most significant transition of power in modern American history live. After school, we'll host a kids' inauguration party and toast the new administration with apple juice and oatmeal cookies. Finally, we will have our own Inaugural Ball tomorrow night and celebrate what we hope to be a new, more progressive and prosperous era in our country and our world.

Keepin' busy, stayin' warm

In keeping with one of our new year's resolutions this year, we have been staying active and busy in 2009. We're staring winter right in the face and not backing down. Evie started ice skating and advanced to the next level in her second class (oh, it's good to be young). Nate began new swim lessons in the hope that this year mom and dad can relax alittle easier in the lounge chairs this-coming summer. Ron and I have been having a lot of fun too (thanks grandparents!)

We know that a lot of people don't have it so easy, and that times are tough. We do hope that everyone reading is doing well and that 2009 turns out to be just sublime.