President Barack Obama: Celebrating the Occasion

Like so many of you (millions in Washington, D.C., alone, right on the steps of the Capitol), I've just watched Barack Obama as he was sworn in as the 44th President of the United States of America, and the first African-American ever to serve in the office.

I debated whether I should even blog about this, as I know that the Inauguration is ALL you have been hearing about lately. The news networks have all been previewing the occasion for the last several days, even weeks(!), and the morning shows have been televising nothing but the Inauguration all day. People are, no doubt, Twittering about it at this very moment.

I worried that we all might be feeling that we've just become saturated with the subject, and maybe I should just let it go.

But...I'm still feeling hopeful and optimistic, and I think one more post won't push any of us over the edge just yet. ; )

Simple Ways to Celebrate
the Inauguration with Your Kids

Wear Red, White and Blue--always a mark of patriotism for those of us who don't even own flag lapel pins, today is a good day to bring out those red and white sweaters (it's cold outside!) and pull on a pair of blue jeans to show off our national colors. Oh, and make sure those jeans don't slide down below your butt--Obama hates that look (it's a pet peeve of his with today's youth fashions).


Hit the Local Krispy Kreme--For a free donut of your choice, today only!

Get out the Lincoln Logs--Or anything you can use to open up a dialog with the little ones about President Obama's favorite role model, Abe Lincoln (February 12th, 2009 also marks the 200th anniversary of Lincoln's birth).

Dust Off Those Old Spiderman Comics--They're the new President's favorite (along with Conan the Barbarian)--in fact, he's a collector.

Check Out Some High School B-Ball--Barack was known as 'The O'Bomber' on his high school basketball court.

Serve Shrimp Linguini Tonight--The new President loves his wife, Michelle's--it's his favorite 'at-home' dinner. Wash it down with some black forest berry iced tea (another fave).

Or Go Out For Italian food--According to an interview with Obama early this year, his favorite dining spot is Italian Fiesta Pizzeria in Hyde Park, Chicago, IL.

But Skip the Ice Cream for Dessert--After working in an ice-cream parlor as teen, President Obama now can't stand the stuff!

Finally, Curl Up With An Old Movie--Obama's favorites? "Casablanca" and "One Flew Over the Cuckoo's Nest".