Inauguration 2013

This year was my first Inauguration, and I was very excited to get to be a part of all of the festivities!  We started off the day by waking up early to head into the District.  We had a plan to meet up with our friends Paul and Marlo early, because we knew cell phone service would be an issue.  Thankfully it worked out, and we were able to spend Inauguration with them.

The Inauguration was a lot of fun.  We made our way up to the front of the fenced area and snagged a really nice spot next to one of the many large jumbotrons.  My favorite part of the day was President Obama's speech and Kelly Clarkson's beautiful rendition of "My Country 'Tis of Thee'".  Kelly really brought down the house and did so without lip syncing.  I thought she was leaps and bounds above Beyonce.  It gave me chills!

 

CNN was giving out President Obama buttons

 

 On the National Mall

 In front of the CNN stage

 America!

After Inauguration, we ended up walking home from the National Mall.  It was a massive trek, but it would have taken much longer to get home by Metro.  We stopped off in Rosslyn for some lunch and went home to get ready for the night.  That night we went to the State of Michigan Inaugural Ball.  It was sponsored by the Michigan State Society and was held at the Museum of American History.  We went with our friends Paul and Marlo and the four of us had such a blast!

 At the Ball

 It was so cool that the event was at a Smithsonian

 My hot date

 We rode one of the 3D rides in the museum for free

 Marlo and I

 My love

The four of us had a blast on the dance floor!

Wedding Festivities: Bridal Showers

As part of my wedding festivities, I was blessed to have two bridal showers.  One took place in Michigan in December with my fiance's side of the family and the other in Alabama with my side of the family.  Here are a few pictures from the two events:

This was my recipe card table.  Guests were given a recipe card in their invitation and asked to bring their favorite recipe to the shower.  I ended up with lots of tasty recipes to try!

 This doll was brought by Mrs. O and is an Oldfield family tradition.  It has been at all of the Oldfield bridal showers and weddings for many years.

 The menu from my Michigan bridal shower at Cafe Cortina Restaurant

 One of the bridal shower tables

 The beautiful centerpieces 

 Entryway with name tags that asked for your name and "how you were related to the groom"

 My lovely mother came flew in from Alabama

 Opening presents

 

My lovely hostesses at my Alabama shower:   My Aunt Donna and Aunt Margie

 The table display with desserts and goodies

 

Aunt Rita, Stephanie, Grandmother, Me and Mom

                                                        The Tidwell Girls                                                   

 Opening presents

My Aunt DJ and I

Denna, Steph and Me