Long time coming, eh? Sorry about that, just beginning to figure out this whole blogging thing. I'm sure you've all heard this a million times, parents, but we couldn't have done this without you. Love you mom and dad! And a million thanks to Mr. Billingsley, Ms. Black, and Mr. Hernden (I hope that's how you spell your name...) because, yes, we couldn't have done this without you. Kudos to all the other students on the trip. Had a great time!

Final Blog pic post

One final pic from day 6. This is students in front of Senate side of capital II.

Final Billingsley Post

Here are the final pics from day six- John Lewis Office, Supreme Court, Mt. Vernon, students blogging

Catherine, Hunter, Anna and Eilis go to Washington

Right now we're missing the second dance to blog about our trip, but it's okay because we miss y'all and owe this too y'all. We've made good friends and are really enjoying ourselves. We've finally warmed up from the freezing cold inauguration day. Anna's feet are still recovering from walking around in heels at Mount Vernon. Hunter, Anna, and Catherine all managed to get a picture with Martha Washington right before our visit came to a close. Our bus driver Al knew everything there was to know about Washington D.C. and kept us informed all the way to Mount Vernon and back. We've really enjoyed everything that we've gotten to do and are very thankful for this AMAZING experience.

Jason, Dylan, Graham, Michael, Parker

On the close up trip we all enjoyed Barack Obama's inauguration on the 20th. We in particularly enjoyed the inauguration because the speech was amazing and we all liked the fact that Barack Obama was president because we all supported him in the electon. We also enjoyed seeing monuments because there was a special history behind each one and each story is very interesting.

Ellen, Mary Elizabeth & Eron

We had a great time this whole entire week. All the P.I.s [Program Instructors] were wonderful.
Besides learning a ton, we have had the time of our lives visiting the Lincoln Memorial, the F.D.R Memorial, and Mt. Vernon.
We have taken a million pictures and are excited to share them with everyone back in Decatur.
The inauguration was amazing. By far the most exciting thing we have taken part in so far. Well, besides the 20 degree weather and waking up at 3:00 am. But, hey, we DID get a pretty good spot.
Can't wait to see you all.

Close Up 2009- Grace Herndon, Jasmine Black, Sarah Black, Kamari Reid, Jessica Jones, Cecilia Kuehnel

Our trip to Washington DC has been so much fun! During the inauguration it was very cold and windy, but we kept warm by staying close together, and in the end, it all payed off. We also went to see Mount Vernon, the home of George Washington. We visited the tomb of him and his wife and paid our respects. Overall the trip was a success and was tons of fun. We're all so grateful and thankful to Mr. B, our chaperones, and our parents for this wonderful experience and opportunity.