The Week I Shook Hands with the President...of the United States

Even better looking up close and personal

I almost don't know where to start.  Most of you know about our incredible journey to the Super Bowl and how much it meant to me (and many many others).  We went, we won and we came home champions.  I never miss an opportunity to include that fact in most things I do. I figure it will eventually wear off...so far though, it hasn't.

Last week, however, was the technical end to all of the celebratory festivities that Super Bowl Champs traditionally get as a part of their win.  And, it was one of the best week's of my life!

Mid-week, everyone who was to receive "the ring", got invited to go to the White House.  I'm not sure of your political affiliations and frankly I don't care...we live in a land where we can have political affiliations and we can speak freely about them. We live in a country where, we the people, elect our officials and we live under a blanket of safety and freedom that is provided under the direction of our Commander in Chief. And, this girl, was going to his crib. WHAT?!?!?

I was beyond thrilled!  I was so excited I couldn't stand myself.  My fashionista mind was going bananas.  I needed the perfect White House outfit because you certainly can't look ridiculous when going to the White House.  I mean really!

Dressed in our White House Best

Wednesday June 5th:

The weather was perfect...bright, sunny and seasonably warm.  8 police escorted buses left Owings Mills at 8:00 am and headed to Washington, DC. P.S. Sorry to anyone along the commute that got stuck in traffic because of our buses.  We arrived at President Obama's pad at about 9:30. We were greeted by Secret Service agents with the cutest working dogs.  Our bus was inspected before anyone even got off.  Security was tight, but it didn't take very long to get in.  

No pics allowed while going through White House Security.
But this guy checked out our bus.
We were all clear. Obvi.

Once inside, we were allowed to roam about the house. For about 90 minutes, we took in the China Room, the Library, the terrace, and the spot where President Obama told our nation that we had finally gotten Bin Laden.  We strolled on the South Lawn listening to a Marine jazz band, sipping White House water with cocktail napkins that a few of us stuffed in our purses instead of tossing away. We took all kinds of pictures, we soaked in every second and savored the experience.  

When at the White House one should always take very serious pictures.

Oh just chilling at Barack's crib having a little girl talk. No bigs.

We fit right in. No doubt about it.

Excellent Entertainment

Normally, I'm on the outside looking in. So taking a picture looking out was a must.

Vince felt right at home.

Everyone was happy to be there.

We sat front and center as our Super Bowl Champion team stood on a stage listening to the President of the United States crack jokes and congratulate us on winning.  Now, I realize that President Obama has speech writers and people who prep him on the team and details...but think about the amount of knowledge a President has to have and know. It's quite mind blowing if you think about it.  President Obama knew many ins and outs about our Team of Destiny. He made references to Ray's eating grass during player intros, Torrey's brother Tevin, Jacoby's dancing and his amazing catch to tie up that freezing cold game in Denver. He joked about the lights going out during the Super Bowl.  He was polished, relaxed, kind, funny, witty, smart, savvy and super doper awesome.  Oh and Coach Harbaugh told him that we plan to be back next year.

Pretty darn close to the action...3rd row.

After being presented with a Baltimore Ravens number 44 jersey, President Obama shook hands with each player.  Some guys even hugged and joked with him.  It was fun to watch.  When the players exited the stage, President  Obama turned his attention to the other guests...i.e. us.  With a smile, he walked down a line of waiting hands, shook each one and thanked them for being there. WHAT?!?!  Excuse me?? That's correct....When he shook my hand, he said, "Thank you for being here."  Ummmmmmmmmmm, no Mr. President, thank you for having me here.  WOW.

 

Very nice purple tie Mr. President Sir. We LOVE.

I had planned on never washing this hand again.
But, I had to. Good thing I have this pic to capture the moment forever.

Once the hand shaking was over, I'm assuming President Obama had a packed schedule, he is the President and all, he went off to do whatever it is Presidents do.  We couldn't stop smiling. We skipped back to our buses, grabbed our boxed (and yummy) lunches and headed back to the Castle. Being a Super Bowl Champ, really doesn't get old.   

Yep...we just met the President. Not a bad day's work.

Smiling on the way to our awaiting chariots.

Up next....we get the bling!

XO~

P.S. Feel however you want...I voted for Obama and I'd do it again. :-)