Inauguration events?? how to go to the inauguration with kids? we live in dc? metro will be crazy -

[Anonymous]

private parties? i guess i would know by now if we are invited to one?

[Anonymous]

I'm a little confused by your post? Are you asking what / how to travel to the actual inauguration on the mall with children or are you and your children invited to one of the balls?

All collateral is explaining to parents that during the swearing in itself that there is no seating for the general public and strollers and back packs are not allowed through security so this prohibits the ability to bring in snacks or have anywhere for your children to sit. I imagine the majority of us know about this. Metro will have a challenging time managing all of the commuters and I have a feeling that the general public really has no clue as to what any commute, anywhere will be like. I have most recently heard that if you are within two miles of where you need to be, you should walk. it will be faster.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:...
All collateral is explaining to parents that during the swearing in itself that there is no seating for the general public and strollers and back packs are not allowed through security so this prohibits the ability to bring in snacks or have anywhere for your children to sit. ...

How does security expect to deal with a crowd expected to be literally in the millions, dressed in heavy winter coats that could cover anything?

[Anonymous]

The security issue is actually rather interesting, considering I dont believe they actually have it completely worked out. This is the first inauguration that a staging area will not actually be tented on the Mall itself. They are opening up the entire mall for spectators with jumbotrons all over the place. the parade route is open this time (I thought it always was??) and they will have "first come first serve", but no camping overnight. Streets are closed between 14 and 18, as far north as G, last I heard...the compression is unbelievable from there. There are upwards of 10,000 tour / charter busses expected in the city, but as remote parking areas are thought to be used for cars (Carter Baron, Fed Ex, etc) they dont know where to put the busses....essentially, it is a mess.

But truly, the one consistent thing I have heard /read is "no chairs, no strollers so they suggest children and the elderly re-think their attendance at the actual swearing in". I think it is going to be the proverbial cluster)(*#***.

[Anonymous]

so, are any of you moms planning on attending? my sister thinks i am a complete loser to live here and not attend (she doesn't have children). i'd like to attend but am a bit afraid of the chaos. also, who gets tickets? how many tickets? is it impossible to get tickets?

[Anonymous]

I always thought I would bring my kids but there is no way I will do that now. I will go wih my sister-in-law, we can handle the crowd - Dad will stay home with the kids and watch on tv.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:I always thought I would bring my kids but there is no way I will do that now. I will go wih my sister-in-law, we can handle the crowd - Dad will stay home with the kids and watch on tv.

we live in the city in nw but the nearest metro is 1.5 miles. not sure how to get there. i have someone that can drop me off and pick me up. how close can they do drop me off to the inauguration. can anyone just watch the parade? is obama in the parade. i'm sorry to ask so many questions, but the info on the web is so vague. any good sites with actual real info.? are any white moms in nw dc going? i feel like i am the only one with any interest in even going. why is that? it is kind of strange.

[Anonymous]

I'm wondering if all the scare stories will keep people home and it will be easier to go than expected.

[Anonymous]

I do not anyone who lives in the city and is going down...you would be crazy, although it will be awesome.

DH and I are going to a ball...not even sure how to get there. Refuse to hire a limo ($1800 for THREE DAYS MINIMUM). We seriously may be WALKING TO THE METRO in Black Tie. Ugh. I am not complaining though, I am siked.

[Anonymous]

"are any white moms in nw dc going?"

10:17, tell me you did not just ask that.

[Anonymous]

I wouldn't even attempt it OP - the children have no appreciation of the event or its historic nature, and the crowds, walking, lack of 'facilities', etc will aggravate them, in turn aggravating you too. Invite your neighbors for a pot luck or some other celebration and stay at home.

[Anonymous]

OP, here are some attempts to address your concerns.

we live in the city in nw but the nearest metro is 1.5 miles. not sure how to get there.
Metro says you should walk at least 2 miles before you even think about getting on a train. So you'll need start further from your house.

i have someone that can drop me off and pick me up. how close can they do drop me off to the inauguration.
Probably Silver Spring at this point. The Secret Service isn't too keen on kiss-n-ride these days

can anyone just watch the parade?
yup, you and 5 million of your fellow human beings

is obama in the parade.
no, he'll be watching it on CNN like everybody else

i'm sorry to ask so many questions, but the info on the web is so vague. any good sites with actual real info.?
[/i]they're all hoaxes. it's being kept under wraps like a Survivor episode to ensure high ratings

are any white moms in nw dc going?
[i]You've all been banned. Obama himself actually requested that white women stay away. All he wanted was your vote, time, and money.

i feel like i am the only one with any interest in even going. why is that? it is kind of strange.
[/i]actually you are the only person on the planet with any interest in this. the rest of us have better things to do.[i]

Seriously folks, if you want to be part of American history then join in on the national day of service on MLK day. It's pretty much the last "holiday" in America that doesn't have "sale" attached to it.

Personally I'm going to find it more rewarding than squinting at a jumbotron.

[Anonymous]

I got tickets for the ceremony itself from a member of Congress. I am NOT dragging the kids to this mess, though. They will stay home with the nanny, where they can all safely watch it from the comfort of our family room without freezing to death or dealing with the crowds.

My father-in-law (who helped me get te tickets) is scared to death there will be some kind of terrorist attack. He lives in another state. I tried to break it to him gently that all of us who live or work in downtown Washington live with this fear every day.

I am trying to figure out how early to come downtown so we can get to our seats. I don't know where they are yet, though. I just got notified I have the tickets. I don't think I would bring kids who are not old enough to deal with a tremendous hassle. At 3 and 6, I don't think mine meet that standard.

Good luck to everybody on surviving the madhouse. I hope it is a nice day at least!

[Anonymous]

I'm still considering it. My child is six and interested, and accustomed to moderate hassle. I will feel like a sucker if we don't at least try to go. I may yet change my mind.

[Anonymous]

Am I insane to consider going with our 1 yr old? Thought we would use the Ergo. At first, we just knew we really wanted to go and figured although the 1 yr old might have a miserable day, maybe she would think it was cool to later be able to say she was there. But once I actually start thinking about the logistics, I have second thoughts. I just really want to feel the energy of the live crowd - but maybe I would not enjoy said "energy" with my tot in tow.