Inauguration, 2017

We deliberately scheduled a trip to the District of Columbia over Christmas break so that the trio could see the city during the historic presidency of Barack Obama.  (Updates on that soon.) As we are watching the changing of the guard at 1600 Pennsylvania Avenue, I think it helps the trio appreciate the significance more, having seen the White House in person (at least from the fence :), and seeing monuments honoring our nation's founding fathers and other significant leaders helps to keep a single election in perspective.

We are also excitedly watching the Women's Marches this weekend. Without getting overly political or specific, more can and should be done for women's rights. Equal pay, assault prevention and equality in the classroom have such a long way to go, but I am optimistic that women are using social media to express themselves and showing up for old school marches. As for us, our city is hosting a march, but the duo will be competing during a science fair during the protest. We hate to miss it, as the aforementioned women's issues will be lifelong battles for our girls.

In the meantime, here's what's on our minds:

1) The Marches: 200,000 women are expected in Washington, and cities across the United States and around the world are hosting as well.  The 2017 march is inspired by the 1913 suffragists' march on Pennsylvania Avenue prior to President Wilson's inauguration. Although women had been fighting for the right to vote for 60 years at the time of that march, the march was considered a pivotal event in the movement. Protesters were tripped, kicked and assaulted - approximately 100 women were hospitalized for their injuries - but ultimately the right to vote was granted to women in 1920.

2) Viewing: This election and upcoming administration was/will be nothing if not fractious, and I am, therefore, interested in watching Frontline's Divided States of America this weekend.

3) Moving Day: I am always fascinated by inauguration day... all that moving! The Washington Post shares how the busiest five hours at the White House go down.

4) Books: I feel a kinship with anyone who reads, and I love knowing what books you may be reading. President Obama recently shared his passion for books and which writers he turned to while occupying the White House.

5) First Ladies: On a much lighter note, I totally loved Michelle Obama's outgoing Jason Wu ensemble, while Melanie Trump was stunning in Ralph Lauren. Five stars for both ladies.

Also, Michelle's facial expressions were a bright spot of the day.


While the first ladies were visions of class, KellyAnn Conway, in her Brit-inspired Gucci, was a swing and a miss.

Bless it. Maybe she lost a bet.

Have a wonderful weekend!