The Inauguration, January 20, 2009

The night before the Inauguration, we headed to the mall and walked around for a while. Everything seemed ready for the onslaught of people and media.

Everywhere we went in DC, there were vendors selling all sorts of Obama-themed products (here, hot sauce, water, and even Obama lip balm).

Just in case you want a "You're the Bomb" Michelle and Barack poster (on sale, 2 for five dollars).

The morning of the Inauguration, we left Martin's parents around 7:15 or so and headed down to the Mall. There were already throngs of people. This line in the tunnel is the infamous "Purple Ticket holder line." These people weren't able to get in -- for some reason they ended up stuck in the tunnel the whole time.

Just off the mall, you can get a sense of the crowds. Although dense, it was orderly, upbeat, and not really very stressful.

When we arrived on the Mall (around 14th Street), we were greeted by Obama volunteers welcoming us, and Boy Scouts handing out free American flags.

Like with the Lincoln Memorial concert, my goal was a good jumbotron spot with a view of the Capitol.

On the Mall.

My attire at the Inauguration: flag, button, etc.

The Oath of Office.

On the Mall.

Afterwards, braving the cold in front of the Capitol.