A Presidential Moment

Some family outings are just too perfect that they seem too good to be true.  After fabulous seats at a Washington Mystics WNBA game and dinner at Clyde’s, we decided to take a drive around DC.  The lighting was perfect for some pictures, weather was a good summery kind of warm without the usual August humidity, and since it was Sunday evening, parking spaces were plentiful in the District.  We parked right in front of the Willard Hotel to get out and gawk at the White House like tourists.  Our two kids went skipping towards the Treasury Building, played chase around the statues in front, and then stopped briefly to peer through the side gate of the White House.

Onwards we walked towards the money view of the presidential manse.  The kids got a foothold on the cement and clung to the fence while my husband and I stood behind and took in the grandeur of the White House.  The tourists next to use were playing count the snipers who were quite actively moving around rather than crouching in their normal positions.  I admired the First Lady’s vegetable garden towards our left and then looked back at the White House.

There on the balcony I spied a tall figure in a red shirt.  Could it be?  My heart jumped.  The figure took a couple of steps and then sat down.  Surely they wouldn’t let us stand there and gawk if it were really the president. 

I took some pictures with my digital point and shoot just in case, wishing I really had a DSLR with full zoom capabilities.  I pointed the figure out to the kids and took another picture.  Just as I snapped a third picture, a Secret Service agent rode by on his bicycle and told us the area was now closed. 

“So it was him!” I exclaimed to our kids as we happily left the area.  “President Obama just sat down on the balcony.”

We passed bewildered tourists trying to make their way to the spot we had just left and I savored another presidential moment.  Meeting George Bush, Sr. while lunching in Kennebunkport and shaking hands with President Clinton were different.  There was some mystery and intrigue surrounding this sighting.   

As we walked away, we speculated about what President Obama might be doing sitting out on his balcony.  Did Michelle join him to watch the beautiful summer sunset from the balcony of the White House after we had to leave?  What were Sasha and Melia doing?  Did the President enjoy the view from the balcony often? 

“I think he’s just enjoying the nice night like we are,” said our 5 ½ year old daughter with a pleasant sigh as reached our car.

For some reason, I think she was right.

Leticia enjoys shaking hands with Presidents and hopes run into President Obama soon.  Until then, she can be found at Tech Savvy Mama, on Being Savvy Washington DC, and working on getting a DSLR for so she can take better photos the next time she happens upon a president.